Smashing Plus Size Fashion: Shopping Roundup!
Commenter Punchy says, how about a round-up of plus-size fashion options? and we said, hell yes! Let’s do this thing! Fashionable plus-size dressing tends to take more time, energy and creativity, because options are way more limited, and generally you have to hunt through offerings to find what you want and what you need. There’s a rotten signal-to-noise ratio in the plus size fashion world, but it’s getting better.
Forthwith, links to some great plus-size shopping options. The size range of these places vary, but I did my best to include places with something for everyone. And remember, before buying always check measurements—a 3X in one store is often nothing like a 3X in another.
And if you’ve got an incredible place that I’ve overlooked in this list, or any exciting shopping tips (do I sound like a women’s magazine yet? just wait until I get to the part about the casseroles and keeping your man happy in the sack), please please share them in the comments!
The old reliables
The stores that form the core of the plus-size shopping experience. Everyone knows about them, and everyone shops at them, and there’s usually one, or more, at the mall. They’re worth revisiting if you haven’t been for awhile, because their clothes of late appear to be adorable and surprisingly on-trend (i.e., significantly fewer floaty peasant tops in batik prints).
The big box stores
Department stores and general clothing stores that carry a surprisingly robust plus-size section. They can be hit-or-miss when it comes to the actual physical store, depending on location, but their websites carry a lot of excellent stuff.
JC Pennys (includes extended sizes)
Online all the way
And then there’s the online plus-size boutiques. Some of these are single designers, and some of these are retailers with nicely curated collections of plus-size fashions. All of these have a range of really adorable clothes in a ton of styles (young and hip! classic and sassy!) and price points.
Misc. and etc.
You’re going to find a ton of plus size stuff on etsy (though sellers vary widely on what they mean by “plus size”). But even better, there are a number of designers who can design their offerings to your measurements. And don’t forget—if you run across something handmade you love, such as a silk-screened t-shirt, that doesn’t appear to come in your size, contact the seller! Most artists on etsy are more than happy to work with you. Weetabix worked with circularaccessories to score some gorgeous silkscreened t-shirts.
These guys are awesome and amazing. They carry sizes up to 26W in every single style, but allow you to customize for your measurements—have you got magnificent shoulders? They can make that adorable top wider, let out the sleeves, give you more room for your bosom or less room, cinch in a waist. And you can customize styles, too. If you like that blouse but not the sleeves, or the neckline, or the length, they can fix that for you. I might die without this dress.
As seen on this blog! Lee jeans in plus sizes, beloved by Mo Pie. They’re adorable, and I am so in love with the awesomely sophisticated white color.
Sexy lingerie is sexy. Hips and Curves: is so sexy.
The only bathing suit you need is the Esther Williams classic sheath. In like, cherries. Or polka dots. Or oh my god, leopard print.
Now, tell me, what did I miss?
Posted by jenfu
Filed under: Fashion, Feel Good Friday, Jenfu
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Thank you so much for this! I’m on a tight tight tight budget but I love looking at clothes and trying them on. I’m always on the look-out for new places to window shop. Hooray!
OMG! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I had no idea that Eshakti even existed, and I consider myself a pretty dedicated plus-size fashion follower. I had no idea what I was going to wear to the Makers Mark Thoroughtbreds and Redheads party in April (a big la-ti-da horse racing/bourbon/KY thing), but now I know. Thanks a million!
Thank you for this! There are shops I haven’t seen before and I am right in the middle of my annual wardrobe renovation so your timing is spot on!
Great links!
Thanks for your support! We are always available to answer questions about fit and style at customerservice@lagrandedame.com, by live chat or phone :) Have a good weekend!
YAY!!! Thank you thank you thank you!! I’ve been going to the same three websites for clothes for the longest time and all of my searches for new places end up at Frumpy Lady type stores. (And seriously what’s with all the peasant blouses?)
The only shop I know of that isn’t listed is http://www.missphit.com
Jenfu ROCKS!!!
What about Big On Batik? (http://www.bigonbatik.com/)
Also, I’m assuming this is a USA-based list?
Harper Greer in San Francisco has a beautiful selection of classy things in beautiful fabrics. They have staff on-hand to make alterations and will custom make things if you like. Also available on-line at http://www.harpergreer.com/
Their clothes make me feel confident and beautiful!
Wow, these links are so helpful!
I actually have a plus-size bookmarks folder, and you pretty much have them all covered. B&Lu is probably my favorite, and here are a few more:
Plus-Size Vintage Clothing at Ballyhoo (which I think I learned about from you guys anyway)
http://www.ballyhoovintage.com/index.html
Good tip on HSN, and QVC has a lot of designer partnerships:
http://www.qvc.com/
Evans ships to the US:
http://evans.co.uk/
If you’re feeling pricy, Bloomingdales has some gorgeous designer pieces:
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/index.ognc?CategoryID=2917&PageID=40064318413667&kw=Plus%20Sizes&loc=leftnav
Don’t forget us at http://www.Chique-Plus.com!
