Picture this, you are walking through a store and spot the most gorgeous sweater that you just know is going to be yours, no matter the price tag. You quickly gather your things and haul yourself over to the rack. Amazed by the texture, quality and print, you immediately start flipping through the sizes. Your heart begins to shatter as you realize the largest size they sell is large. I am sure that several of you reading this have experienced the same gut wrenching and frustrating feeling.
As a woman in college, it can be difficult to embrace your body, regardless of your size. It can be difficult to gain the motivation to take a trip to the store and try clothes on. It can be difficult to find clothes that make you feel confident and happy. For women over size 12, it can feel nearly impossible to hunt down a store that sells your size clothing which you consider trendy.
If you are anything like me, you have noticed that stores have begun creating clothing with inclusive sizing in mind, but you are still not fully satisfied. The small section in the back of the store labeled “Plus Size,” is often filled with clothing styled for your 90-year-old grandma or your 5-year-old cousin. Clothing with big floral prints or clothing with rhinestones and sequins. The clothing is not only the furthest away from trendy but is often massively disproportionate to our actual bodies.
There is an immense amount of labor that goes into shopping and putting together outfits. It can feel exhausting and draining. If most of your closet contains leggings and oversize shirts and sweatshirts just so you can be comfortable, this is for you! Here are the best clothing stores for college aged plus size women.
- Old Navy
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I know, I know… Old Navy is the place your mother used to drag you to after school as a child to get your family matching Christmas pajamas. The store offers very inclusive women’s sizing of 0 – 30 and XS – 4X. Every item you find in a size XS, can also be found in a 4X! Not only is the sizing inclusive, but you can almost always find a sale on your favorite items. If not, head on over to the $5 and under rack to grab yourself an extra pair of jeans, shorts, shirts, bodysuits, or sweaters. When shopping online through the website, you can change the size of the model you are viewing clothes on. This will allow each shopper to see what the clothing might look like on a similar body type to theirs.Â
- Shein
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Shopping on a budget? There is no better place to look than SHEIN. The online website has a category called “Curve”. Under this section, you will find an abundance of clothing items for any and every occasion. The best part, there is a customer review section where you can see pictures, comments, and opinions about each clothing item to ensure you are getting exactly what you want!
- Chic Soul
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Chic Soul is one of my favorite little online boutiques that is catered to plus size women. Here, you will find the latest plus size clothing styles and trends that were designed to flatter your figure and embrace your curves. With fast shipping, consistent sales, and staple pieces that will last a lifetime, you can get it all right here!
- H&M Plus
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H&M offers a shopping experience for women size xs-4x. You will find flattering pieces without compromising on the latest trends. If you need an outfit for work, a night out, the gym, or lingerie, H&M has you covered. You can even unlock a student discount of 15% off with Student Beans! Who doesn’t love a discount?
- Princess Polly plus
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Princess Polly Curve offers plus size clothing up to a size 20. Bright colors, vibrant patterns and a style for every occasion. For us broke college students, make sure to check out the “Sale Curve” tab to shop your favorite looks at a discounted price.
- Fashion to figure
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Wanting to start your own trend and stand out in a crowd? Fashion to Figure has some of the boldest colors and unique styles. Dresses, tops, jeans, bottoms, outerwear, and shoes. Whatever you are looking for, they have it all! The store offers trendy plus size fashion, sizes 12-28, exclusively designed and meticulously fit to celebrate your curves.
- Boohoo
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Whether you want to feel empowered on a date night, make a statement at a party, or cozy up in the hottest loungewear, Boohoo has your back. With a size range of 0-26, these clothes are sure to flatter your figure. Subscribe to their email notifications and get an extra 10% discount on your first purchase.
- 2020 ave
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2020 Ave is the cutest boutique located in Los Angeles. Bringing you the latest trends and daily style necessities, this boutique has the most stunning outfits. Unfortunately, the sizing only goes up to 3x, but if that includes you, head over to their website and start filling up your cart!
These suggestions may be a great start for you to advance your knowledge within the plus size fashion industry. Everyone has their own preferences with fashion. This means styles, colors, and patterns will vary for everyone. These stores offer a variety of clothing tailored to plus size women with numerous fashion trends in mind. I urge you to not only check out the suggested stores listed above, but also do your own research when it comes to the places your shop. Invest in the stores that invest in you!