Tips for Shopping Online for Plus Size Clothing

Shopping is really, really fun in so many ways and it is very obvious that many people adore shopping. However, there are just times that you are not in a mood of going out to shop or just too busy to spend a lot of time in a mall. But, how about if you need to change your closet because you need to remain fashionable but you are gaining weight? Obviously since you are getting fuller and fuller in figure, you cannot use your regular sized garments anymore.

Actually, such question is not a problem anymore because there is only one answer for that and it is through ONLINE shopping for plus size clothing. Shopping online for the latest trends of plus size clothing is perfect for people where actual mall shopping don’t work for them for some reasons such as schedule too hectic, location is far or too expensive prices. IN online shopping, you don’t really need anything except a computer and an internet connection. Also, you don’t have to leave your house!

However, there are some considerations that you should consider when you shop for plus size clothing online to ensure that you will be getting your item in great condition.

1. Sizing Charts

- Since you are shopping for clothing, you have to ensure that it will fit you because if it doesn’t, it would just be useless. However, you cannot fit the actual item to ensure the fitting so the best thing you should do is to COMPARE your dimensions to the sizing charts provided. Ensure that you compare them carefully and thoroughly to make sure that you will be getting plus size clothing that will fit you.

2. Read Descriptions

- Obviously, when you shop for plus size clothing online, the item can only be seen in your computer monitor. It can neither be touched nor smelled. Also, camera lights can affect the actual color of the item. To ensure that you won’t be disappointed, make it habit to READ the descriptions of each clothing that you are planning to buy. Make sure that the descriptions fit your taste before purchasing it.

3. Ask Questions

- If you still want to know more about the specific item that you will be getting or you are not satisfied with the descriptions, do not hesitate to ask questions. Most of online stores catering plus size clothing nowadays, have virtual customer service that can assist you with your queries. Make sure that all questions are never left unanswered before you finalize your purchase.

Online shopping for plus size clothing allows you to maintain your fashion statement no matter how busy you are because you can still manage to get trendy apparels even without leaving your home or office. Also, no need to pay for gas!

What is Plus Size Clothing?

Plus size apparel is womens’ clothing in sizes from (usually) 12-26. Some retailers do sell plus size clothing in sizes larger than 26; you just need to look and see what they sell.

Commercial plus size clothing was first produced in the early 1900s by Lena Bryant, the founder and owner of Lane Bryant. She designed and made the first commercially-made maternity dress. Also, shortly before World War II, she saw a need for clothing for ‘stout’ women, measured over 4500 of her own customers, gathered information from another 200,000 women, and began to design and manufacture clothing for 3 types of full-figured women.

Lane Bryant also owns Catherines, Sonsi, and Cacique as well as Fashion Bug.  Catherines, Lane Bryant and Fashion Bug retailers sell via catalog, online, and in brick-and-mortar stores, while Sonsi and Cacique sell online. Cacique specializes in bras, panties, sleepwear, shapewear, and swimwear.

Other plus size retailers include Eloquii by The Limited, Avenue, Ashley Stewart, Woman Within, Kiyonna, Old Navy, Macys, Alight, Torrid, and Roamans among others.

Eloquii by The Limited offers sizes from 14W through 24W. They sell dresses, tops, pants, skirts, blouses, suits, jackets, outerwear, leggings, bras, panties, sleepwear, shapewear, jeans, and shirts.  They also offer accessories such as belts, handbags, purses, totes, scarves, and jewelry.

Avenue sells fun trendy clothing from size 14 through size 32.  Their clothing lines include tops, camis, tanks, shirts, blouses, cardigans, sweaters, jackets, pants, jeans, skirts, dresses, bras, panties, sleepwear, shapewear and coats. They also sell shoes and offer a full line of accessories including belts, purses, totes, handbags, jewelry, and scarves.

Ashley Stewart carries hip urban outfits from size 12 through size 26. You can find dresses, pants, tops, denims, suits, separates, skirts, linen, bras, shapewear, panties, and sleepwear through their website and also at one of their 190 retail locations.  They can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.  In addition, they offer shoes and accessories.

Woman Within sells online and through catalogs. Their clothing is available in sizes 12w to 44w, and they sell tees, tunics, shirts, swimwear, dresses, jeans, coats, lingerie, sleepwear, sweaters, jackets, blazers, scrubs, and maternity clothing.

Old Navy sells plus size clothing as well as junior and misses sizes.  Their offerings are available online as well as offline.  You will be able to find dresses, graphic tees, hoodies, jeans, school uniforms, shapewear, cardis, jeggings, jeans, swimwear, capris, shirtdresses, and many other types of plus size apparel.  As well, there is a full line of sandals.

Full Figured Fashion

If you’re in the market for apparel for the full-figured women in your life (or even looking for some well-made comfortable clothing that fits for yourself) you have numerous choices.  You can shop online, offline, or via catalogs.

Major chain retailers such as Lane Bryant, Dress Barn, and Roamans offer plus size clothing for women in sizes ranging from 10-32.  Lane Bryant sells via catalogs, online, and in brick-and-mortar stores that are often found in shopping malls.  Dress Barn sells online as well as in stores throughout the USA.  Roamans sells online and via catalogs.  Some retailers own other retailers as well; for example, Lane Bryant owns Catherines and Fashion Bug, while Roamans is part of a family of brands that includes Jessica London, One Stop Plus, Woman Within, KingSize, Brylane Home, Plus Size Living, and Bargain Catalog Outlet.

Other smaller retailers include Ashley Stewart, Avenue, Simply Be, and Belk. 

Belk offers free shipping on orders of $99.00 or more (the same offer of free shipping applies to beauty and fragrance offers of $50.00 or more).  They sell wrap dresses, scoop neck dresses, colorblock jacket dresses, maxi dresses, pointelle dresses, and many other styles of dresses, all from designers like Jones New York, Anne Klein, Tiana B, New Directions, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Chris McLaughlin, Robbie Bee, Jane Ashley, Kim Rogers, and Jessica Howard. 

Ashley Stewart sells in sizes ranging from 12-26. They sell online and offline as well. Their line of dresses includes maxi dresses, print dresses, and occasion dresses. 

Avenue sells a full line of plus size clothing starting at size 14. Currently they are running a special promotion where you can take 30% off your purchase of $75.00 or more (you can also get free shipping on purchases over $100.00). 

Simply Be brings you all the top looks from Britain in sizes 10-28. You can get 20% off your first order when you spend $125.00 or more. Their line of dresses includes maxi dresses, casual dresses, work dresses, sundresses, and party dresses.

Woman Within and One Stop Plus are both members of the Roamans family of brands.  They sell online and via catalogs, and their sizes start at 12w and go up to 44w. They ship internationally to 92 countries (see their sites for more details).

Other somewhat more unique choices for plus size clothing for women include consignment shops (Two Big Blondes in Seattle Washington), Ebay, Amazon, Overstock, and even Craigs List.

Another Option for Inexpensive Clothing

We can’t all afford to shop at Neiman Marcus where they charge over $600.00 for one dress, but there are other less expensive options.

Why not take a look at the plus size fashion apparel offered by Walmart?  They offer a full line of plus size clothing including jeans, activewear, dresses, skirts, intimates (bras, underwear, and shapewear), jackets, blazers, pants, leggings, scrubs, shirts, shorts, swimwear, coverups, tees, tanks, and polos. They also sell accessories including bags, luggage, hats, jewelry, watches, shoes, belts, sunglasses, scarves, keychains, and umbrellas just to name a few (search accessories on Walmart’s site and you will find nearly 1300 listings). Shipping is based on the weight, size, shipping method, and delivery address, although many items are free if they are shipped to your local Walmart (ship-to-store) for you to pick up. They accept PayPal, PayPal Bill Me Later, Walmart gift cards or e-gift cards, cash, debit cards, and most major credit cards  (American Express, Discover—this includes the Walmart Discover card—Mastercard, VISA, Walmart Credit). Walmart sells both online and offline, and most major cities will have at least one Walmart (for example, there are two Walmarts relatively near where I live, one is 3 ½ miles away from me and the other is 16 miles away from me).