This is a great thread with awesome links – I’m off to check out the ones I haven’t tried before. Maybe a little something new on this snow day in NYC. :-)
Junonia (on-line and catalog) is wonderful for bathing suits and sportswear. In Full Swing On College in Oakland is my go-to for everyday clothes. I love clothes. Can you tell?
Also I Love Colors for tights and Nordstrom for designer type plus-sizes (as the Bloomingdale’s link reminded me).
There’s a store in Oakland? To go to? And shop? Thanks, Elise!
Thanks for this! I have been having a ton of luck for work clothes at http://www.coldwatercreek.com/.
For those who need tailored, work appropriate clothes, try Talbots.com. They also carry the larger sizes in some of the Talbots stores, and they also carry wider shoes.
A LOT of their fashions for straight sizes are available in Women’s sizes to 24. Just to forestall the usual cries —
“Old”: Yes… Many of the fashions are more appropriate to middle aged women. But, we need clothes too.
“Expensive”: Yes… They can be expensive, but their sales are AWESOME. Just like Bloomies and Saks and Nordy’s and Nieman’s.
“Only to Size 24”: Yes… They are not doing sizes above 24 but, if we do not shop at this store, who knows how long they will continue providing larger sizes. They may not be to the taste of someone younger looking for party gear (I’m pretty confident you won’t find it), but you’ll get an awesome suit for work.
Try also LeeLee’s Valise in Brooklyn, NY http://www.LeeLeesValise.com. They are fantastic!
–Andy Jo–
I’m more preppy than fashion forward, but I really like the clothes I’ve been finding at Lands End. Good quality basics that last forever. As well as an excellent variety of swimsuits and outerwear.
Thought I’d add
http://www.lucielu.com (the Lu from B & Lu)
http://www.mariedenee.com/
Thanks so much for posting this. I’ve never heard of eshakti til now and I’m smitten.
http://www.zaftique.com FTW!!
Also, Old Navy Online and Fashion Bug
mo pie, let’s go shopping! I have to be careful at In Full Swing, since a lot of their clothes are made from beautiful fabrics, but made on the “circus tent” fitting philosophy. I fall for clothes like that, and I shouldn’t.
I, too, am a fan of Talbot’s, especially since the store in Walnut Creek has a plus size petite section. Oh, heaven!
How about http://www.loveyourpeaches.com?
I love her clothes, pricey, yes, but well made and she will work with you if you have needs.
The only other one I can think of is Peggy Lutz.
Her website is
http://www.plus-size.com
The higher end “couture” items can get pretty pricey, but OMG, some of her things are to die for.
Like this dress:
https://www.plus-size.com/motherofthebride/item.asp?itemid=111
It makes me want to divorce my husband, so I can get remarried and wear it! :)
Oh! and Silhouettes. http://www.silhouettes.com
Not everything is awesome, but they have some good basics and some items go to larger than 24 sizes.
Thanks from here for Eshakti as well. I registered and bought a cute short jacket from their sale section. When I got back to my email, there was a $15 coupon good for anything in the next 90 days. Excellent!
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Nice round up of ready made, but don’t forget their is still the option of making your own and there are more options than there used to be as far a fashionable patters, especially with the advent of Khaliah Ali line at Simplicity http://www.simplicity.com/c-152-plus-sizes.aspx.
While they seem pricey, if you sign up to be on the mailing list for JoAnn Fabrics, Hancock Fabrics and Hobby Lobby and they frequently run specials on patterns for as little as $3.99 to even .99 cents.
If you are not sure about sizing or sewing, you can get a King sized sheet at a thrift store usually for under $3 and use it as a practice run before investing in quality fabric.
I am so surprized nobody has mentioned SWAK Designs http://www.swakdesigns.com, one of my fav.s or Plus Size Fix http://www.plussizefix.com even Addition Elle, Penningtons, MXM, Shop Translated, eVogues… I have over 60 stores listed on my resource site and these are just the ones that ship to Canada. I am working on another list of stores that only ship within the US. You can find the complete list at http://www.plussizefashion.ca
I am so happy to find even more here, thanks!
Happy Shopping
Any tips for us Canadian gals?! I can’t cross the border on a frequent enough basis, but I still want nice clothes.
