After decades of being underrepresented in fashion, finding the best plus-size clothing isn’t as tricky as it once was. The plus-size apparel market is thriving; according to Statista, it’s worth an estimated $24 billion. With this explosion of demand comes more options, obviously, which means shopping for plus-size fashion is no longer limiting. Instead, everyone from retail giants like Nike to fashion-forward labels like Reformation have embraced more inclusive sizing. The issue now is not so much a lack of options, but finding the very best places to shop for plus-size clothing in what’s become a very crowded market.
Reformation is one of our expert’s favorite places to shop for plus-size dresses and day-to-night … [+] pieces.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
As a plus-size fashion influencer, Katrina Nichole knows the market well. “I have been a lover of all things fashion since I was a little girl, and have lived in a bigger body my entire life,” she says. “My number one priority when I am shopping is finding clothes that actually fit my ultra-curvy body well and look stylish.” Fashion influencer Bonnie Wyrick has a similar point of view. She specializes in the mid-size market (sizes 12 through 16), which she defines as “the space between straight sizes and plus.” It’s category that speaks to “a quickly growing and highly engaging community who, until recently, didn’t feel represented in the fashion or social space.”
Here, Nichole, Wyrick, and a few other experts share their go-to retailers and the fashion labels they like best, so you can shop and bookmark them. And for more inspiration, check out our guides to the best plus-size leggings and plus-size bras.
Sizes: 00-24 | Average price point: $99-$175
“Good American is one of my favorite places to shop for any kind of plus-size pieces, especially for jeans,” says Nichole. “They come in so many different fits based on your body type and size, and they are one of the few places that create trendy jeans for all sizes. Right now, I am in love with their Good ’90s jeans, and their Always Fits jeans are perfection for those who fluctuate in size since there’s built-in stretch.”
Pros:
Multiple styles for all body types
Jeans have built in stretch, so they fit comfortably even if you are in between sizes
Cons:
Jeans are on the pricey side
Sizes: 14W–28W and 1X–4X| Average price Point: $98-$148
“Madewell has invested in being more size-inclusive with a large collection of petite, curvy and plus styles,” says Wyrick. “Their curvy collection caters to body types who need a couple extra inches in their hips and thighs but don’t want that dreadful waist gap. The line is contemporary and the quality is on point with more high end, buttery fabrications.”
Pros:
Wide range of sizes and variety of lengths, such as petite, standard and tall
Curvy collection specifically caters to underrepresented body types
Cons:
Many popular size sizes sell out quickly
forbes.comMadewell Promo Codes | 20{05995459f63506108ab777298873a64e11d6b9d8e449f5580a59254103ec4a63} Off In January 2023 | Forbes
Sizes: 0-24 | Average price point: $128-$328
“Reformation is a sustainable brand that makes some of the most stunning dresses for upscale and formal events. I fell in love with their Michaela dress so much that I actually hiked with it up to the top of the Arches in Moab just to take photos in it,” says Nichole. “They have great basics as well, such as skirts, pants and tops.”
Pros:
Dresses are available in multiple colors and prints
Silhouettes work well for formal events like weddings
Cons:
Not every dress style is offered in extended sizing
Sizes: 0-16 | Average price point: $70-$100
“One of my favorite things to say is ‘show up and show off’ because style isn’t a size and I truly believe everyone can wear what they want and should have accessibility to do so,” says Wyrick. “Want to wear a crop top? Do it. Nervous to wear a tank? Bare those arms. Brands like Showpo make affordable, trendy clothing in sizes 0-18 and can help make that happen. Each item of clothing is often shown on two different body types, to give you a better idea of what it may look like on you.”
Pros:
Styles are shown on a variety of body types
The brand carries many on-trend looks not found in the plus market
Cons:
If you were looking for larger sizes, the range only goes up to 16
Sizes: 14-28 | Average price point: $50-$170
“Eloquii is a staple store in the plus-size community,” says professional stylist and personal shopper McKenzie Crouch. Outside of its wide selection, “it’s hip, it’s modern, and it has a little bit of everything for every style. Not to mention, the price point and quality is really incredible.”
Pros:
Wide selection of options available
Many pieces tend to go on sale
Cons:
Popular styles can sell out quickly
Sizes: 12-26 | Price Point: $24-$135
Finding modern tops in plus or extended sizing can be especially difficult. Crouch recommends Asos Curve for stylish additions to your wardrobe. “If you are looking for affordable trendy styles, Asos curve has some of the best discounted pieces,” Crouch says. “They also have the edgy looks that you want for a vacation or fun event.”
