Over the past few years, the plus-size fashion scene has exploded. We have more options than ever, and are no longer forced to wear baggy, unflattering clothes that look like they belong on a 47-year-old grandmother of five. With all that being said, the majority of our options are based on online shopping.
As much as I love the convenience of online shopping, there’s a certain conundrum when it comes to shopping for clothes online. Especially when you’re a bigger girl. There is absolutely no way to know how something is going to look until you put it on. Will that cute shirt cling to your muffin top? Squish the life out of your boobs? Will those jeans tourniquet your waist? There’s just no way to know!
This is the reason why I’ve made this little list. Five stores you can go into and actually shop in. Of course, these stores are based on what is close to me, but I’ve tried to pick the biggest and most affordable retailers I could find!
- Forever 21 (SAVE!)
If I don’t start with F21, I would have to slap myself. Not all F21’s carry their plus-size line, but many, if not most, do. If you want to double-check a particular store, head on over to their store locator. Although F21’s prices are rising, it’s one of the more affordable stores by far. I love how they stay on top of fashion trends while offering decent prices. They also turn over new items pretty quickly.
Some of my favorite pieces from them are:
High Waisted Jeans
These jeans are the only type of jeans I wear. They are just so comfortable! They cling to your legs without any weird loose parts and control the muffin top, all while feeling like the softest jeggings. They’re absolutely amazing, and a steal at $19.90.
Basics
This is the perfect place to stock up on affordable camis and leggings. The leggings start at just $5.90, and they come in every color!
2. Torrid (SPLURGE!)
Ah, Torrid. If there was every a storefront that offered Torrid quality clothes at Forever 21 prices, I would live there. As opposed to other stores, Torrid makes their clothes specifically for bigger girls. They actually model and design their clothes on the bodies of real, plus-sized women. Everything that I’ve bought from here has held up really well through time. The only thing I would change about this store are the prices, although every time I shop here, I end up saving anywhere from 50-75%. More on that soon.
Some of my favorite things from here are:
Lingerie
I love the bras from here! I have never had to compromise style for comfort. They have these bras that have four clasps or more, instead of the traditional three. It’s such a small change, but it makes such a big difference!
Shoes
I’m gonna be honest; I have some chunky legs. Most average-sized heels are made for dainty feet, meaning my feet are in pure hell. At Torrid, I can order my actual size without worrying about too-tights shoes. Slipping into them feels like absolute heaven.
3. Target
Every time I walk into Target, I have to buy something from their Ava & Viv collection. This plus-size collection is priced somewhere between Torrid and Forever 21, and their style is right up my alley. They have really clean, simple pieces that are timeless and well-made.
4. Walmart
I know, I know. Walmart? Really? And yes! Through the years, their plus-size section had been rather
frumpy, but they’ve been stepping up their game lately. Their clothes are the cheapest you fill find on this list. I love buying seasonal pieces and workout clothes, and any other things that are known to wear out quickly. Think sweaters, leggings, t-shirts, etc.
5. Old Navy
Old Navy is definitely the hit-or-miss of the list. When you find something good, it’s great. The other times, you’re wandering around aimlessly through the store. Old Navy probably has the best quality clothing on the lists. No matter how many times I put my pieces from here in the wash, they come out like new. I have a sweater I bought on clearance a few years back and it’s still going strong.
All right! I hope this list helps some of you guys actually get out and have fun shopping. What other stores do ya’ll recommend?!
