Where Are Stylish Plus-Size Women Shopping Now?
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I’ve beenplus-sizemy entire life. By the time I was a junior in high school, I was firmly a size 14, and after that I fluctuated between size 18 and 20. This was difficult when I was a teen. I was often frustrated at the mall, where I would flip through racks for hours looking for the sole extra-large. When I got to college, I discovered the world of online shopping, which was a respite from the limits of in-person purchasing. But over the past year or so, I’ve noticed that it’s harder to find clothes in my size, both online and in person. I first noticed this at H&M. For the past few years, the brand has reliably stocked most styles up to an XXL or a size 22. Now, many of the new releases only go up to an L or a size 12–14. I noticed a similar trend at ASOS. The brand has quietly phased XL out of its main line. I’m not the only one. “With Everlane, there used to be a section for curvy jeans. Now there’s nothing curve-related,” says podcast producer and founder of Moyo MediaMbiye Kasonga.
In-person shopping has always been challenging, but it’s gotten markedly worse. Strategist senior writer Dominique Pariso says many of her previous go-tos like Wray, Ilana Kohn, and Mara Hoffman have since closed down. “I feel like I spent years of my life trying to figure out how to shop and dress. I finally had it down, and now I’m back where I started,” she says. Another issue is that many brands with extended sizing don’t stock those sizes in-store. Recently, writer and creative strategistJourdan Ashwas shopping for a formal event and wanted to try on a dress from Reformation’s extended line. “I had to email them,” she says. “They allowed me to pick things from my wish list and sent it to the store. When it was over, the items that I didn’t pick were sent back.”
I’ve termed this shift the collapse of the “middle size” class, so named because the average American woman is a size 16–18. Catering to this size group has often been viewed as optional, even though it leaves a large portion of the population scrambling for options. It’s also cost-prohibitive. “The average woman is above a size 14, so that means the average woman is spending money to try stuff on,” says Ash.
Even though the options are diminished, all hope is not lost. Many smaller, independent designers and brands are launching with more inclusive size ranges or offering custom sizing. “I’m definitely shopping smaller these days,” saysBijan Ross, a fashion content creator and model. “I see people like me in their campaigns, collabs, models, and just the buyers in general. Representation matters to me.” Many of the women I spoke to mentionedBerriez, a vintage store in Brooklyn founded by Emma Zack that stocks mostly plus sizes. It also carries small designers like Gina Corrieri and Hadiyah Hussain that have inclusive size ranges.
Curious about where we’re shopping now, I asked stylish women who wear anywhere from a 12 to a 20 about where they’re getting their clothes.
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ASOS is still good for tailored pieces
Often when people ask me about an item I’m wearing, it’s from ASOS. Despite phasing out XL, the L is a size 12–14, and many of the tailored pieces from the Design line go up to a 14. There’s also a robust plus section that goes up to a size 26. I’m a fan of the in-house brand Arrange, which is made from higher-quality fabrics and has interesting architectural designs. The Arrange Curve line goes up to a size 26 and is often analogous to the straight-size pieces. This is particularly thrilling in the plus-size space, where finding well-tailored or structured pieces can be different. London-based fashion creator and founder of fashion marketplaceThick ThreadsAlessia Golfettoalso frequently shops at ASOS. “It’s reliable,” she explains.
For basics and denim, H&M is still a reliable spot
H&M has also significantly reduced its XXL inventory, but the L fits a size 12–14, and the denim often goes up to a size 20. It’s still a go-to for basics for graphic designerRania Bolton, though she is wary of the Studio collection, which tends to go up only to an L. I’ve had some luck with the brand’s jeans, and the men’s collared shirts, which are roomy enough for my size-H chest.
Old Navy is surprisingly good for going-out tops and sturdy activewear
Old Navy has long been a go-to for inclusive shopping. Many of the brand’s pieces go up to a size 30. It’s where I buy myworkout clothes. It’s also a mainstay for Ash, who says the brand has a solid selection of going-out tops.
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Gap is ideal for good-quality basics and wardrobe staples
If the words “capsule wardobe” mean anything to you, or you’re looking to rebuild your closet, Gap is a go-to. We’ve written about how good the brand has gotten, terming its comeback theGapaissance. The brand stocks up to an XXL or 20–22 in all items, and the clothes tend to be a bit roomy. Bolton has a range of pieces from the brand and currently has her eye on the linen offerings.
Free People’s flowy and oversize pieces are surprisingly roomy
Most of Free People’s offerings go up to only a 16, but many of the cuts and fits are roomy. I’m anywhere between a size 16 and 18 at the moment and find that I can comfortably fit in the XL. Kasonga also likes Free People but cautions against shopping in person. “Online is where the sizes are,” she says. Beauty and fashion editorAniyah Moriniais also a fan. “I’ve been wearing Free People since high school. I have five pairs of those barrel jeans,” she says.
