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.
The best plus-size clothing brands offer a wide range of styles, from casual T-shirts to formal ... [+] dresses. Varsity
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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).
Sizes: 00 to 40 | Price range: $46 to $188
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As you build your plus-size wardrobe, there are a few key factors you should keep in mind, including:
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
Maggie McGrath is the editor of ForbesWomen, the Forbes vertical dedicated to covering all angles of female entrepreneurship, and the author of the ForbesWomen newsletter. She loves a good Forbes list: she is the editor of the 50 Over 50 and the World's 100 Most Powerful Women, and previously edited the 30 Under 30 Food & Drink list and the Just 100. She's worked at Forbes since 2013 and in that time has written on everything from the student debt crisis to Triple Crown-contending (and winning) horses. Before coming to Forbes, Maggie worked with TODAY show financial editor Jean Chatzky.
Maggie McGrath is the editor of ForbesWomen, the Forbes vertical dedicated to covering all angles of female entrepreneurship, and the author of the ForbesWomen newsletter. She loves a good Forbes list: she is the editor of the 50 Over 50 and the World's 100 Most Powerful Women, and previously edited the 30 Under 30 Food & Drink list and the Just 100. She's worked at Forbes since 2013 and in that time has written on everything from the student debt crisis to Triple Crown-contending (and winning) horses. Before coming to Forbes, Maggie worked with TODAY show financial editor Jean Chatzky.
I'm the executive strategy editor at Forbes Vetted, a functional nutritionist and a certified sleep science coach. In between geeking out over SEO and obsessing over products, from mattresses to treadmills to every kitchen gadget I can get my hands on, I've written more than a dozen books and cookbooks and created over 1,000 original recipes.
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