After decades of being underrepresented in fashion, the plus-size apparel market is thriving; according to Statista, it’s worth an estimated $24 billion and growing at a rapid pace. With this explosion of demand comes more options, obviously, which means shopping for plus-size fashion is no longer confined to a handful of speciality stores or limited sections within larger department stores. Instead, everyone from retail giants like Nike to fashion-forward labels like Reformation have embraced more inclusive sizing and released freshly imagined collections that speak to a more diverse audience. The issue now is not so much a lack of options, but finding the very best places to shop for plus-size clothing in what’s become a very crowded market.

While everyone will have a different opinion on where to shop, certain retailers stand out for going beyond the ordinary. They offer extremely well-made pieces, with silhouettes that aren’t merely functional but embrace fashion on another level: think gorgeous fabrics, innovative designs and fits that truly work with a woman’s body. As a plus-size fashion influencer, Katrina Nichole is an expert in finding such brands. “I have been a lover of all things fashion since I was a little girl, and have lived in a bigger body my entire life,” she says. “My number one priority when I am shopping is finding clothes that actually fit my ultra-curvy body well and look stylish.”

Her hauls—which she shares on her popular TikTok, YouTube and Instagram accounts—often feature a mix of fashion, from statement looks to everyday essentials to super comfortable fitness gear, which can be tricky to size just right. Her advice: “Take your body measurements and always refer to size guides since every brand is different. I could be a L in tops in one store and a 2X at a different brand.” Ahead, Nichole shares the go-to retailers and labels she likes best, so you can shop and bookmark them. Also look for more buying tips and fashion picks at the end.

Best Plus-Size Jeans

Good American

“Good American is one of my favorite places to shop for any kind of plus-size pieces, especially for jeans,” says Nichole. “They come in so many different fits based on your body type and size, and they are one of the few places that create trendy jeans for all sizes. Right now, I am in love with their Good ’90s jeans, and their Always Fits jeans are perfection for those who fluctuate in size since there’s built-in stretch.” 


Best Plus-Size Dresses

Reformation

“Reformation is a sustainable brand that makes some of the most stunning dresses for upscale and formal events. I fell in love with their Michaela dress so much that I actually hiked with it up to the top of the Arches in Moab just to take photos in it,” says Nichole. “They have great basics as well, such as skirts, pants and tops.”


Best Plus-Size Workout Clothes

Bandier

Nichole finds it hard to choose a favorite among plus-size activewear brands. “Choosing just one brand when it comes to fitness and workout clothing is hard for me since I like so many,” she says. “The site that I am currently obsessing over is Bandier. They offer an array of athletic brands, and their selection of colors, patterns and trends are so unique when it comes to the world of plus-size fashion.”


Best Plus-Size Swimwear

J.Crew

 “J.Crew’s bikinis are my favorite for full coverage, and they have lots of family-friendly one-pieces as well,” says Nichole. “If you are looking for bikinis and one-pieces for vacation and sultry getaways, I would also recommend a peek at Good American’s swimsuits.”

forbes.comJ.Crew Promo Codes | 20% Off In May 2022 | Forbes

Best Plus-Size Wardrobe Staples

Universal Standard

“Universal Standard is an amazing brand to shop for basics and they are one of the most inclusive brands on the market with clothing that goes up to a size 40,” says Nichole. “I’d also recommend Target for wardrobe basics with solid quality at a great price point. I’ve worked with them on sponsorships and some of the in-house brands I like best are Ava & Viv and Universal Thread.”


Best Plus-Size Shopping Tips, According To An Expert

What Fashion Trends Are Worth Following Right Now?

“I love how much fashion and especially plus-size fashion has evolved over the years, and for me shopping is all about finding a balance of clothes that are trendy yet timeless,” says Nichole. “I love elevated athleisure looks and also love wearing neutral pieces where the accessories are the shining stars of the look.”

How Do You Find Well-Fitting Pieces Online When You Can’t Try Things On First?

“Take your body measurements and refer to the size guide on the site,” she says. “This is so key because every brand has vastly different sizing guides. I typically am a size 20 in jeans and XL in tops, but that can range based on the material of the fabric and the brand’s sizing guide. I’d also say understanding fabric materials can be helpful, too. You may be a smaller size in a jersey knit dress and require something larger in a linen dress that has no stretch.”


More Top Picks For Plus-Size Clothing For Women

  • Eloquii: Built from the start as a plus-size brand, Eloquii is particularly popular for day-to-night dresses, pencil to peplum skirts, breezy blouses and other wardrobe basics at affordable prices.
  • Summersalt: Best known for their swimsuits that fit a range of body types and needs, Summersalt has also expanded into activewear, pajamas and loungewear featuring fun colors and statement-making prints.
  • Girlfriend Collective: This sustainably-minded brand has sizes that extend up to 6XL and emphasizes recycled materials in their line of basics that include sweatpants, tops and tees, leggings, lingerie and swimsuits.
  • Nike: For sports apparel and athleisure in inclusive sizes, Nike is a favorite among fitness and fashion influencers, especially for leggings and sports bras.
  • Athleta: The fitness brand’s 1X-3X collection offers athleisure and workout clothes made from super comfortable, versatile fabrics and fashion-forward designs that look great in the studio and beyond.
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