Essential Tips for Shopping Plus Size Clothing Successfully
Shopping for clothes should be a joyful experience—an opportunity to express your personality, explore new styles, and find pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable. Yet, for many plus size shoppers, it often comes with challenges such as limited options, inconsistent sizing, or outdated stereotypes about what plus size fashion should look like. Thankfully, the fashion industry is changing, with more brands embracing inclusivity and celebrating body diversity.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the world of plus size shopping with ease, confidence, and excitement. Whether you’re revamping your wardrobe, hunting for statement pieces, or just looking for everyday basics, these tips and strategies will help you find your perfect fit.
1. Know Your Measurements
One of the biggest frustrations when shopping for plus size clothing is inconsistent sizing across brands. What’s labeled as a size 16 in one store might be completely different in another. Instead of relying solely on size tags, knowing your exact measurements is key.
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Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest.
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Waist: Measure the narrowest part of your torso, typically above your belly button.
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Hips: Measure around the widest part of your hips and thighs.
Keep these measurements handy when shopping online, as most brands provide size charts that you can compare to.
Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to size up or down depending on the garment—it’s about fit, not the number on the label.
2. Understand Fabrics and Fit
Fabric choice plays a huge role in how clothing fits and feels on your body. Stretchy materials like spandex or jersey provide more flexibility and comfort, while structured fabrics like cotton blends or denim can offer shape and support.
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For comfort: Look for breathable fabrics such as cotton, bamboo, or linen.
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For structure: Tailored pieces with thicker fabrics can create a polished look.
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For versatility: Stretchy blends make layering and movement easier.
Understanding how fabrics drape on your body will help you make smarter purchases that last longer and feel better.
3. Build a Capsule Wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of versatile pieces that you can mix and match. For plus size shoppers, this approach makes it easier to find reliable staples that work for multiple occasions.
Consider including:
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A well-fitted pair of jeans or trousers
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Classic button-down shirt
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Comfortable yet stylish dress
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Blazer or structured jacket
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Everyday essentials like t-shirts and leggings
Once you have your basics covered, you can add trendier items and accessories to keep your wardrobe fresh.
4. Shop at Plus Size-Friendly Brands
Thankfully, more brands are embracing size inclusivity, but some are leading the way in offering stylish, high-quality plus size clothing.
A few popular options include:
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ASOS Curve – Trendy and budget-friendly styles.
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Eloquii – Chic designs with an emphasis on workwear and evening wear.
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Universal Standard – Extended sizes with a focus on modern, minimalistic staples.
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Torrid – Known for everyday fashion, lingerie, and casual wear.
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Lane Bryant – A pioneer in plus size fashion with a wide range of choices.
Don’t forget smaller, independent brands and boutiques, which often offer unique designs tailored specifically for plus size bodies.
5. Tailoring is Your Best Friend
Even when you find clothing in your size, it might not always fit perfectly off the rack. Tailoring can be a game-changer. A few small adjustments, like hemming pants, taking in a waist, or shortening sleeves, can make clothes look like they were made for you.
Think of tailoring as an investment—well-fitted clothes will always look more flattering and last longer in your wardrobe.
6. Dress for Yourself, Not “the Rules”
For years, plus size fashion was dictated by outdated “rules” like avoiding stripes, bold colors, or certain silhouettes. Today, those rules are being rewritten. The most important thing is wearing what makes you feel good.
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Love bold prints? Wear them proudly.
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Want to experiment with crop tops? Go for it.
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Prefer flowy dresses over structured outfits? Embrace your style.
Fashion should be about self-expression, not restriction.
7. Shop Smart Online
Online shopping has made plus size fashion more accessible, but it comes with its own challenges. To shop smarter:
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Check size charts carefully.
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Read reviews to learn how items fit on different body types.
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Look at return policies before purchasing.
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Start with trusted retailers that specialize in plus size clothing.
Many online retailers now use real customer photos, which can be incredibly helpful in visualizing how a garment might look on you.
8. Accessories Matter
Sometimes the simplest way to elevate your outfit is with accessories. Belts, statement jewelry, scarves, or shoes can completely transform a look. They also allow you to experiment with trends without overhauling your wardrobe.
9. Confidence is the Best Fit
Ultimately, the perfect fit isn’t just about measurements or labels—it’s about how you feel in your clothes. Confidence transforms an outfit more than any cut or fabric ever could. When you wear something that makes you feel good, it shows.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect fit as a plus size shopper doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right strategies—knowing your measurements, choosing fabrics wisely, shopping at inclusive brands, and ignoring outdated fashion “rules”—you can build a wardrobe that reflects your unique style and personality.
Fashion should be fun, empowering, and accessible to everyone. The next time you shop, remember: it’s not about changing your body to fit the clothes—it’s about finding clothes that fit you.