Welcome to Above the Standards

Richard - Founder of Above the Standards

There are no ads or pop-ups here. Just the honest stories of a 400-pound guy who decided that industry standard sizes weren't going to dictate his comfort or his lifestyle.

At my weight, finding clothes that fit or chairs, beds, and sofas that actually support my weight is an everyday struggle. All too often, I end up with junk that doesn't live up to its promises. This site was born from the idea of sharing my story to help people who struggle to find quality non-standard products, while sharing my little world, my finds, and my home projects.

Reviews

Heavy-duty Reviews

These articles focus on items I have personally tested to ensure they safely support a weight of at least 400 pounds.

Workshop

The Thread Lab

My custom sewing projects and plus-size shirt making, from expanding commercial patterns to deconstructing existing clothes.