Another relatively inexpensive option for plus size clothing is Dress Barn. They are currently offering an additional 25% off red sale merchandise. Their clothing includes tops, sweaters, skirts, pants, a large assortment of different styles of dresses, Jones Studio suit separates and sportswear, denim, jackets, outerwear, shapewear, swimwear, and sleepwear.  They sell both online and offline and their womens’ sizes start at size 14 and go up to size 24. They also offer accessories such as shoes, jewelry, handbags, scarves, belts, lace toppers, stretch camis, and earbuds. Regular prices on their apparel range from $40.00 to $70.00 depending on the item. Shipping via USPS ground shipping starts at $6.95 and goes up to $13.95 based on the dollar value of your order. Second day air shipping will start at $12.95 and go up to a maximum of $18.95, again based on the amount you spent before shipping is added. Next day air will cost you a minimum of $20.95 and a maximum of $32.00.  You can also have the items shipped to your local Dress Barn; this option starts at $3.95 and goes up to $9.95 based on the dollar amount of your order. They don’t offer shipping outside of the US at this time.

What You Need To Know When Buying Plus Size Designer Clothes?

There are lots of things that you need to keep in mind when shopping for designer clothes. Even if you are a plus size woman, you can still look good in any outfit so long as you know which designs you are going to choose. Online stores are catering to plus size women. They are giving various options so you can feel and look good even if you are a plus size. This is your chance to formulate your personal style and it does not have to come at a price. As they say, “money cannot buy taste” and this still rings true because no matter how expensive your clothing is, if it does not give you the look you are trying to achieve, the whole thing will be pointless.

Plus size designer clothes are always the best thing to consider. It can give you the kind of look that you really want without feeling awkward. This is why you need to be very careful with choosing these clothes because not all plus size clothing will look good on you. One thing to remember when choosing designer clothes is the style and fabric. It will always be the best idea to consider clothes that have flowy or silky fabric as it can give you a slimming effect.

If you have no idea which clothing will surely look good on you, what you need to do is try to check online stores as they have plenty of great options for you to choose from. You will surely be amazed as you can choose from a plethora of clothing that is going to give you a slimmer figure. Do not settle with baggy clothes. Try to be more experimental and find out which outfit will give you a stunning look. There are lots of options for you to choose from.

You can surely count on what these clothes can offer as they are designed to provide you the look that is stunning and out of the ordinary. Being curvy does not have to make you a slave to baggy clothes as you have a choice to look and feel good. Plus size designer clothes are intended to provide you a whole new look. There is indeed a great difference once you try to consider the kind of clothing that will really look good on you. It will surely be advantageous on your part once you try to consider the kind of clothing that will look good on you. 

Where To Shop For Plus Size Clothing?

Shopping for your favorite clothes can really be fun and challenging at the same time let alone buying plus size clothing. Most curvy women would rather wear baggy clothes as they do not have time to shop for fashionable clothes that fit their size. If you are still wondering where to shop for these types of clothing, the best venue will be online stores. Here you can find a wide range of great options that are specifically designed to suit your needs. You will surely be amazed how they can transform your look and give you a slimmer figure.

When shopping online you need to take note of your measurement because one mistake on this area can mean complete disaster. Be aware that shopping online does not give you the privilege to fit the item and the only way that you are going to obtain accuracy is to take note of your measurement and compare it with the outfit you come across online. You will surely have nothing to worry about once you already know which outfit is going to give you a slimmer look. If you do not know which style is going to suit you, it will be better if you try to make a research first.

You can come across plus size clothing modeled by curvy women online too. They can give you an idea what and what not to wear. Once you already know what your options are, it will be much easier for you to choose the type of clothing that is going to give you a whole new look. All it really takes is for you to be experimental so you can achieve the look you want. You also need to watch out for the fabrics as they may not be one and the same. Only choose fabrics that can give your body a slimming effect and not the other way around.

It can really be challenging to shop for these types of clothing as you need to make sure that you will still look good in them. Being curvy does not have to be a burden because you can still find ways to look and feel good about your size. You just need to experiment on what may look good for you so you will be able to achieve that you have always been wanting. It is going to be plain and simple once you really know how to mix and match. 

Online Buying Tips for Plus Size Clothing

Nowadays, the use of internet expanded to many uses aside from researches and communication. With the power of the technology, almost everything is within reach and the world is made smaller and closer. When it comes to fashion, the internet is a great way to maintain your oversized fashionista persona in a way that you can easily get stylish and fashionable plus size clothing online.

Actually, one of the most in-demand products online is gorgeous plus size clothing which just means that full figures are beginning to intensify their fashion statements through dressing up stylishly. Being one of them, getting garments that fit your size online is an advantage as can save a lot of time and effort as well as cash. Using only your internet – connected computer, you can browse for chic apparels that are delivered at your doorstep hence no need to go to actual malls and stand in long lines.

However, there are some things that you need to consider when you get your stylish plus size clothing online. Since you cannot actually touch and feel the garments and with the power of modern photography, you can be deceived so it is best to be extra cautious. The these tips can be of help for your online shopping in ensuring that you will get the best in plus size fashion.

1.       Sizing Charts

-          Since it is online, you cannot fit the actual item therefore; make sure that you have compared your actual body size to the manufacturer’s sizing charts. Also, bear in mind that manufacturers’ do not share the same chart so, it might be that you are size 16 in a specific brand yet you are size 14 in the others. Hence, do not forget to compare the actual sizes and don’t rely too much on size tags.

2.       Product Description

-          Online shopping for trendy plus size clothing do not allow you to actually touch and see the item so ensure that you will be getting what you see. DO not forget to read product descriptions and carefully check photos. From the description provided, you are given an idea of what you are getting. For instance, if the top has a racerback then most likely, you will see a photo of the item from the back view or it is described as one.

3.       Discounts and Sales

-          Sometimes, the things you like can be pricey and plus size clothing is not an exemption. However, you can get voguish extra large apparels cheaply by way of discounts and sales. Online shopping has a lot of coupons that benefits consumers and you can use such coupons to get the garment that you want for a price that you can afford.

Plus size clothing shopped online has no difference from the one that you can get in actual malls but the mode of getting it has a huge difference in favor of online shopping

Ladies’ Night

So you’re having a night out with some of your friends and you want to look nice even though you’re not as slim as you’d like to be. Plus size clothing isn’t limited to the caftans and muumuus of earlier years; you can now find well-made plus size apparel in every color and every material. The cuts of this newer generation of plus-size clothing are made to flatter the larger woman. These clothes are actually made for the plus-sized woman, which means they aren’t just smaller sizes expanded to fit a bigger body.

Plus size clothing for women can be found online, in retail stores, in boutiques inside larger retail department stores, and in catalogs.  The obvious advantage of buying your plus size clothing at a brick-and-mortar store is that you know immediately if the clothes fit, look good on you, and flatter you. A secondary advantage of buying in a retail store is that they usually have a range of sizes, so if one doesn’t fit quite right, you can go a few sizes up or down.

The major advantage of shopping online or through catalogs is that you can purchase clothing without ever leaving your house, and have it delivered to your house or place of work. This is helpful when you live in a rural area or small town that has little to no apparel stores.  For example, the town of Enterprise, Oregon has one or two clothing stores, and neither specializes in plus sizes. 

The major disadvantage of shopping through catalogs or online is that you have no way of trying on the clothing before buying it.  This can be really problematical the first time you shop a certain manufacturer or brand online or via a catalog, as you have no way of knowing if the sizes run large or small for that specific manufacturer or brand. 

Once the clothes are delivered, you can try them on in the privacy of your own home to see if they fit you well and flatter your body style and shape.  If they don’t, you will need to return them.  Some websites will allow you to return merchandise purchased online or through catalogs at a brick-and-mortar store (Macy’s allows this), but more often you will need to mail the goods back to them.  Be sure to check the specific instructions for returns, especially on sale items. Some stores will pay return postage, or at least credit you for the cost of the postage, while other stores will not.

