The plus-size apparel market is thriving; with this explosion of demand comes more options, which means shopping for plus-size fashion is no longer limiting. Fashion-forward labels like Reformation have embraced more inclusive sizing, while other brands such as Eloquii specialize in chic, sophisticated plus-size clothes. The best plus-size clothing brands offer a wide range of clothing types and styles, so you can easily stock up on everyday basics and unique pieces without spending a fortune.
range of styles, from casual T-shirts to formal dresses.Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
To gain insight on which size-inclusive labels truly stand out, we tapped a few experts, including plus-size model and fashion influencer Katrina Nichole. “My number one priority when I am shopping is finding clothes that actually fit my ultra-curvy body well and look stylish,” she says. Here, we’ve gathered the best plus-size clothing brands in different categories, including ones our experts swear by. For more curated guides, check out our favorite plus-size dresses on Amazon and our thoroughly tested list of plus-size leggings while you’re at it.
MOST POPULAR
Sizes: 14 to 28 | Price range: $50 to $170
“Eloquii is a staple store in the plus-size community,” says professional stylist and social media influencer Kenzie Welch. Outside of its wide selection, “it’s hip, it’s modern, and it has a little bit of everything for every style. Not to mention, the price point and quality is really incredible.” The site has an ample amount of plus-size summer dresses, workwear essentials and everything in between.
Pros:
Wide selection of options available
Many pieces go on sale
Cons:
Popular styles tend to sell out quickly
Sizes: 0 to 24 | Price range: $128 to $348
“Reformation is a sustainable brand that makes some of the most stunning dresses for upscale and formal events,” says Nichole. “I fell in love with its 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. It has great basics as well such as skirts, pants and tops.”
Pros:
Dresses are available in multiple colors and prints
Silhouettes work well for formal events like weddings
Cons:
Not every dress style is offered in extended sizing
Certain styles are expensive
Sizes: 00 to 28 | Price range: $28 to $195
Madewell’s plus-size offerings include easygoing tees, crisp button-downs and ultra-soft sweaters. Plus, these tops effortlessly pair with the brand’s popular plus-size denim, so putting together outfits is easy as can be. By signing up for Madewell’s complimentary Insider program, you’ll gain access to perks like free shipping and monogramming on leather goods.
Pros:
Wide range of versatile closet staples
Tops are designed to go with everything from jeans to leggings to slacks
Madewell offers complimentary shipping through its Insider program
Cons:
Popular styles tend to sell out quickly
Sizes: 00 to 34 | Price range: $99 to $175
“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 [Good American] is one of the few places that create trendy jeans for all sizes. Right now, I am in love with its Good ’90s jeans, and its Always Fits jeans are perfection for those who fluctuate in size since there’s built-in stretch.” (Good American’s Always Fits style also tops our list of best plus-size jeans).
Pros:
Multiple styles for all body types
Jeans have built in stretch, so they fit comfortably even if you are in between sizes
“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. You’ll find everything from basic tees to trousers to leggings, so you can stock up on all of your wardrobe essentials in one place.
Pros:
Offers styles on a variety of fits
High-quality items are reasonably priced
Cons:
Larger sizes frequently sell out
Sizes: 12 to 24 | Price range: $150 to $2,500
Plus-size retailer Dia & Co is a one-stop shop for luxury styles from a selection of high-profile brands. One particular highlight is the exquisite 11 Honoré collection. “It’s nice to shop for luxury plus-size pieces in one space; I don’t have to guess if the brands offer my size,” says Raena Loper, former updates editor at Forbes Vetted. Specifically, 11 Honoré offers a wide variety of striking styles at a slightly lower price point than you’ll find elsewhere on the site.
Pros
All styles are exclusively in plus sizing
Offers high-quality fabrics that last
Cons:
Some pieces can be on the pricey side
Sizes: XXS to 6XL | Price range: $28 to $298
Girlfriend Collective specializes in sustainable activewear made from recycled materials, giving you just another reason to love its high-quality, inclusive offerings. From plus-size leggings to sports bras to bike shorts, Girlfriend Collective has all of the workout staples you could want in sizes up to 6XL. Many of its bestselling styles come in bold hues so you can infuse your wardrobe with a pop of color.
Pros:
Many styles come in vibrant, unique colors
Made sustainably with recycled materials
Cons:
Mail-in returns aren’t free
Sizes: 8 to 34 | Price range: $48 to $109
Swimsuits For All earned the top spot on our list of best plus-size swimwear due to its unbeatable range of styles at wallet-friendly prices. Its one pieces, bikinis and swim dresses are available in sizes up to 34, and many are available in multiple colors and fun prints. For those who prefer more coverage, Swimsuits For All also offers swim shorts and skirts.
