Affordable Plus Size Clothing For Budget Babes
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When I first crossed over from size 18 to 20 and could no longer find cheap plus size clothes hiding in straight size clothing sections, I panicked! My mom jumped in to save the day and got a Lane Bryant store credit card one day after a trip to the mall. I'm certain that she got the credit card after seeing me light up because something in a store actually fit me, probably after several watery eyed trips through stores that had nothing to offer. I'm really lucky that my mom was there to encourage me to find things I loved, even as my body grew (and to finance it!), it made a world of difference in my self love journey and being happy in the body I'm in.
That was about 10 years ago, and the plus size clothing industry has grown exponentially since the days of being stuck shopping at one or two plus size stores. The options are still minimal compared to straight sized clothing.
Affordable plus size clothing options are still a struggle to find for anyone over a size 24, in fact ANY options are hard to find in a size over a 24. But the plus size industry IS growing, and there are a lot of options that many fat babes don't know about.
I wish I could play mom and finance everyone's first plus size store credit card, but alas... I'm just a blogger. But I can put together one serious list of all the options you've got so you don't have to wonder around a mall going from one fitting room to another while holding back tears.
If it’s inaccessible to the poor it’s neither radical nor revolutionary
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Ok, look... I know we're just talking about plus size clothing here but I frequently feel like all the strides and progress the plus size clothing industry is making are still completely and totally useless for low-income individuals. The feeling of being able to dress yourself in something that makes you feel good is something that every person should have access to. Loving your body and expressing yourself should not be limited to people who are monetarily wealthy.
So here are some of my favorite picks for beautiful fashionistas on a budget. Cheap plus size clothes!!!! Everything here is under $50 (and many many things are under 20!).
Boohoo
You want cheap plus size clothes? You got tons of options at Boohoo! Affordable plus size clothing for day, night, and everything in between. They even have swimwear! While this brand only goes to size 24, they have lots of knits with plenty of stretch. Prices start around $10.
BloomChic
BloomChic offers fashionable and budget-friendly plus-size clothing in sizes 10 to 30. Their collection features trendy essentials, versatile wardrobe staples, and statement pieces—all at affordable prices. I personally think their dresses are wear they really shine. They offer so many sillouhettes in so many fun prints, especially for spring.
Target
Everyone's favorite store is putting out some really wonderful plus size lines like Ava + Viv, Universal Thread, and Wild Fable. I'm loving their on trend pieces and frequent new arrivals. Of course, nothing can beat Target's prices - everything starts around $14.
Old Navy
I'll be honest, I've been a little bit grumpy at Old Navy. They charge more for plus size items that are the same as straight size items, and it just doesn't feel great and it doesn't seem like they're changing that any time soon. However, they continue to make great looking basics at reasonable prices and I just can't quit them!!! Almost everything is under $50 and if you catch a sale you can get things even cheaper. Sizes go up to 4x/30!
Shein
Shein is becoming everyone's go-to shop for plus size clothing under $20. Every cute item you see on pinterest these days seems to be straight from Shein. They have trendy, cheap clothes, and seem to be adding more styles every day. When ordering on this site make sure you pay attention to their size chart. Since many of the items are manufactured overseas it's a good idea to double check even if you think you know what size you'll be!
H&M
A major staple store for lots of straight sized people, h&m started carrying plus sizes a few years ago and they've really made some great strides in their selection. My favorite thing about this store is that there is more than just casual wear, there is chic workwear and night out clothes as well. Sizes up to 3x, prices start at $10.
Ami Clubwear
This cheap plus size clothing store is definitely for a more hip party-going crowd! They have awesome two piece sets, and really cute SUPER affordable jackets, tees, and leggings. Prices are as low as $5 and they have a giant colorful selection!
Forever 21
We all know I have some feelings about Forever21. I put them aside for their wildly affordable fashions. Cause damn some of their plus size styles are too cute to pass up! Sizes up to 3x. Prices start at around $10, and if you're a size 3x or under they'll prob be one of your fave fast fashion stores!
Rainbow Shops
Do you remember Rainbow from when we were kiddos? I DO! They're still killing it and making affordable fast fashions for all the plus size babes! I've done a couple hauls with Rainbow on my youtube channel and I always love what they're putting out. They're even coming out with more and more 4x sizes! Prices start around $5.99!
A few more places for babes on a budget to check out include:
Walmart | Kmart | Azazie ($35 bridesmaid dresses up to size 30!!!!)
Remember we have lists about activewear, swimwear, workwear, and so much more! If you're looking for plus sizes over size 24 make sure you check out this post!
Is avenue.com on the list? They go up to a 30/32. They have a large selection and you can really score on there clearance and outlet items
They are! They're just on a different list 😉
Just found your blog and love love love it! I am so sick of wearing either old navy (not bring or hip enough), forever21 (runs small and cheaply made), h&m (the sizes are sooooo different each time, thank god they now offer in store returns) torrid (too expensive) Love having more options to look cute! Thank you thank you thank you!!!
it is my pleasure!!!! <3
Thank you SO much for compiling a list! I had never heard of a lot of these stores, but I'm excited to shop around. I can't explain the feeling of going into my first plus size store, trying something on in the dressing room, and NOT wanting to cry. Best feeling ever. If only my poor teenage self had the options I do now. Thanks love! <3
<3 <3 <3 happy shopping love bug!