Lasting Trends in Plus Size Dresses

Styles and fads for plus size dresses come and go. Each season brings new lines and cuts, but some styles have stood the test of time and remained favorites through the years. These are styles that fit and flatter the plus size figure. While getting in on the lasts trends is fun, your wardrobe should have a core of classic styles you can wear no matter what is coming down the runway. What sets these styles apart is the way they fall and are comfortable. Some trends are not comfortable and that is one reason they don’t last. Others may look good on straight size women, but just don’t translate well to the plus size market. Here are a few of the lasting trends in plus size dresses.

Shift plus size dresses fall beautifully and give the curvy diva a very soft and flattering silhouette. The original shift was a straight or princess cut dress that had no tucking or embellishment. Today you can find shift dresses with a bit of gather under the bust to accent your figure, or a pretty neckline. What makes this style of dress is the comfort along with the classic style.

Wrap plus size dresses are one of the most flattering styles for a curvy figure. Every woman has days when their clothes just don’t seem to fit right, and with a wrap dress this is not a problem. You can adjust the fit no matter what time of the month it is. Wrap dresses accentuate the waist and for women without a prominent waist, a wrap dress gives the illusion of a waist. This dress looks good on almost every figure.

Fit and flare plus size dresses are based on the dresses of the 1950’s. With a close fitting bodice and a flared skirt, this style of dress really looks great on the curvy figure. It is perfect if your hips are a bit larger or you have a slight stomach. Women with large busts also love this style since it accents their assets without being too low or too tight. Today’s fit and flare dresses have raised waists which help to hide any imperfections and give the illusion of a smaller waist.

Maxi plus size dresses are the ultimate in comfort and style. If you have large legs, this style of dress is perfect for you. Maxi dresses come in several different styles including empire waists, flowing simple shifts, and wrap dresses. The maxi dress has been popular since the 1970’s and is showing no signs of slowing down.

Some things to remember when selecting plus size dresses are to select fabrics which breathe and are easy to care for, if you have larger arms opt for ¾ length sleeves or wear a cute shrug, don’t be afraid of color, and wear your styles with confidence. 

Plus Size Designer Clothes And Myths About Them

Have you ever come across plus size designer clothes online? These clothes are meant to flatter rather than frustrate but due to various fashion mistakes made by plus size women, wearing designer clothes often does more harm than good. Are you part of the fashion victim bandwagon? If your answer is a resounding “yes”, here is how you can hide your flab and look completely fabulous without resorting to drastic measures aka liposuction.


Fashion myths especially among plus size women and clothes are here to stay. They are as stubborn as the excess pounds you are trying to get rid. These fashion myths are as bad as the advice you get from an enemy. You may have surely heard of the statement that black has a slimming effect on curvy women. Although at some point this rings true, the statement does not apply to all cuts and fabrics. Hiding behind black outfits often makes people wonder “what” lies beneath!


Plus size women often consider vertical stripes slimming. In fact, it draws more attention to your problem areas as the stripes look curvier than straight. Vertical stripes are not an antidote to your weight problem. Try to be experimental and go for prints! Yes prints! It is really okay to wear prints so long as they are small and minimal prints. Never ever consider wearing huge prints as they will only emphasize the obvious. Stay away from ruffles as well. They will only make you look like a walking curtain. Not flattering at all.


Be entwined with your body because this is the only way you will be able to succeed in shopping for the best designer clothes. Although it is true that fashion knows no boundaries, it will be a wise move if you know which design and cut work well for you. Having an exact know-how of the clothes you have to wear does not necessarily deprive you from looking good. After all, fashion is for everyone!


One way to succeed in shopping for plus size clothes is knowing where to shop. Once you have an idea of the store that offers a wide range of option for curvy women, it will be much easier for you to choose the outfit that will make you more stunning than disgusting. Plus size designer clothes have the power to make or break and the decision will solely be up to you.