Pros:
Dozens of styles to choose from
Many swimsuits come in a variety of colors and patterns
Site frequently runs promotional discounts
Cons:
Mail-in returns aren’t free
May take a few tries to find your correct size
Sizes: XS to 4XL | Average price point: $15 to $100
“I feel cozy yet luxurious in my Savage X Fenty robes,” says Loper. The brand offers loungewear, sleepwear, lingerie and more. You can join the brand’s VIP subscriber program for a monthly fee to gain access to special deals and promotions. “I’ve purchased so many items over the years, I look forward to using my $50 credit each month with my VIP rewards,” Loper adds.
Pros
Reasonable prices
Diverse and fashion-forward styles
Cons:
You have to pay a monthly subscription for discounts
Sizes: 12 to 24 | Price range: $84 to $164
Created by plus-size model Gia Sinatra, the newly launched mid-size to plus-size range offers stylish formal wear including two-piece sets and dresses that you can wear day or night. “I always reach for my GIA/irl pieces whenever I have a special event—they make an elegant statement,” says Loper.
Pros
Available for mid-size and plus-size figures
Unique styles
Cons:
Not as many color options as other brands
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve researched, written and published dozens of fashion stories. This particular article was overseen by Vetted senior fashion editor (and in-house style expert) Kari Molvar, who holds a certificate in fashion styling from the Business of Fashion. We also rely on expert insights to deliver the most thoughtful clothing selections possible. For this story, we spoke with plus-size fashion influencer Katrina Nichole and style influencer Kenzie Welch to get firsthand plus-size clothing brand recommendations. Vetted’s former weekend updates editor Raena Loeper also chimed in with her top picks on the labels she personally shops.
This article is regularly updated to ensure all of the above brands continue to meet our criteria for the best plus-size clothing. In its most recent October 2023 update, fashion writer Claire Epting introduced activewear brand Girlfriend Collective and swimwear line Swimsuits For All to the list.
What To Consider When Shopping For Plus-Size Clothing
As you build your plus-size wardrobe, there are a few key factors you should keep in mind, including:
Material
The best advice for any type of garment is to look for high-quality fabrics that will last. Cotton and denim hold up well and come in a variety of weights and weaves for different levels of breathability. If you’d like pieces with a bit more stretch, consider Lycra, a synthetic fabric with elastane. For durability, polyester has incredibly strong fibers and helps create structure to retain the shape of your garments.
Fit
The best way to optimize the fit of your garment is to know your measurements. “Keep a tape measure around for online purchases,” says Welch. But, she adds, it’s sometimes more important to focus on the fit of the item. “Many women, regardless of size, get caught up in the numerical size of a garment and won’t even consider a style if it requires them to go up in size,” she says. “I always encourage women to improve the fit regardless of the number.”
Return Policy
Sizes can vary greatly among brands; a size from one store may fit you perfectly, but it may be too tight in another one. With this in mind, it’s always a good idea to confirm the return policy before you click to buy. Madewell offers free mail-in returns when you sign up for the brand’s complimentary Insider program, while other brands may charge an additional fee.
Which Brand Is Best For Plus-Size Clothing?
We named Eloquii the best brand for plus-size clothing overall, based on its sheer volume of diverse, size-inclusive styles. However, there are several other exceptional brands that cater to specific wardrobe areas, including activewear, loungewear and swimwear. Try to shop with brands that carry two sizes smaller and larger than your standard size, just in case you have to size up or down.
Do Luxury Brands Make Plus-Size Clothing?
As many brands have moved toward more inclusive sizing, you’ll find there are plenty of plus-size options when it comes to luxury clothes. Our favorite luxury plus-size designer brand is 11 Honoré, which has plenty of artful, high-end pieces for work or special occasions. (In addition to 11 Honoré, you’ll find plenty more high-end labels at the e-tailer Dia & Co as well.) Keep in mind, however, that the large majority of European luxury brands don’t offer sizes above 46, which is equivalent to a US size 14.
I’m a deputy editor covering women’s and men’s fashion, accessories and athletic apparel. My writing has appeared in T: The New York Times Style Magazine, Vogue and The Wall Street Journal. Prior to joining Forbes, I wrote two books, including The New Beauty: A Modern Look at Beauty, Culture, and Fashion. I’ve studied fashion styling and hold certificates in jewelry essentials from the Gemological Institute of America and design history from Sotheby’s Institute of Art. A native New Englander, I grew up in Rhode Island and was—and remain—a sneaker obsessive with far too many pairs of white sneakers.
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Raena Loper is a commerce editor with over 7 years in the editorial industry. She graduated from Raena graduated from Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ with degrees in both fashion studies and gender sexuality & women’s studies. Previously, she served as the product and reviews updates editor for the Good Housekeeping Institute and as assistant lifestyle editor at O, The Oprah Magazine. Raena brings experience and a proven track record of success in creating SEO-driven content and product testing. She has covered fashion, home, and kitchen appliance markets and has extensive knowledge of plus-size and size-inclusive fashion. In her off time, she enjoys creating recipe and creating custom clothing pieces.