Holy crap thank you. I am plus-sized AND tall (2X, 6'0) and that cancels out 90% of the plus size stores that exist unfortunately, at least for bottoms. I just bought five tops from A'GACI and am so super excited to see the quality and try them on - especially for forever 21 prices. Now if only I could find bottoms for the same prices that came in long lengths! Thanks lady!
I'm so glad you found some stuff you like!!!!! I know the tall girl struggle lol <3
Such a bummer! The tops are freaking adorable, but at least 2 sizes too small. Sizing is way off, or my thinking is? Either way - I'm making the effort to find a store in person so I can figure out what size I am. I'm normally a 2X in most everything, if not a 1X, but I'm thinking I might even need a 4X for this brand. Insane!
Which store??? Sizing is all over the place especially for fast fashion places (which usually are the affordable ones)
I cant find my size very hard
Thanks for this. I love it! It's really hard to find something for those of us who are in the 26/28 size range. Also, I found this site called evogues.com, but it's junior plus. Do you know anything about the difference between plus and junior plus sizes?
I have never heard of them! I'll definitely check them out!
What about the 5x-6x women like me...I àm looking for something low priced too..
I hear you, Valerie. I hate that I don't have more to offer or tell you about that is in 5/6x. I promise that I will continue to keep my eye on new retailers so I can have the most up to date info as possible.
I have purchased some things 6X and up from Sanctuarie. Some rather eclectic styles, and the quality is not always the best, but I think that is reflected in their prices. Sizes tend to run a little large.
Oh! I'll have to check them out!
Hey, I hope this is ok. We've started a new online plus size store in Canada. Our prices range, but we strive to keep it affordable for most women. We specialize in mod-vintage, rockabilly, and alternative pinup styles. Our website is http://kittycanuck.com.
Thanks! Kitty
Bonprix; a European on-line store. Sizes up to 28 (America).
From wich store is this MOON CHILD shirt
boohoo!
I love that moon child shirt since my astrological sign is cancer and we're moon babies. I like your site. I'm currently a 18 but I have hips breasts and a booty that's more like a 20. All clothing lines in my opinion and by doing some researching either up size or downsize depending on their clientele. Say you pick up a 20 Jean try them on and they are too big so you go down to an 18 and they are loose so you feel great right?...next store the 22 doesn't even fit...makes ya feel like crap. Just remember that when shopping...pick what fits well and not look too hard at the size.
At 1st i have to admit I was turned off by your blog title but digging thru it...I love it.
I just found your site! Yay! Finally someone who understands me. I've been to all the stores in my little town and left more than one in silent tears.
I'm having trouble finding cute black work pants for a server. I need size 26-28. I'm curvy with large hips and thighs, I need something super stretchy and preferably a boot cut. Can you help me?
Thank you so much.
Krissy
Have you tried Zulilly online?
Hello my name is Danielle and i am a big woman size 2-3x i have not been able to find clothes that look right on me at all . i am 4 '11 296 lbs and i dress like a bum. I love fashion but i have never shopped for myself ever. so i do not know how to shop or what to look for. I am a single mother looking to find herself. i have no one to talk to because the people around are too ignorant and abrasive to talk to . I love who i am but i know i have a ways before i lose the weight i need to for my health. but i would like to walk down the street and have someone say that i am beautiful or be able to take a picture. I dont know what to do. Do you have any suggestions.
Hi babe! I suggest starting a pinterest board and searching "plus size fashion" and finding some outfits you love, then re-creating them on yourself. They will not look exactly the same as they do on other people and that is FANTASTIC! Because you are YOU and once you try a few outfits you think you like you'll start to know your style a little better and what you want to put in your closet <3
Have you tried Zulilly online? You have to watch the size guide and they don't do returns only with a few exceptions BUT if you follow that guide they come to you in the size you needed. I think you need to work on your confidence cuz like the saying goes you gotta love yourself 1st. Get some great shape wear that isn't restrictive...and some black leggings with boots or booties and a cute tunic (not your grandmas "tunic" lol) . Do your hair and makeup. Take some selfies and compare those made up you photos to the "bum" you photos.
Roamans , woman within , one stop shop are all online places to go. Avenue is another and they have stores around also.
I love to look good, Buti have failed in everyway. I'm 56 yrs old and on a fixed income, I look at my self as I have been sick and put so a lot of weight, have trouble finding anything wear that looks nice. Then when I first d something it's way to expensive because they charge higher prices for big women clothes, I wear an 18- 20 in pants and I love the tops to hide my stomach so I buy them big. I would love to be able to find a store for everything I need instead of walking in and getting looked at and starred at like some kind of freak in a side show. So now I try shopping on line.
I remember lane Bryant before it changed over to a younger look for clothes. My mom had a hard time seeing clothes in a style that looked like skinny clothes. All of her life she had been told by the industry that she had to dress differently just because of her size. Also the style of clothing was always 5-10 years behind the skinny styles. This was also the time we found a junior store called Deb. They had clothes for me, and I was so happy to have "normal" looking clothes.
I'm actually very grateful to you for showing me positive and honest ways clothes fit on our bodies. (Your body is actually more like my mom's, but when you share something beautiful I still consider it) thank you!
<3
I've been looking for hours & hours to buy myself an outfit & I'm in tears. I must be the biggest outcast on Earth! I know I've seen women bigger than me & they're not naked! Where do they go? I have always been large. