Let’s be real — shopping as a plus-size babe is certainly not for the faint of heart.
Finding the right pair of jeans that actually fit your ultra-curvy body, a pair of non-stretch cotton pajamas that you truly want to sleep in, or a bra that fits your boobs and your band size is just about as difficult as finding Willy Wonka’s golden ticket.
In the words of Hillary Duff, “Hey now, hey now, this is what dreams are made of.” (Except they might not be the dreamiest of dreams…)
Where To Shop My SKIMS Dress: Nordstrom | SKIMS | NET-A-PORTER | heels
Where To Shop For Cool AF Plus-Size Clothing: My Top 3 Brands
While so much has changed in the world of plus-size fashion (i.e., there are more options than ever), many things still remain true: Shopping for clothes IRL as a plus-size person is nearly impossible, and brands that once carried plus sizes in store have since reverted back to their old ways of only offering extended sizing online.
Not to mention that the majority of brands who do create plus-size clothes, seldom offer the cool patterns, designs and colors in the same way they do for their straight-size customers. They aren’t truly inclusive and rarely offer the same breadth of options for their clients in larger bodies.
Simply said, there’s so much that’s wrong with the plus-size fashion industry. And with fat models disappearing from the runways, and the resurgence of a certain thin and grungey look, it feels quite similar to the same ideology of my middle-school years. Thin is in, and being fat is no longer mainstream.
And don’t even get me started on finding resources that share exciting outfit ideas for plus-size and curvy bodies, because they’re, quite honestly, nonexistent and just about as rare as that golden ticket I’ve been searching for.
blazer | similar top | pants | sneakers
While I wish I could wake up tomorrow and live in a world that truly accepted body diversity and created cool clothing that’s inclusive of all sizes, we just aren’t there yet.
But I still remain optimistic that one day things for plus-size people will be easier; finding cool clothes at affordable prices, wearing showstopper dresses in pretty colors and patterns, and of course strutting in a great pair of jeans to hug all your curves, will (hopefully) be a little less stressful than it is today.
The 3 Best Brands To Find Trendy Plus-Size Clothes
Even though the search for cool clothes as a fat babe can be a challenge, it’s one I happily accept.
Truthfully, there are about 10 places that I consistently shop for plus-size clothing. But when I think of the brands that I gravitate toward the most, the pieces that have found their way in my forever closet, and the websites I visit all the time to see what inventory they have, there are three brands that rise to the top.
So, let’s get into it… Here are my top three places to shop for plus-size clothes.
1. For Lounging AND Dressing Up: SKIMS
Where To Shop My SKIMS Dress: Nordstrom (sold out — watch for restocks) | SKIMS | NET-A-PORTER | heels
When it comes to my personal style, the three words that I use to describe it are sporty, sexy and luxe. I’m 100% the kind of babe you’ll find lounging around the house in the comfiest of sweats and a cotton tee, and then randomly get ultra-dressed up to go to Whole Foods. And let me tell you all, SKIMS is just that. It’s a mix of ultra-sexy pieces like the gorgeous off-the-shoulder bodycon dress I’m wearing and elevated athleisure that you’ll live in for days on end.
It’s no secret that the Kardashians aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but their brands are some of the best when it comes to offering inclusive clothing for all people. So, while you may not love Kim, you certainly have to give her brand credit for launching with a fully inclusive brand from day one.
Some of my absolute favorites in my closet are from SKIMS, and I love the wide range of styles, colors, cool trends, sexy-as-hell dresses and everyday pieces you can find. And you can find them in every single piece of clothing that the brand creates. Full-on inclusion in an entire company is super-rare, and IMO, SKIMS is one of the few that actually got it right from the jump and continues to create cool af pieces for every body!
Where To Shop My SKIMS Dress: Nordstrom (sold out — watch for restocks) | SKIMS | NET-A-PORTER | heels
When I first saw this off-the-shoulder bodycon dress in the most epic citrusy orange, I knew I had to have it for myself. I’m living for vibrant colors this season, and I love the seriously gorgeous pool-hue blues, citrus oranges and neon colors that you can find on SKIMS website. I am wearing it in a size 3X and love the fit of it. It makes me feel so incredibly sexy and gives me all the luxe, take-me-out-to-dinner, if-you-like-it-then-you-shoulda-put-a-ring on it vibes. It’s simply pure perfection.
