If you’re considered plus-size by society’s standards – that is, if you’re a size 14 or above – chances are you’ve had trouble finding cute, fashionable pieces to add to your wardrobe at a decent price. But, rest assured that you’re not alone.
Many stores simply don’t make clothes for women above a size 12 or 14 and if they do, said clothes are unfortunately not nearly as cute as the ones for smaller sizes. In my eyes, that’s just not fair! Luckily, I’ve been able to find a handful of stores that seem to believe that style is style whether you’re a size 2 or 22.
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Below is a list of my top ten favorite stores that I know I can count on for trendy plus-size fashion:
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10. Avenue
While Avenue is solely for plus-size women, I’ve found that their clothes speak to an older crowd and items are sometimes more expensive than what I’m looking to spend.
That said, the store is great in terms of quality (and it should be, given the price tag!), but I definitely like to wait for their many sales before I shop!
9. Ross / TJMaxx / Marshalls
Let me just say that I typically avoid stores like Ross, TJMaxx, and Marshalls, if only for the fact that they’re always super crowded and the store itself always seems to be a huge mess. However, I’ve recently discovered that there are actually quite a few hidden gems to be found within!
I’m not saying that their entire plus size section is great because it’s not and you will find yourself going home empty-handed sometimes. But, if you have time and patience to spare, you might find your new favorite shirt at a bargain price.
Related reading: 10 Insanely Cute Plus Size Outfits for Every Life Scenario
8. Torrid
While I’m not a fan of all of Torrid‘s clothes, they do have some really nice pieces and at a decent price.
I usually go to Torrid when I’m looking for a specific piece and can’t seem to find it anywhere – they almost always come through! For me, it’s usually hit or miss; I either love or hate everything they have in stock, but it’s still worth taking a look if you’re in need of new pieces to add to your closet.
7. Macy’s
My all-time favorite department store when it comes to plus-size fashion is Macy’s.
Although their prices can be a tad steep sometimes, their sale section is almost always filled with affordable pieces, so keep your eyes peeled for that!
6. Modcloth
Modcloth, one of our favorite sites here at CF, is great for vintage and retro-inspired pieces. In fact, I haven’t been able to find another store for plus-size women with similar pieces!
While some of their clothes are a bit outside my price range, if you search through the website, you’ll find some great pieces that aren’t that expensive, especially in the Sale section. The only bad part is that some prices can be high, but if you join the Modsquad Community, you can earn discounts on your orders!
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5. H&M
It’s no secret that H&M is both stylish and affordable, and their sizing has gotten more inclusive over the years. These days, most of their pieces are available in up to size 20, and some even higher.
H&M ranks at number five only because not all of their stores carry a huge range of sizes, and because their quality can be so-so at times. That said, the prices at H&M are usually great!
4. Old Navy
When it comes to basics, cardigans, leggings, and jeans, Old Navy is one of my all-time favorite stores.
Their prices are definitely manageable on a college budget and while their clothes are not always runway lookalikes, they’re perfect for going to class or even for an internship when you dress up the outfit with accessories!
3. Universal Standard
Universal Standard is a newer brand that’s already taken over the plus size fashion scene.
They bill themselves as “the world’s most inclusive brand,” with every product in their collection available in sizes 00-40. They carry everything from loungewear to denim, and everything has a high-end, timeless feel to it.
Their styles definitely aren’t cheap, but they also don’t skimp on quality. If you want chic, sophisticated pieces that will last you for years to come, this is the place to shop.
2. ASOS
ASOS is a UK fashion retailer (and another one of our favorites here at CF) and their clothes remind me a lot of H&M. The best part about ASOS is the sheer variety of styles they carry — there’s something for everyone! And their plus size line, Curve, is simply amazing.
In terms of pricing, ASOS can go either way: they have some really great deals sometimes, but their prices can also be sky-high, so keep an eye out for coupon codes and be sure to take advantage of their 10% off student discount.
1. Eloquii
If you want fashion-forward plus size clothing in sizes up to 26, Eloquii is the best place to shop!
While some of their newer pieces are a little expensive, their sale section is to die for and is actually pretty manageable in terms of price – especially when compared to their regular prices.
And if you like to switch up your wardrobe regularly, the brand even has a special rental service where you can get new clothes in your size every month!
What is your favorite store for plus size fashion?
Do you love or hate the stores mentioned above? What are your favorite stores for plus-size fashion? Would you like to see more plus-size-related fashion posts? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think!
If you love these shopping tips for plus-size stores for women, you might also want our favorite shopping tips below —
Thank you sooooo much for this! Helped a lot 🙂
I have discovered some mainstream merchants and department stores have a great plus size department including Walmart and Kmart as well as Macy’s. You can also find some nice picks at Marshall’s.
