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As a plus-size woman, I know the struggle of finding great clothing in extended sizes. Fortunately, where once there were only two or three retailers catering to plus sizes, now there are dozens of dedicated brands making the best plus-size clothing we’ve seen in years. “We’ve really made some pretty big leaps and bounds when it comes to plus-size fashion and having a more inclusive shopping experience,” said Kat Eves, plus-size celebrity stylist.
Still, shopping for plus sizes is far from easy or enjoyable for many, and progress has been slow. “The fashion retail industry is absolutely improving but in my opinion, not fast enough,” said Hina Low, a personal stylist and plus-size content creator who works under the name Heensie. “We have seen popular retailers expand to a size 20 perhaps, but rarely more than that and often, only online. This is not true inclusion.”
Eves echoed this, noting that major retailers’ plus-size styles are more basic than trendy. “Plus-size people are still getting stuck in a place of not necessarily being able to express themselves through fashion on the same level as smaller-bodied people without having to really do a lot of research,” said Eves.
If you’re in that position, I’ve done some of that research for you. In addition to my own 20+ years of experience shopping for plus sizes, I consulted Eves and Heensie to assemble this guide. While I’ve included fast fashion retailers for convenience, both Eves and Heensie said they’re most excited about (and prefer shopping from) the small, independent plus-size brands that have been cropping up to fill the gap in the market for trendy, stylish plus-size clothing. If you’re looking for the best plus-size swimwear or the best plus-size jeans, we’ve got you covered there, too!
Here’s a quick summary of our favorite retailers, but read on to find our full list and why we love them.
- Eloquii is not only one of the best places to buy plus-size workwear but also one of the top retailers for finding cute dresses, great denim, and even bridal attire. You’ll find everything from trendy cuts to long-lasting basics here, which is why Heensie said it is “very well loved and a go-to for many plus-size customers.”
- Reformation is a staple trendy clothing retailer with a great selection of extended sizes and a commitment to sustainability. It’s an amazing place to find things like wedding guest dresses and special pieces like trendy tops.
- Universal Standard was one of the first brands to truly pioneer stylish plus-size fashion and they continue to be one of the best in the game at serving folks up to a size 40. They even got our hard-won spot for the best plus size workwear brand.
- SKIMS is the best place to get all your basics, sweats, and pajamas. They have the comfiest T-shirts in sizes up to 4XL. Plus, they make some of the best plus-size underwear.
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