A Guide To Plus-Size Brands & Retailers That Do It Right
As a big gal, I have a keen interest in inclusive fashion and fat access to popular trends. But full disclosure: My relationship with fashion wasn't always a positive one; it has resembled a roller coaster full of high highs and low lows. Back when I was a kid, I reveled in the pages of teen magazines while happily experimenting with my personal style. In college, I passionately entrenched myself in a fashion minor. But, as I grew older, it became harder and harder to find trendy pieces that fit my larger body and feet.
During this time, Forever 21 Plus was one of the few retailers with inclusively sized styles that I could rely on — everything else was just out of reach. I started to feel apathy for the labels with limited-size collections I once found aspirational: Why should I care about them when they don't care about people like me? A couple of years ago I decided to unfollow brands that don't offer inclusive-size options and seek out those that actually cater to my body. And in doing so, I discovered a vibrant community of plus retailers and brands that make me feel seen and supported in the fashion space — and I've lined up each of those right here. From retro-inspired garb to sustainable fabrics and small-business excellence, I've got something for every fat person out there! So keep on scrolling to enter plus-fashion heaven.
I'll continue to update this list, so be sure to check back as often as you'd like — or, better yet, share your favorite plus places to shop in the comments below.
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Universal Standard
Best For: Elevated Basics Size Range: 4-40
Although it's amazing when a brand has plus sizes, they more often than not only go up to 24/26. US is different and has the widest size range I've seen from any retailer. Its elevated basics are unique in construction and meant to be worn into the ground. You must try the brand's Fit Liberty collection. Anything you buy from this line that you grow out of, the brand will replace for free.
Customer Take: "I found these pants at Universal Standard. I ordered via the Try Now option. The quality is far better than I expected. The customer support was terrific. I highly recommend the company."
Universal Standard Stephanie Wide Leg Stripe Pants, $, available at Universal Standard
Loud Bodies
Best For: Affordable Slow Fashion Professional Pieces Size Range: XXS-10XL
Loud Bodies snuck up on me in the best way possible. It has one of the most impressive sizing options available, and the garments are made to order, which any sustainable fashion lover can appreciate.
Loud Bodies stocks a wide variety of clothes, from athleisure to show-stopping party dresses. But I especially love it as a place to stock up on office-appropriate attire that still feels unique.
Shop Loud Bodies
Loud Bodies “Harriet” Dungaree Black Organic Cotton, $, available at LoudBodies
ModCloth
Best For Retro-Inspired Pieces Size Range: 00-28, XXS-4X
If you are like me and love the drama that is ~existence~, you revel in your various phases. ModCloth is all about making your day-to-day the period piece of your dreams. Whether you want to take it all the way back to the big skirts of the '50s or throw up a cute peace sign with the feels of the '60s, ModCloth's got you covered.
In particular, I really appreciate the authentic sensibilities it keeps in mind when bringing to life a vibe from the past. From cool plaids to flare overalls to slick green faux-leather pants, this retailer offers a range. ModCloth is the garb-adorned love shack where we can get our fashion life together.
ModCloth Overall Winner Jumper, $, available at ModCloth
Warp + Weft
Best For Sustainable Denim & Pants Size Range: 00-24, XS-3XL
When I discovered Warp + Weft, I might have shed a few tears. It's a cool sustainable denim startup that offered plus sizes at the start of its brand. For fat folk that love the look of Everlane denim but can't fit into its incredibly limited sizes, Warp + Weft is for you.
Each garment created has a sustainability report breakdown, which further explains what resources and thoughtfulness went into creating each piece. I own a different jumpsuit than the one linked here, but I can personally attest to the quality and comfiness that WW offers!
Warp + Weft DTW PLUS - STRAIGHT LEG JUMPSUIT, $, available at Warp + Weft
Asos
Best For Discounted Trendy Styles Size Range: 00-30
Asos is the ultimate aggregator of all things fashionable and trendy. It keeps you at the forefront and allows plus people the range and space to experiment at a similar level to our straight-size counterparts.
If there is some cool fashion movement or trendy silhouette that you can't find anywhere else, then I'd check here.
ASOS EDITION Curve pants in buttermilk, $, available at ASOS
Wray
Best For High-Quality Artsy Pieces Size Range: XS-5XL
If there was one designer that you should know about, it's Wray. I hate to pick favorites, but Wray makes it hard not to fangirl every piece in its catalog. Bonus: Just about every garment is made in every size offered. What a novel concept! This brand focuses on the artistic and structural integrity of a garment. Each of Wray's lovely hand-painted prints comes to life in every release without fail. It's truly like donning wearable art.
Plus-size people want to wear the exact same things as everyone else, and Wray makes that possible. I'm not crying you are!
