10 Best Places For Clothes
Where to shop for size-inclusive clothing
When I was growing up, my options were limited because of my family circumstances, but also my body’s. If I wasn’t scrolling through the racks at thrift shops (before Macklemore made them trendy), I was in the Women’s section of Ross or Mervyn’s.
As I got older, I was too shy to step foot into Lane Bryant. Big and Tall was for men, and I didn’t want to identify with big or tall anyway. Even though I couldn’t fit into trendy clothes nor be able to buy them, I loved fashion. I spent hours poring over magazines and eventually was able to buy cute dresses and clothes, while pining away for couture.
Thankfully today’s designers (well, some) like Christian Siriano are waking up to the reality that the majority of female-identifying folks are size 16-18 (plus-size), according to a new study. There’s still a long way to go though, as fat people have 20% access to clothing as straight-sized folks. It’s a privilege to walk into a store, or shop online, and have all of the clothing fit you in a similar way it does the mannequin. It’s demoralizing to walk in and ask for more sizes, or shuffle to the very back dimly lit part of the store, or the dusty bottom rack or be told that’s the largest they carry. Or buy something that fits like a tarp.
The plus-size apparel industry is estimated to be worth $24 billion, and projected to reach $264.4 billion in 2027. It’s like suddenly brands discovered fat people exist! And have money! And need to dress their bodies! Then said, Ooookay yes we will happily take your money and get richer. But there are still plenty who refuse to include making clothes larger than straight sizes (0-12) in order to pointedly exclude fat folks. P. Smith states, “On the catwalks of New York, London, Paris, and Milan in the fall/winter 2023 season, almost all of the 9,000+ looks exhibited were in U.S. sizes 0 to 4. Only 0.6 percent of the looks were in sizes 14 and over.”
I mean, seriously, who are they hoping to sell to?
Us. They want us to aspire to be like these runway models, to buy the clothes even if they don’t fit so we can diet our way into them for some special event. (And often they don’t even fit the models; photoshoots pin shut outfits in the back.)
That said, over the years, I’ve found places that I love, some more size-inclusive than others, some pricier than others. And some take advantage of larger bodies by charging more for the same product (a size 8 is cheaper than a size 16, for example; and some are just unnecessarily overpriced like the Kardashian-owned Good American). Honey, Democracy Jeans has been doing the same thing and for half the cost!
Also to note that one size is different across brands; that even if a brand claims they are size-inclusive, that might just mean up to a size XL, which again could be a ‘fashion’ XL (read: still small). Or they are constantly (mysteriously) out of stock. Or are size-inclusive… but only with certain styles. Or you go to their site only to be flooded with stereotypical bodies and have to hunt for a long time (just like IRL back-of-the-store) to find their hidden-away bigger clothing. Or they claim to be body positive and inclusive but their copy is littered with words like “problem areas” and “apple shaped body” and “tummy control.” While I understand the desire to look good, this reinforces the idea that our bodies are problems … and they are not.
It’s the clothing’s job to fit bodies; it’s not the body’s job to fit into clothing.
Further, plus-size clothing could technically fit, but obviously wasn’t cut with your body type in mind (baggy and weird). It can be a challenge! So I wanted to include some places that are doing their best to be cute and size-inclusive.
None of these are affiliate links (but I’d probably be willing lol). They are mostly geared toward women since I’m pulling from my own experiences. Also, I’m still learning more about true size inclusive practices, as well as sustainable practices, both for the earth in terms of pollution and waste for clothes that last long, as well as fairly paid garment workers, and c-suite execs who don’t support ghastly political agendas. All while affordable to buy. It’s kind hard to find the perfect place to shop.
The point is that no matter the size of your body, you deserve to look cute and have access to clothes that help you feel good.
Here are 10 great places to get cute clothes, in no particular order. Some I’ve tried, others I’m excited to! This list is non-exhaustive and Part 2 might come later. (Most of these are USA-based, but can ship internationally.) Hope it helps!
