The Best Online Shops for a Size 14+ Fashionista
Where to Find Everything Plus-Size, From Work to Party Clothes
Dec 10, 2008
Finding stylish clothes when you are larger than a size 10 or 12 can be a real challenge, especially when you want to wear the current trends. The following websites (some of which also have stores in North America) are the best for any plus size shopper, whether you are looking for work-appropriate clothing or something to wear out on the weekend.
Torrid.com
Torrid started out as a branch-off of Hot Topic, but has really come into its own. With everything from casual work wear to sexy party outfits and even punk and goth fashions, Torrid.com is a one-stop shop - they even sell shoes and boots for wider calves!
Pros:
- Tons of options
- New stock at least once a week
- Excellent prices
- Lots of clearance items for the bargain shopper
- A "Diva Style" program that gets you 5% off every purchase once you spend your first $250.
- A consistent size scheme (once you know your size, you can confidently buy pretty much anything)
Cons:
- Only available in Canada online
- Limited shipping options (if you're in Canada, there's only one option, and it's never under $20)
Bandlu.com
B & Lu started out in the owner's basement, until eventually graduating to a single location in Minnesota. Their stock is mostly based on tops and dresses, and is often full of fun and unique styles. Most of their outfits are work-appropriate, and even slightly vintage inspired.
Pros:
- Unique styles
- Wide array of sizes (lots available for 4X and 5X)
- Excellent prices
- Good return policy
Cons:
- Only available in Canada online
- Limited shipping options (and often expensive)
- Inconsistent sizing - each item has its own size chart, and they are often not what they seem, even when you check the measurements
- Limited options for pants and other bottoms
MXM.ca/Addition-Elle.com/Penningtons.com
All owned by parent company Reitmans (Canada), these three brands, so to speak, are widely available across Canada at retail outlets AdditionElle and Penningtons. Penningtons is geared towards a more mature clientele, stocking lots of work and casual wear. MXM, which does not have retails locations of its own, but rather occupies a section of both Penningtons and AdditionElle, is made for the junior shopper, i.e. the trend-setting, skinny jean wearing young woman. AdditionElle draws a line right down the middle, carrying everything from professional work wear to their very own "AE City" line, which is more club/evening oriented.
Pros:
- Widely available across Canada and online
- Something for everyone - young, old, and in between
- Wide variety of sizes available, including as low as size 12 for those "in-between" shoppers (top heavy, bottom heavy, etc)
- Consistent sizing
- New stock at least every two weeks, if not more often
- A point system will get you a gift certificate for $25 off every time you spend $500
Cons:
- Variety of options is not a guarantee - often Penningtons and Addition Elle will carry very similar clothing, some of it identical (MXM stock is identical between stores)
- Prices are on the rise - expect to pay at least $39-$49 for a basic top
Daddyos.com
Not solely a plus size shop, Daddy-Os is an excellent online stop for ladies who are into 1950s fashion. They carry vintage style dresses, and many of them are available up to size 3X.
Pros:
- Unique dresses in flattering shapes for plus size bombshells
- Decent prices
- Shoes and accessories also available
- Good return policy
- Consistent sizing and accurate measurements posted online
Cons:
- Only available online in Canada
- Limited shipping options (and pricey, again)
- Can be quite expensive - these are more special occasion dresses than anything