Best For: Body-Con Pieces & Swimsuits Size Range: S-5XL
This Black-owned retailer focuses on killer sets and swimsuits that are to die for. It's kind of like Fashion Nova and PrettyLittleThing if they had a more inclusive-size baby. If you are all about the super-femme, sexy looks, this is the place for you.
Rebdolls Like It Hot Snake Print String Bikini Top, $, available at Rebdolls
K.S. Garner
Best For: Made-to-Order Gems Size Range: XXS-4XX (Other Sizes By Request)
K.S. Garner was my entrance into the made-to-order retail space. From following Kelsey Garner's brand on Instagram, I quickly fell in love with her simple yet whimsical designs and the one-of-a-kind fabrics that she builds her creations with.
Although K.S. Garner has a set size chart that goes up to a 4XX, the brand will willingly cater to everyone doing custom-size orders as well. It does take five weeks to get your goods because each one is cut specially for you. The Luna Set is the most popular item and comes in over 10 different colorways –– I own the Luna set in teal!
K.S. Garner Lavender Luna Bottoms, $, available at K.S. Garner
K.S. Garner Lavender Luna Top, $, available at K.S. Garner
Tradlands
Best For: Ethical Fabrics & Flowy Silhouettes Size Range: XXS-5X
Tradlands new extended sizing is done right with lots of care put into its development. Although this brand has not always been on top of things plus-size fashion-wise. It's definitely made a big comeback and has won over the hearts of the sustainable fat folk on the interwebs.
Customer Take: "I own the Nico dress in two colorways now; it is the perfect dress for any occasion! Depending on how you accessorize it, it could be a casual dress for a lunch date with friends or a dress for a fancy occasion. It is flattering without being too boxy or large yet the loose fit means it is beyond comfortable. The fabric is clearly high quality and the colors are vivid and beautiful. I highly recommend everyone get a Nico dress!"
Tradlands Brianna Nico Dress, $, available at Tradlands
Selkie
Best For Garden Party Frocks Size Range: XS-5X
Selkie is what you'd get if you stepped into a well-dressed Alice in Wonderland dream world. The beautiful, ethereal gowns are magical and modern at the same time.
Whether you are in need of a killer birthday outfit, a garden party-approved frock, or a fun alternative wedding dress, Selkie's got you covered.
Selkie The Cindy Plaid French Puff Dress, $, available at Selkie
Tanya Taylor
Best For: Eclectic Prints Size Range: XS-3X
If we are talking about the exclusion of fat folks in fashion, high-end designers are the No. 1 culprits. However, Tanya Taylor is on the right side of the industry –– offering up plus goods to a 3X. The designer's love of vibrant patterns and eclectic prints is definitely the main selling point.
Tanya Taylor Josephina Dress, $, available at Tanya Taylor
Berriez
Best For: Plus-Size Vintage Finds & Indie Brands Collabs Size Range: M-4X
Although plus-size fashion options are on the rise, larger vintage clothing that doesn't look lifeless is difficult to come by — until now. Emma Zack of Berriez has revolutionized the second-hand marketplace by primarily catering to larger-size bodies. I've bought more than a couple of pieces from Berriez, and I plan to for as long as it'll have me.
Zack releases new collections of unique curated goods regularly. Follow Berriez on Instagram for random story drops, but check out the website full of vintage goodies.
Shop Journal x Berriez Tie Dye Drama Tights, $, available at Berriez
Mate The Label
Best For: Loungewear Pieces Size Range: XS-3X
Mate is the go-to destination for thoughtfully designed loungewear. The brand uses organic cotton to create all its comfy pieces while focusing on simple yet stylish design.
Customer Take: "I’ve been working towards upgrading my loungewear since I spend so much time at home in sweat pants these days! These are a dream. The fit is a bit bigger than anticipated, but they are so soft and so well made. I can’t wait to get the matching sweatshirt."
Mate The Label Organic Terry Raglan Sweatshirt, $, available at Mate the Label
Eloquii
Best For: Sophisticated Trendy Fashion Size Range: 14-28
Eloquii is a trend-forward fast-fashion retailer with clothing that's actually good quality. It's regularly having sales on all product categories, and it's really a good place for fashion-lovers of all ages to take part in the fun of getting dressed. This piece reminds me of the popular housedress trend from this past summer!
Customer Take: "This dress is Beautiful! The quality is very high, the style is unique and the color is gorgeous. It fits very well. I’m eager to have an occasion to wear it out."
Eloquii Printed Wide Leg Pant, $, available at Eloquii
Anthropologie
Best For: Cottage Core Meets Boho Chic Size Range: 00-26
Anthropologie is good for embracing your inner hippie and prairie dweller alike. It's great for fun patterned dresses and unique jumpsuits. Jump to its offerings if you have a wedding to attend or you're in need of an updated date-night outfit.