Pros:
On-trend pieces are available at a reasonable price
A wide variety of options are available
Cons:
Larger sizes tend to sell out quickly
MOST POPULAR
Sizes: 12-24 | Average price point: $150-$2,500
11 Honoré, which is now available at Dia and Co, has luxury and quality pieces for mid-size and plus-size figures. “It’s nice to shop for luxury plus-size pieces in one space; I don’t have to guess if the brands offer my size,” say Raena Loper, an editor at Forbes Vetted. Dozens of luxury designer styles are available, from Tanya Taylor to Minnie Rose to Ganni. 11 Honoré also has its own collection with similar luxury styles at a slightly lower price point.
Pros
Great selection of designers and styles
High quality fabrics that last
Cons:
Some pieces can be on the pricey side
Sizes: 3XS-3XL | Average price point: $45-$255
Nichole finds it hard to choose a favorite among plus-size activewear brands. “Choosing just one brand when it comes to fitness and workout clothing is hard for me since I like so many,” she says. “The site that I am currently obsessing over is Bandier. They offer an array of athletic brands, and their selection of colors, patterns and trends are so unique when it comes to the world of plus-size fashion.”
Pros:
This site offers a variety of brands, so there is an abundance of options
Bandier carries trendy silhouettes and styles from activewear to lounge wear
Cons:
Not every brand on the site offers plus or extended sizing
Sizes: 32A-42DD; XXXS-3X | Average price point: $60-$138
“J.Crew’s bikinis are my favorite for full coverage, and they have lots of family-friendly one-pieces as well,” says Nichole. “If you are looking for bikinis and one-pieces for vacation and sultry getaways, I would also recommend a peek at Good American’s swimsuits.”
Pros:
Many tops are sized like bras, so you can get the most exact fit
Wide variety of styles for different body types
Styles frequently go on sale
Cons:
Some of the larger sizes sell out quickly
Sizes: 0-26 | Average price point: $65-$125
“Just because you may a little belly, doesn’t mean you have to rock an outdated tankini,” says Wyrick. “We want our curves to be supported yet also want to feel snatched, too. Summersalt swimwear is offers slight compression, is made from sustainable materials and provides designer quality, all for under $100. I’ve done my time with cheaper swimwear brands in the past and they just don’t compare to the quality and fit of this one.”
Pros:
Compression fabrics hold everything in
Swimwear made from sustainable materials
On-trend styles
Cons:
Sizes: XS-4XL | Average price point: $15-$100
“I feel cozy yet luxurious in my Savage X Fenty robes,” says Loper. The brand offers loungewear, sleepwear, lingerie and more, “I’ve purchased so many items over the years, I look forward to using my $50 credit each month with my VIP rewards.” As a subscriber or VIP, members pay a monthly fee, which goes toward new purchases, and you also get special deals and promotions.
Pros
Reasonable price points
Diverse and fashion-forward styles
Cons:
You have to pay a monthly subscription for discounts
Sizes: 4XS-4XL | Average price point: $46-$188
“Universal Standard is an amazing brand to shop for basics and they are one of the most inclusive brands on the market with clothing that goes up to a size 40,” says Nichole. “I’d also recommend Target for wardrobe basics with solid quality at a great price point. I’ve worked with them on sponsorships and some of the in-house brands I like best are Ava & Viv and Universal Thread.”
Pros:
Styles on a variety of fit models
High quality items that are reasonably priced
Cons:
Larger sizes frequently sell out
Sizes: 00-26 | Average price point: $44-$129
“In my twenties, I struggled finding a pair of dress pants that also made me feel confident. They always gapped or pulled across my hips, or bunched when I sat down,” says Wyrick. “Slacks tend to be more of an investment, so it was hard to make a purchase that I didn’t feel good in. Athleta has a variety of pants that take you to from work to happy hour, from workouts to brunch, in sizes from 00-26.” The look and fit, she says, “is chic comfort in one.”
Pros:
Work-wear is comfortable and stylish
Wide variety of looks for every fashion aesthetic
Cons:
Some pieces are expensive
Editor’s Pick
Sizes: 10-28 | Average price point: $84-$164
Created by plus-size model Gia Sinatra, the newly launched mid-size to plus-size range offers stylish formal wear, including two-piece sets and dresses that you can wear day or night. “I always reach for my GIA/irl pieces whenever I have a special event—they make an elegant statement,” says Loper.
Pros
Available for mid-size and plus-size figures
Unique styles
Cons:
Some pieces are expensive
What To Consider For The Best Mid- And Plus-Size Clothing
Material: The best advice for any type of garment is to look for high-quality fabrics that will last. Cotton and denim hold up well and come in a variety of weights and weaves for different levels of breathability. If you’d like pieces with a bit more stretch, consider lyrca, a synthetic fabric with elastane. For durability, polyester has incredibly strong fibers and helps create structure to retain the shape of your garments.