Dani Marie. This small sister-owned clothing company values honesty, ethical sourcing, transparency and accessibility… and even has a land acknowledgement on their site! Okay, checking lots of boxes here. Plus cute clothes made in small batches with natural fibers (sizes 8-26 on most items with plans to expand)!
Universal Standard. This place uses “Peruvian cotton, signature stretch linen, luxurious Italian wools, sumptuous French satin-back crepe, and enduring, expertly engineered denim” and carries sizes 00 to 40. What’s more, on their homepage, it’s clear that they truly stand by their size-inclusive message.
Loud Bodies. This small woman-owned shop practices ethical clothing and offers organic cotton products in sizes XXS to 10XL. Founded in 2018 by Patricia Luiza Blaj, this place gets what it’s like to try to shop for an outfit and not have anything to wear (and how detrimental it can be on your mental health and self esteem). Each piece seems to be named after someone and includes the backstory. For dresses, you can choose pockets or no pockets (I’m pro-pockets!). And excuse me, when was the last time you saw a clothing company use models who happen to be disabled (that wasn’t during disability awareness month)?! I am screaming (loud) with joy about this company!!!
Old Navy. At one point I was embarrassed to shop here (I can’t remember why). The stepchild of Banana Republic and Gap, ON has long offered quality made clothing in a range of sizes (XS to 4XL) at affordable prices. So while they aren’t an exclusively plus-size brand, you gotta hand it to a company that has been offering variety decades before the trend.
Torrid. In high school, this place was known as the fat goth girl’s clothing shop, the polar opposite to the Abercrombie girls at my school. But Torrid’s really expanded their selection and styles, including summer dresses, wide boots, and sweaters for sizes 10-30.
Love Your Peaches. Thanks to Bree for the tip (who also offers suggestions like intention-setting with your outfits)! This place makes custom-order pieces. Select your style, fabric, and add pockets or adjust the neckline. They aim to “create stress-free dressing for our customers. If you have special clothing needs or desires ... you are welcome here.”
Eloquii. Their tagline is “fashion doesn't stop at size 12” and you can see they offer an array of clothing options. Formerly part of The Limited group, most of the clothing is at a cheaper price point, but much of it is made with polyester (which can make you sweatier than breathable cotton).
Nuuly. Influencer Miss Giggles is a promoter of this “fashion-forward plus size clothing rental company” offering sizes 14–32 and if you’re into slowing your consumption, this might be a good option. I’ve always wanted to try renting clothing, but I have many, many questions. (Although the 95% of my clothes in the back of my closet would likely agree I should do this rather than contribute to landfill waste.) Note: The main page seems to feature all straight-sized models.
City Chic. Offering lower price points for workwear and going out (sizes 12-24).
Curvy Glam. There are a few smaller shops on Etsy (one of my favorite sites for handcrafted things!). With over 8,000 happy customers, this Pennsylvania-based shop carries blazers, distressed jeans, tops and more. There are sellers on Etsy who work more like tailors and you can custom order clothing, but that takes time, creativity, and money. CG offers ready-to-wear designs for all bodies.
Think about your closet— what’s in there that gets worn or ignored. Then think about where you shop. How do you find places? What’s important to you? Is there somewhere you love/hate to go?
💕Thanks for reading Such a Pretty Face! This independent reader-supported newsletter loves visibility-boosting likes, comments, shares, and subscriptions. Merci! Gracias! Danke! 💕
If you’re interested in taking a class with me, check out some of my fall course offerings ✍🏽
Christina Berke is a Los Angeles based writer working on WELL, BODY, a memoir about eating disorders, body image, and childhood trauma. An excerpt of this was Longlisted with Disquiet Literary International. A former Managing Editor for Black Mountain Institute’s award-winning literary magazine, Witness, she currently reads for Split Lip. Find out more at www.christinaberke.com.