Anyone know of some CDN places or at least some American producers how have an outlet in Canada..or heck, even if they ship to Canada (though those border fees will be crazy)
That Esther Williams suit is gorgeous! Do you know if the bust is supportive enough for the generously endowed among us? I have issues with halter tops pulling too much on my neck, but if the suit is supportive with cups or underwire in the bust, it helps a lot. Thanks for the lists!
My mother (who is willing to spend a good bit of money) gets nearly all her clothes at Lord & Taylor. I won’t link to their website, because it’s kind of sucky, but if you have one in your area, GO!
We’ve been to three in NJ/PA alone, and they’ve all had AWESOME plus size sections. Lots of designer stuff, (her favorite is Eileen Fisher, but there’s no accounting for taste.)
Garnet
Last time I was in New York I discovered that the Midtown Bloomingdale’s has an *entire floor* of plus size clothes, and sales racks tucked into each section.
I used to always get great trendy clothes at H&M, but last time I was there they had discontinued their plus size line – does anybody know if they’ve brought it back or not?
Jezebella, H&M only has a plus line in some of their European stores. Although, those of the bodycon persuasion would be work something out with what they do have in straight sizes.
I should also mention that Faith 21 is a juniors’ line, in the sense that their 3X is a size 18.
I shop at http://www.landsend.com a lot. Great fit in their jeans and trousers. I love their sweater selection, as well. Their clothes are conservative–I am a teacher, so this works for me quite well.
Thanks for the links! I’ll be hounding the Ballyhoo vintage site for finds. And Leelees Valise was news to me. I noticed on the Harper Greer website that they sponsor a plus sized swap. I am guiding some friends to that.
Another shout out for Talbots. I am now a boring middle aged career lady, but even when I was younger, I was able to rock me some Talbots in a granny chic sort of way. But their suits and Jones (made in the same factory, BTW) are the only ones that actually work for me-I’m only 5’1″. They do actually cut their women’s petite on a different model. And the sales are excellent.
I don’t live in the Bay Area anymore, but those who do should not miss the Talbot’s outlet on Marina Blvd off 880 in San Leandro. Sales there can net you cute floral skirts for $10 or less, and I’ve gotten gorgeous suits for $50. You have to shop cross season, but Talbot’s isn’t trendy so it will still work when winter/summer rolls around. A treasure!
Thanks for the new tips!
Ulla Popken http://ullapopken.com
Fashion Bug, Catherines
Also, don’t forget your other mall anchors like Dillard’s, Sears, and Lord & Taylor.
On the cheaper end, there’s always Wal-Mart who carries a lot of Just My Size apparel these days, Ross, Marshall’s, TJMaxx(TKMaxx in the UK), Stein Mart, Dots, Rainbow, CitiTrends, Cato, It’s Fashion, and Simply Fashion. The last few are more disposable like Faith/Forever 21, but their 3X is a regular 3X.
Also, don’t give up on catalog shopping. There’s Newport News, Spiegel, Silhouettes, JMS, Roaman’s, Woman Within, and a lot of obscure catalogs that at least go up to a 24.
I am really surprised that I haven’t seen fashion bug on here, they have a great plus section and are usually very well priced.
http://www.fashionbug.com
Amy, ditto on Lands End. I have a ton of their stuff for work – polos, sweaters, no-iron blouses, a basic black travel dress, some outerwear. No, it is not fashionista-forward, but they have excellent sales and good basics for a conservative workplace.
I am sad that H&M ditched the big girl clothes in the US. I liked being able to get on-trend stuff in NYC that I could then wear for like 3 years down here in Mississippi.
Would you be willing to start a clothing swap/sell thread? I’ve got a 16/18 light grey suit that’s like new and doesn’t fit anymore that got rejected from consignment (ugh) and the local women’s shelter (no longer taking clothing donations!) that deserves a good home with someone who can rawk it out. :) It’s not just about buying new!
@Rhonwyyn, have you purchase Zaftique clothing? I want to know about quality, I’m looking for a gala dress for a conference and found an amazing dress at their site. Not to mention a lot of shirts I wouldn’t mind having, thanks!!!
This is a great resource, thanks everybody.
I recommend http://www.onestopplus.com. It’s an outlet for a number of retailers, including Woman Within and Avenue. Be sure to get on their email list for coupons.
Great post… I would also recommend you have a look at http://www.swakdesigns.com and http://www.figuresque.com – they have many stylish options, at very affordable prices… I’ve shopped at both of these stores and have been satisfied on the whole.
Oh and I almost forgot… another favorite of mine is http://www.evans.co.uk – a UK based line which ships to the US. They have lovely clothes, and a super selection of wide fitting shoes.
For those with more classic tastes and some disposable income, look at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. Both are pricey. On Saks, the Web site Salon Z is much more extensive than the store selection (and they eventually trickle down to some of the outlet stores — that’s where I tend to get my things).
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