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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.
Good American is one of Nichole’s top fashion brand picks, especially for denim. Their Always Fit … [+]
Good American
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.”
Fashion influencer Bonnie Wyrick has a similar point of view. She specializes in the mid-size market (sizes 12 through 16), which she defines as “the space between straight sizes and plus.” It’s category that speaks to “a quickly growing and highly engaging community who, until recently, didn’t feel represented in the fashion or social space.” As she says, “when you are ‘too curvy’ for standard brands yet ‘too small’ for plus-size, it was easy to feel alone in your self and body image.” Thankfully, that’s changing now.
Here, Nichole and Wyrick share their go-to retailers and the fashion labels they like best, so you can shop and bookmark them. Also look for more fashion picks at the end.
Best Plus-Size Jeans
Good American
Best Mid-Size Jeans
Madewell
Best Plus-Size Dresses
Reformation
Best Mid-Size Dresses
Showpo
Best Plus-Size And Mid-Size Workout Clothes
Bandier
Best Plus-Size Swimwear
J.Crew
Best Mid-Size Swimwear
Summersalt
Best Plus-Size Wardrobe Staples
Universal Standard
Best Mid-Size Wardrobe Staples
Athleta
More Size-Inclusive Clothing Brands 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.
- 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.