Plus Size Brands I Love
Fast Fashion/Low Cost: I hate supporting fast fashion, but I also know that slow fashion is inaccessible to so many due to price and size.
Forever 21+
I am way too old for Forever 21, but I still have a few mid length skirts and fun blouses that fit really well. They only go up to a 3x and absolutely read reviews/etc, but for a fast fashion/trendy retailer they absolutely have a great selection of plus size stuff. Obviously this might not be great for the earth, but if you need low cost plus clothing it’s a go to
Old Navy:
Going into old navy conjures strong memories of matching American Flag shirts and also panic attacks (so much stuff, so many lights), but their online plus selection is strong anyway. In particular I love the Stevie Pants in Ponte (so comfy and they are offered in lots of prints and colors) . They seem to only have basic colors/prints at the moment, but I have and love a couple of plaid pairs. The perfect no pants pants. I also do like their workout leggings!!!
Mid Tier:
Everlane:
I know it’s weird, but Everlane expanded their sizing on quite a few items very quietly. Their size charts are measured for each item in particular so absolutely check, but I have a few pairs of jeans (in Size 20) that I adore and a bunch of blouses. Nothing button up fits me there, but it is absolutely worth checking out though I know they are controversial. I also like buying their men’s tee shirts-they are just a little bit longer and super comfy.
Madewell:
So like, Madewell is expensive but has a sale every other day. And is certainly fast fashion, though higher quality than other mall brands. It’s hard to categorize. I hate that they don’t do even most of their stuff in plus sizes, but I do have quite a few things I love. Their denim shorts are my absolute favorite, I have a million pairs of their skinny jeans, as well as a mini skirt, a Karen Walker collab dress etc. Beyond their plus size offerings, I absolutely love their shoes and bags. I have the original transport in two colorways, an adorable purple crossbody, a discontinued zip top transport with long strap, the medium transport in green, plus a canvas transport! Oh and their leggings are my second favorite ever. And a lot of shoes. Anyway, it’s truly so frustrating that they don’t carry more in plus sizes but what they do carry has been really good. I have had to size up primarily in tops (though not sweaters). And they are always always at Nordstrom Rack, especially if you like fun colors.
Modcloth
Definitely not the store I adored over a decade ago, but they still have a huge plus size section and lots of cute stuff. I think they really do their best in the fall/early winter (lots of plaids and fall sweaters, dreamy winter dresses etc) but I will say almost all of my bathing suits have come from them and have never failed me. They are also good for patterns and definitely snatch up any of their collabs quickly. I bought my first vintage inspired one piece swim suit when I was a size 4 and have rebought it in every size I have been since—few bathing suits can offer that. I will say, unless you want fall stuff or collabs (they will sell out) wait for the sales—-they are often and it’s usually not worth full price unless you cannot live without it. Also check out the other brands they carry-I got Birkenstocks from them for 60 dollars a couple years ago. Though ethics can still be a concern here, they are no longer owned by wal-mart.
Pricey/Some Slow Fashion
Love it! if you are into the billowing linen look, they are so good at that. They are very pricey, but they have a pretty generous rewards scheme and they also pop up on Poshmark!
I definitely get some of the complaints here-pricey, they sell out quickly, and limited plus size range. But if you fit into it (I do as a 20, 3x) you really cannot beat them for patterns and artist collabs (Ash and Chess holla). Fit varies but if you e-mail them they will often give an honest assessment on your best fit.
This is a new to me slow fashion brand and I haven’t tried any of the dresses, but I ADORE the skirt i got from them.