Amadi Amadi Pleated Wide-Leg Pants, $, available at Anthropologie
Madewell
Best For: Wardrobe Staples Size Range: XXS-3X, 00-24W
Madewell is a tried-and-true staple for many of us in the plus community. It's hard to beat all-American denim retailers. I have many simple pieces, like tees and sweaters, from the brand that get lots of wear. I own too many Madewell pieces to count. There's a reason I can't resist coming back to it over and over again.
Customer Take: "I am now a loyal buyer of this jean style. The other styles just don't seem to live up--this particular pair has less stretch but doesn't sacrifice comfort. The pair I bought doesn't have the fading in the legs and around the butt as these photos do, it's more of a consistent color of light denim, which I prefer. So cute and comfortable! Madewell, why did I have to get hooked to your jeans?!"
Madewell Plus Sophia Smocked Midi Dress in Windowpane, $, available at Madewell
Big Bud Press
Best For: Statement Pants Size Range: XXS-7XL
Big Bud Press is what you'd get if a rainbow exploded on a beautifully structured, simple range of goods. The fun, bright, and over-the-top prints and designs make its clothes instantly identifiable no matter where you are. Its sizing is unisex in order for all genders to be represented, which sometimes can cause a little bit of sizing confusion, especially if you have curvy hips. I find that the Trouser is the No. 1 garment in its offerings that caters to the curviness that usually comes with a plus body. It's a little roomier in the hips than other styles.
Big Bud Press Petite Trousers, $, available at Big Bud Press
Athleta
Best For: Giving Back Size Range: 00-26, XXS-3X
Athleta has recently expanded its size range, but on top of that, it is a certified B-corp, which is a designation that shows a business prioritizes community and the environment just as it does profit. In particular, Athleta strives to provide each woman in its factories with advanced educational opportunities and life-skills classes.
Although its products aren't made from completely recyclable materials, about 40% are, which is still pretty solid if you ask me.
Athleta Conscious Cut Out Crop D-DD, $, available at Athleta
Girlfriend Collective
Best For: Sustainable Activewear Size Range: XXS-6XL
Girlfriend has been inclusive since the beginning, and it is dominating the plus activewear space. Its cool colors and simple product line-up are strong suits for the brand. It also uses recycled materials to make its products and makes it possible for you to recycle the garments as well. I'm particularly obsessed with its unitards in its most recent colorways. Girlfriend tends to sell out quickly, so you have to be ready to jump on a piece that catches your eye.
Customer Take: "Like everyone else, I was skeptical that I would like this unitard. However, it truly is so flattering and so comfortable! It's the perfect layering piece and seems to go with everything. I'm so glad I took the leap!"
Girlfriend Collective Lemonade Zip Front Dylan Tank Bra, $, available at Girlfriend Collective
Zelie For She
Best For Romantic Nomad Vibes Size Range: 1X-3X
I discovered Zelie for She on Plus Instagram where I find most of my style inspiration. It's great for unique, high-quality pieces you won't find anywhere else. It's a small biz with everything made in Los Angeles. It's also Black-owned and has killer representation in its product photography. I definitely feel reflected in this brand.
Customer Take: "Zelieforshe is the best! Such an amazing designer and I was elated when I heard about this collection coming to Nordstrom."
Zellie For She Shuri Cutout Waist Jersey Dress, $, available at Zellie For She
Abercrombie & Fitch
Best For: Curvy Rigid Denim Sizes Range: XXS-XXXL
A little less than a year ago, I tried on a wide variety of Abercrombie & Fitch styles. As someone who never fit in the brand growing up, it was weird to think it's grown so much. At this point, I genuinely wear its clothes a few times a week without fail. The brand's jeans even won one of our 2021 MVP Awards earlier this year.
Customer Take: "I’ve always struggled with finding jeans for my body type. I’m short but curvy. I was hesitant to go to Abercrombie because growing up I could only wish for their clothes to fit me, but I built up the courage to do it and FELL IN LOVE. Their curvy line is just so good and the jean material is of great quality. 100% worth the money."
Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
Eddie Bauer
Best For: Plus-Size Outdoor Clothing Size Range: XXS-3X
Eddie Bauer's lineup of killer outdoor clothing has helped make me feel reflected in the outdoor activity clothing space, which plus-size folks are so often excluded from. Whether you want to go on a backpacking adventure, hike the steepest mountain or try skiing for the first time, EB has really beefed up its fat-friendly offerings, so it's a great brand to keep in the back of your mind if you are "one with nature."
Customer Take: "This is a wonderful dress, surprisingly lightweight without being see-through or too flimsy. It is comfortable and breathable in hot weather, doesn't wrinkle, washes beautifully, and is perfect for travel. I reach for it constantly! It is so easy to wear with tennis shoes or flip flops, and will layer nicely w[ith] a cardigan and booties this fall."
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