Abercrombie & Fitch makes stylish denim in modern cuts
Finding gooddenimis notoriously difficult, but Morinia says Abercrombie & Fitch denim does a good job. Many of its styles go up to a size 37, or a 24. The brand also has a Curve Love line in most of its denim cuts, which has a narrower waist and is specifically designed for pear shapes. “They fit really well,” says Morinia. Fashion editorAiyana Ishmaelhas also had good luck at Abercrombie & Fitch but notes that its clothes run a little short. I too have bought a couple pairs of Abercrombie denim and have been wearing the brand’s linen-blend jeans on repeat. The size range also allows for me to size up for a slouchier look, which is ideal.
Good American is ideal if you’re plus-size and tall
Ishmael also shops at Good American for her denim. The brand goes up to a size 32, is available in lots of cuts, and comes in three lengths: regular, petite, and long.
And Decade Studio is great if you have Still Here denim on your moodboard
This Vancouver-based brand specializes in small-batch denim that prioritizes fit and classic tailoring. It comes recommended by Pariso, who owns the Cuff jeans, a mid-rise style that has a cuff hem similar to a jean jacket. Pariso also has her eyes on the Bonnie shorts, which she says would be great for summer. All of the styles go up to a size 40 waist, or a 22.
If the goal is sophisticated, go Banana Republic
Banana Republic has also been experiencing a renaissance alongside Gap and Old Navy, becoming a go-to for higher-quality pieces. “Their pieces are worth the investment,” says Ishmael, who has been shopping the brand for years.
Tank Air’s pricey tank tops are worth it, if only because they let you go bra-free
Both Ross and Ash mentioned Tank Air, a brand best known for its Studio top. The stretchy tank can be credited with kicking off the braless tank-top frenzy. Ash owns a few tank tops from the brand and likes them for going out. She does recommend sizing up, especially if you have a larger chest. “If you get the size that you naturally wear, their items tend to roll up,” she says.
At Shop Babes, slouchy bottoms abound
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Another brand that came up a few times is Babes. It can be difficult to find truly oversize clothes when you wear above a size 14, but the brand’s adjustable sweatpants are designed to be cinched to create your desired silhouette. I also have my eye on the vintage-looking cargo pants, which come in a range of lengths.
For event dressing and statement pieces, Tyler McGillivary is a sure bet
Ash is also a fan of Brooklyn-based brandTyler McGillivary, which she likes because of the interesting silhouettes and fun colors: “With bigger sizes, everyone wants you to wear neutrals. I like to wear color.” Tyler McGillivary goes up to a size 4XL or 26–28, though Ash warns the sizing isn’t always consistent, so it may require some trial and error to get the right fit.
Kai Collective is an “It”-girl mainstay
For more bright, colored pieces, Kai Collective is a reliable go-to. The London-based brand goes up to a size 16 and regularly releases new collections. I frequently see this tank top on well-dressed women in Brooklyn.
If you’re in pursuit of Scandi style, Damson Madder fits the bill
The stylish plus-size women on my social feeds are often wearing Damson Madder. The London-based brand specializes in clothes that have fun details but don’t feel twee.
Warp & Weft denim is both stretchy and stylish
“Warp & Weft does a good job of creating bottoms,” says Kasonga. “They have enough elastic to stretch, but they don’t look like jeggings. I really like that they keep up with the trending denim shapes.”
For edgier-looking pieces, go Kenza Iatrides
Golfetto often shops at Paris-based brand Kenza Iatrides, a slow-fashion brand with made-to-order garments. She’s partial to the trompe l’oeil sets, which depict lingerie on tops and skirts. “It’s so good,” she says. The brand goes up to a 2XL, or 18, and offers fit help via email.
And for statement bottoms, Galerie Emprise
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For statement pieces, Ross and Golfetto like Galerie Emprise. The brand plays with proportion and shape, and though many of its products are one size fits all, the oversize silhouettes make it workable for lots of sizes. Ross currently has her eye on the eyelet shorts.
Tanya Taylor is surprisingly solid
Pariso describes Tanya Taylor as her “semi-slept-on” favorite. The brand has a dedicated extended-sizing line that goes up to a 3X, or 22. According to Pariso, everything is really well made, and there are a lot of “cute, of-the-season styles.”
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Eileen Fisher is for the minimalists
“Eileen Fisher is also fab,” says Pariso. The brand is known for its minimal silhouettes and elegant tailoring, which can be difficult to come by in the plus-size range. I’m particularly taken by the pants options, which feel casual and relaxed but not zhlubby.
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