What are Plus Sizes?

What are plus sizes? When talking about apparel, a plus size is generally considered to be size 12 and up. Some manufacturers even include size 10 as plus sizes.

Sizes are not consistent between manufacturers and brands, however, so you may wear one size from one brand or manufacturer, and a totally different size from another brand or manufacturer. I personally wear anything from size 22 to size 28 depending on the brand, cut, style, material, and manufacturer.

There are many retailers and designers that offer plus size clothing, both online and offline.

If you are shopping online and haven’t purchased from a certain retailer before, one way to determine how ‘true’ their sizes are without having to actually try on the garments is to check for online reviews of the clothing or clothing line. Some websites will have reviews on their sales pages, while others may be found by searching Google, Bing, Yahoo or other major search engines.

On-site sizing charts may be helpful also, but take the information in them with a grain of salt. You really can’t be sure how the apparel will fit you until you try it on, at least the first time you purchase. If you purchase garments from the same retailer or website after that first purchase, you will have a better idea of what their sizing information means for you.

If you shop at Kohls, check out Dana Buchman’s line of plus size clothing. This designer offers dresses, swimwear, cardigans, tops, and bottoms in bright colors and interesting designs. Prices range from $45.00 to $70.00 and sizes range from 16W to 24W (also 0x through 3x). The line also includes accessories and jewelry as well as shoes. Items can be purchased online or in Kohls retail locations.

Another designer that has a plus size line is DKNYC. This line can be found at several stores including but not limited to Macy’s and Bloomingdales. Sizes range from 14 to 24 or 0x through 3x; the line contains dresses, jackets, pants, cardigans, tunics, shirts, and skirts.  DKNYC apparel is quite a bit more expensive than the Dana Buchman line is, with prices ranging from  $69.00 to $169.00 at Macys and from $50.00 to $189.00 at Bloomingdales.   Items can be purchased online or at the retail stores. Spend $99.00 at Macys.com and you’ll get free shipping; spend $150.00 at Bloomingdales.com to get free shipping. 

Especially for you

There have been numerous and varied changes in the fashion industry throughout the decades. One of those that have warmed the cockles of many hearts is the general increase in the overall number of the plus size designer clothes now being produced. It is evidence of the fact that society is changing and that a market that has mostly been sidelined in past years is now coming more and more into the mainstream of fashion. When it comes to those of us who are overweight, plus size designer clothes represent an excellent change of attitude towards us. In the past, you were left very much to your own devices as an overweight woman – clothes for you were tent-like and shapeless and you just had to relegate yourself to looking frumpy.

This attitude that fashion designers embraced previously was the driving force for a lot of overweight and obese women to strike out and design a range of plus size designer clothes – clothes that they wanted to actually wear. These lines proved so successful that it proved that many overweight women wanted clothes that embraced rather than engulfed their figures. Since that time, plus size designer clothes have gone from strength to strength.

This success in the world of plus size designer clothes can be attributed to the simple fact that they are especially made with bigger ladies in mind. There is a vast difference between an item of clothing that has been especially made for the fuller figure and one that is simple a larger version of one designed for someone of a smaller size. People who are overweight or bigger have different figure flaws to disguise and so they are not simply able to usually just wear anything straight off the rack.

This is taken into consideration when making plus size designer clothes – they make attempts to make the wearer look thinner and better from the outset. They know a number of tricks that they can use to achieve this end. The clothes will nip in as they should and will skim over problem areas. They will pay special attention to fabrics that flatter the more problematic figures – from stretch denim through to fun and flirty chiffon.

The styles are designed with only the fuller figured woman in mind and current fashion trends are interpreted into wearable ones for the bigger girls. Most larger women are relieved to find that there are clothes of this nature made especially for them. Feel a huge confidence boost when wearing these clothes and find something that both fits and flatters.

The bad old days of shapeless, fit free clothing are over and done with. You can be sure that, when shopping in the plus-sized section these days, you will get a fantastic outfit to suit any occasion.