SHOP MORE PLUS-SIZE CLOTHING FROM SKIMS
Clearly, I’m a sucker for all things SKIMS, and most of the pieces below are things I have in my closet and wear the heck out of.
2. For Forever-Closet Finds: Anthropologie
blazer (22) | similar top (XL) | pants (24) | sneakers
I’ve been in a love affair with Anthropologie for as long as I can remember.
In fact I loved the brand so much that it’s the one and only place where I ever worked in retail. I loved working for Anthro and still have such a soft spot for the cool and eclectic brand. Even though it wasn’t a size-inclusive company during my short stint working in store, it still had quite a few tops and cute dresses that I could wear in sizes L and XL. And while much has changed when it comes to Anthropologie’s inclusive offerings, the same is still true for me today; I can find some tops, dresses and knit skirts in the straight-size offerings.
Anthropologie officially launched its plus-size collections in 2019. It was a hella exciting day for all of us plus-size babes who — like me — had been shopping the oversized pieces for years. TBH, Anthro’s initial launch was pretty disappointing. The clothing wasn’t as cool as the straight-size offerings, had limited pieces, and was only available online.
Fast-forward four years and much has improved… The clothes are cooler, the brands Anthro carries are much more vast, and it has worked to do a better job of showing what the clothes actually look on people in bigger bodies.
The two big downfalls for me are that I wish Anthropologie carried all the pieces it creates in both straight and plus, and I find it disappointing that plus-size customers still can’t shop for their sizes in-store. While Anthro has made some steps toward becoming a more size-inclusive company, there still is much more work to be done on the inclusion front. Even still, it’s a place where I will continue to shop for pieces that’ll live in my forever closet.
blazer (22) | similar top (XL) | pants (24) | sneakers
SHOP MORE PLUS-SIZE CLOTHING FROM ANTHROPOLOGIE
Anthropologie’s plus-size offerings are incredibly unique and also quite luxe. I love its pretty dresses and cool-girl vibes they give, and I always have so many things sitting in my cart waiting for me to click buy.
3. For Sporty Athleisure Looks: adidas
If you think back to when I defined my three style words, then you know my first and most important word is “sporty.”
I’m a sporty babe by nature: I was a multiport athlete all through my K-12 upbringing, and am still a babe that lives for sweat sessions in all forms. So, naturally I tend to gravitate toward sportier athleisure looks. And thus, adidas has entered the chat.
If you’re looking for cool athleisure and activewear that feel trendy, then adidas is the obvious choice for any plus-size person. It drops cool collaborations with Beyonce that go up to a size 4X, and typically has some banger options for extended sizing. Adidas, like Anthro, doesn’t carry plus size in all of its clothing options, but what it does offer feels fresh and unique for plus-size shoppers.
Not only do I love wearing head-to-toe adidas looks (that hoodie and the track pants go perfectly together), I also am a huge fan of versatility and find that my adidas clothing goes with just about everything in my closest. I love a good outfit that feels both sporty and sexy at the same time, and adidas always helps me achieve my iconic cool-girl vibes.
top | jean jacket | bag | pants | sneakers
SHOP MORE PLUS-SIZE CLOTHING FROM ADIDAS
It’s safe to say that adidas is a total stan, and you’ll certainly find some great options for everyday wear.
If you’re a plus-size babe like me, I hope that you keep searching for cool af clothes that make you feel confident no matter your size.
ta-ta for now,
XX – Kat
Hi, hi, friends! If you’re looking for even more tea from me, give my podcast, “Big Girls Gone Wild!” a listen! Follow me on Instagram for more of my day-to-day shenanigans (think lots of Colorado hiking, dog stories, food creations and all the tea on celebs). And if you feel so inclined, pop over to my YouTube channel, The Katrina Nichole, where I share plus-size fashion hauls, body positivity convos and all things inclusive movement. Byeeeeee!