Great post Jen! Being plus size makes shopping for fashionable and trendy pieces a hassle at times, so I hope readers discovered something new and helpful from your post.
One online store I would recommend for any body type is Alloy. They carry all sizes, including a large selection of extended sizes. What is also nice about their site is that they offer different lengths on pants. Their measurement guide helps when you’re not able to try it on in person (only bummer), but it’s nice to be able to order the same clothes as someone who isn’t plus size!
And an extra note for any plus size fashion forward ladies who feel discouraged when shopping, DON’T GIVE UP! You are beautiful no matter what, so rock your curves!
this is a cool list! Can someone do a list for us girls on the other side of the spectrum? I am a size 00 petite and I get so discouraged sometimes when I’m out shopping- nothing in regular sizes seems to fit me! I love Ann Taylor and their Loft stores, but I have no idea what else is out there.
I think Forever 21+ has cute clothes at good price. Problem not many of their locations has plus size sections the only one i’ve seen was when i went to NYC 2 years ago I was very surprised by the good quality and how reasonible the price was. Bought the best pair of jeans I’ve ever owned from that place sadly they wore out last month.
I also <3 H&M
Heres another name of a store that has really good clothes for girls of all sizes Gabriels Bros. Although its only located in certain states in the east side of the usa. Their clothing selection is amazing especially in the summer and winter Last time i was their i got 3 pairs of popular brand dress pants for $1.00 each 😀 Been going their for years. 🙂
Can we do a similar post for petites, especially one concerning pant length? As a relatively “tall” petite, some good info on who carries what inseam lengths would be genius. Loft’s petites run quite short, for example – too short for someone who’s 5’3″ or 5’4″ – but their regulars are still too long. An article on top 10 petite stores with special attention to this element would rock.
My sympathy to the plus-size girls – I may be the opposite end of the spectrum, but I understand what it’s like to walk into a store and have them carry absolutely nothing, and especially nothing cute, that fits!
I’m 5’1 and curvy so I FEEL YOUR PAIN!!! Either too big in the ass or too long in the leg or too short in the leg or whatever!!! WHY!!! I just want to quickly buy pants in my size and leave!!! LOL!!! T_T!!!
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Oh btw, they carry sizes 0-22 (sometimes 24) at maurices. (:
I definitely agree with Shannon! maurices is the PERFECT place to find trendy plus-sized clothing! Although I’m not plus-sized myself, I find myself going into the store and being envious of some of the styles that are offered in their plus-sized section and not the core sizes. AND it is 75% off of clearance prices online and in-store this weekend! (plus & core sizes) SUPER GOOD DEALS. ? Happy shopping!
I’m surprised Forever 21 is number 1. Their plus size section is horrible. I’m not plus size but one of my best friends is and when shopping with her I feel bad because the selection is not only tiny, but most of the choices are frumpy. I guess the prices are good but seriously, they could offer more selection.
Thank you so much for this post! I have a hard time trying to find cute clothes sometimes, and didn’t know about a lot of these stores.
I wish more stores carried regular and plus sizes. My closest friends are plus sized and every time we go shopping together, it is alternative awkward waiting while one of us browses the store that carries our respective size.
I really liked this post my only problem is that I actually really dislike Forever 21+. I’ve found the cuts really aren’t that flattering and the clothes just measure up to quality. I will say however, I almost exclusively buy all my pants from American Eagle online. I don’t work for them or anything but it took me forever to find pants that actually fit and looked good. American Eagle has never let me down and online their sizes go up pretty high.
Breeze– I agree, it’s sad that most of the time department stores are overlooked because they actually have a few great pieces at a decent price and their sale sections are usually great too! I feel the same way about F21+’s limited selection in comparison to the rest of the store but it’s the only line I’ve found that offers the most variety at the cheapest price for plus-sizes.
Chelsea– I couldn’t agree more!
Jen & Shannon — Thanks for the recommendations! I’ve never heard of Shoxie or Maurices so I’ll definitely check them out.
Maurices is my favorite store! While their plus sizes don’t have as much of a selection as the regular items, it’s still cute and their sales and coupons are totally awesome! I’m an in-between size, so sometimes I can find things in both sections!
Good post. I think often people in their 20s overlook department stores because they’re seen as either too expensive or catering towards older women. I’ve definitely found some great bargains at the mid-range priced dept. stores.
As much as I appreciate that F21 even has a plus size line, it frustrates me that their selections are so limited. It’s really disappointing to browse their clothes online and realize the the plus size selections total in number maybe 1/5 of the regular sized selections.
I realize it might not make business sense to offer all of their styles in plus sizes, but putting XL in the plus size category? Seriously?