Fit: The best way to optimize the fit of your garment is to know your measurements, says professional stylist McKenzie Crouch. “Definitely keep a tape measure around for online purchases,” she says. But, she adds, it’s sometimes more important to focus on the fit of the item. “Many women, regardless of size, get caught up in the numerical size of a garment and won’t even consider a style if it requires them to go up in size,” she says. “I always encourage women to improve the fit regardless of the number.”
Return Policy: Mid- or plus-sizes at one brand can vary greatly among brands. A size 20 in one store may fit you perfectly, but it may be too tight in another one. With this in mind, it’s always a good idea to confirm the return policy before you click to buy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mid- And Plus-Size Clothing
What is the difference between mid-size and plus-size clothing?
Mid-size labels are relatively new, but Crouch categorizes “mid-size” as sizes between 10-16. For plus-size clothing, most brands categorize sizes 18-24 or 1X-6X.
Which brand is good for plus-size?
All plus-size and mid-size bodies are different—like with any clothing store, sizes vary from place to place. Shopping with brands that carry two sizes smaller and larger than your standard size is best, just in case you have to size up or down. That said, sizing up and down will only sometimes be an option—when you can’t, look for items that have some stretch, this allows you to have more wiggle room when it comes to finding the right size for you.
What’s flattering for plus-size and mid-size women?
The term flattering can be associated with attempting to look smaller, so wear what makes you feel good on the inside and out, not what makes you look like something or someone else. Search for pieces that make you feel comfortable and confident; you will look and feel the same way.
Do luxury brands make plus-size clothing?
Yes, several luxury brands make plus-size clothing. One retailer offering a mix of plus-size luxury designers is 11 Honoré, which is featured above, and includes pieces from Roland Mouret, Baacal and Tanya Taylor. Another luxury brand is Henning, which specializes in elevated closet staples like soft cashmere sweaters and heavyweight leather jackets. Unfortunately, the large majority of European luxury brands don’t offer sizes above 46, which is equivalent to a US size 14.
What are the hardest items to find in extended sizing?
Crouch has found while working with plus-size clients and listening to their shopping challenges, the biggest issue is having access to stylish clothing. Many plus-size brands offer basics or staples, but on-trend options are much more difficult to get your hands on. “Additionally, many brands don’t keep plus-size options in store for easy try on,” Crouch explains.
More Size-Inclusive Clothing Brands For Women
Anthropologie: For basics, evening attire, or wedding guest dresses, Anthropologie offers a mix of staples at moderate prices, available in sizes up to 3XL.
Fashion To Figure: For those who like to be on the latest trends, Fashion To Figure offers styles for sizes XL to 4XL and is constantly adding unique items to the mix, from maxi dresses to printed blazers.
Girlfriend Collective: This sustainably-minded brand has sizes that extend up to 6XL and emphasizes recycled materials in their line of basics that include sweatpants, tops and tees, leggings, lingerie and swimsuits.
Mango: With sizing up to 4XL, UK-based brand Mango has fashion-forward core essentials, including trench coats, motorcycle jackets and more.
Nike: For sports apparel and athleisure in inclusive sizes, Nike is a favorite among fitness and fashion influencers, especially for leggings and sports bras.
Nina Parker Collection: Media journalist Nina Parker collaborated with Macy’s to create eye-catching pieces for the plus-size community. She offers a mix of brights and neutrals with a combination of silhouettes for different shapes and figures, available in sizes 1XL to 4XL.
Parade: You’ll find mid-size and plus-size lingerie, undergarments and loungewear here, that help women not only look good but feel good. Also great: This brand actively donates to support women’s reproductive rights.
Torrid: Torrid is a pioneer in the plus-size community for plus-size and mid-size staples with a mix of trend-driven pieces. They are known for their size-inclusive jeans, bras, tops and other basics. They also provide wide calf and extended shoes, from knee-length boots to sneakers.
Wray NYC: This environmentally-conscious brand has extended sizes up to 6XL and focuses on classic designs that you can wear over and over, and won’t tire of easily.
Amour781: This company was founded to offer quality designer clothes to a plus-size clientele. You can find brands like NYDJ, Good American and more, all in one place.
Henning: Plus-size brand Henning has luxury pieces for almost any occasion. You can find chic closet staples, including structured blazers, cozy cashmere loungewear or simple t-shirts, with sizes ranging from 1XL to 4XL.
Tamara Malas: Founded in 2018, Tamara Malas offers fun and colorful styles up to size 36, including dresses, outerwear and more. The sustainably-minded brand partnered with Greenspark to plant a tree for every order placed on their site.
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