I keep receiving comments and messages from people asking where I shop for plus size clothes, because the selections at stores they have been shopping aren’t great and I have to admit, answering this question has been hard for me, because I feel the exact same way.
Last year I shared my list of 2024 Top 10 Plus Size Inclusive Brands and while some have stood the test of time, a few haven’t and I no longer want to. In fact, one of the brands that used to be my go-to has audibled so hard that I forced myself to go against my “Minnesota Nice” DNA and send them an email that included this paragraph:
“I apologize if I sound rude, but being very blunt and honest – your current selection of clothes is designed to hide curves and shape instead of helping to emphasize them which makes it very dated and the wearer of those clothes is going to look much older than they are. Two years ago you had fantastic options that were on trend and current, but now it feels very 1990 plus size. I would love it if you could share that feedback to your purchasing or design team so that they can hopefully get back to offering clothes that a modern day plus size person wants to wear vs. what skinny people tell her she should be wearing.”
So, below I’m going to share the current 15 brands I shop for dresses, swimsuits, and everyday basics. While I know some of these brands are ones some people choose not to shop based on the current social and political climate, hopefully there is something on the list for everyone!
I would describe my style as “suburban alternative” 😂 but lately I’ve been embracing flowy items with an everyday wearable whimsical and romantic aesthetic in mind. I have a pear shaped body meaning I have a smaller chest and carry the majority of my weight in my midsection (gut, butt, hips and thighs).
Although women’s sizing is a joke (you can read my whole take on it here) I am generally a US 16/18 up top (XL/1X) and an 18/20 (XXL/2X) when it gets to my hips. This means I’m on the cusp of “mid size” and “plus size.” I’m also 5’10 which is at the low end of “Tall” sizing so when it comes to full length pants I need to pay attention to inseams….basically I’m an elite online shopper and 100% think the most important thing you should do before purchasing is to know your own measurements and to cross reference them against the sizing chart.
If you think a brand is missing or would have ranked them differently, drop a comment!
15 Best Plus Size Clothing Brands
1. Abercrombie & Fitch | Sizes 23 – 37 in Pants, XS – XXL Tops | Splurge
Abercrombie & Fitch is my go-to for jeans and generally I can wear an XXL in their skirts and dresses and XL in their bodysuits/meant to be tight fitting tops. Unfortunately, that is the tip top of their sizing so while they are a great option for me, they are not necessarily a great plus size option across the board. But man are they ON TREND, which is refreshing.
I love their skorts and athletic dresses.
2. SHEIN Curve | Sizes 12 – 34| Save
I know that many people want to avoid “fast fashion” and while I 100% support doing what we can for the environment, it would be a lie to say that I’ve personally found a brand more affordable or on-trend than SHEIN.
Full disclosure, I am a SHEIN partner (find my current discount code here) but the reason I stay their partner is because if I see something on a straight size that I want and they don’t offer it in my size, 9 times out of 10 I am able to find something similar on SHEIN that fits me.
3. ELOQUII | Sizes 14 – 32 | Splurge
Eloquii is the go-to for plus size work wear – my go-to blazers are from here. I also have a couple great wedding guest dresses and my favorite faux leather wrap skirt from here. I say they are a splurge, but they do often run great promotions.
4. Andie Swim| Sizes XS – XXXL | Splurge
These are my investment swimsuits, but I love that their one pieces can front as bodysuits to wear with shorts for an all day lake outfit.
5. Cider Curve | Sizes 12 – 26 | Save
Cider Curve is another fast fashion retailer, but again, they have really on-trend clothes at a good price. I’ve had their lemon dress for 3 years and it is still one of my absolute favorite pieces.
6. Berlook| Sizes 0 – 34 | Save
Berlook is a sustainable swimwear brand that has a plus size line that goes up to 34. I do wish they offered all their swimsuits across the board in both sizes and expanded their athleisure/resort wear lines to include plus sizes, but they are a good option if you are looking for sustainable and affordable.
Bonus that you can mix and match the bikini tops and bottoms instead of getting a “set,” which is key for me. I sporadically partner with them, so if I have any current discount codes they’d be here.
7. H&M | Sizes 0 – 30 | Save
H&M is where I get all my basics. I’ve also recently purchased some workout gear from them. Some items on H&M can be considered expensive, but for the most part they are extremely affordable and their quality can withstand years of wear. They may not be offering super “on trend” items, but a closet staple is essential.
8. Good American |Sizes 00 – 32 | Splurge
There is no question about it that Good American is a splurge brand, but they are a go-to for quality denim and athleisure. The cropped pants I was obsessed with last year are pictured.
9. Gap Brands (Gap, Old Navy & Athleta) | Sizes XS – 4X | Save AND Splurge
Old Navy is by far their most size inclusive and affordable brand of the three, however I do have quite a few pairs of jeans from Gap, some quality pieces from Athleta. Old Navy also has some great swimwear options this year.
10. SKIMS | Sizes XXS – 4X | Save
I am obsessed with SKIMS bodysuits, bras and underwear. As a small chested plus size woman I’m a 40B and they actually offer that size 🤩.
I’m actually rating this a save brand, because for a bodysuit this quality to be around $50 is actually very affordable.
11. Amazon Fashion | Save
Because there are so many retailers on Amazon I can’t give you an exact size range. I am part of the Amazon affiliate program so you can find links to all my personal favorite items here.
While I support my local businesses whenever possible, I do want to take a minute to reiterate that when people say to boycott companies it’s not exactly and easy ask when it comes to shopping plus-sized. The local boutiques in my area tend to stop at a size XL or size 16 so as I stated above, while not every brand on this list is for everyone, hopefully you will find some brands that work for you!
12. J.Crew Factory | XXS – 3X | Splurge
J.Crew Factory is more affordable than J. Crew, but it’s still a splurge in my opinion. They have been a good place for me to grab accessories or plus size work wear at a more affordable price. They go up to a 3X generally.
13. Universal Standard | Sizes 00 – 30 | Splurge
I was previously a Universal Standard ambassador and while you can still shop through my affiliate link here. They have a lot of high quality staples, but I have found that their denim isn’t as shape enhancing as you’d get with A&F or Good American. I do absolutely love their messaging and that they utilize the real average American woman as the basis for their sizing chart. For example a US 18 is a M. But since this is such a splurge brand I’d say keep an eye out for their annual sales.
14. Halara | Sizes XS – 4X | Save
Halara is a go-to for tennis dresses, tennis skirt, and other work out and athleisure looks.
15. Baltic Born | Sizes XS – 4X | Splurge
Baltic Born is my go-to for wedding guest dresses. Their normal range is not plus size inclusive, but many of their event dresses are with the highest size being 4X. In the below dress I’m wearing the 1X, but I’ve also worn the XXXL in another of their dresses so pay attention to the size chart.
Runner Up Brands
Below are some other plus size brands that are worth mentioning, because I have found things there.
1. Maurices
I don’t usually shop here, but occasionally find a winner.
2. Boohoo | Sizes 12 – 24 | Save
I’ve had hit or miss moments with Boohoo.
3. Dressed in LaLa| Sizes 12 – 16 | Splurge
A super funky “cool girl” brand. The pieces are pricey, but I’ve found a few pieces I love when I’m feeling outgoing.
4. Target – Universal Thread | Sizes S – 4X | Save
Currently everything I own from Target has been Universal Threads.
5. Fashion Nova Curve | Sizes S – 4X | Save
You can usually find some hits here.
Let me know what you think and what brands you think are missing. You can find my essay from last year on what being body positive to me means here and reminder that you can find all my current discount codes here.
XOXO, Tara
Tara Jane Style 
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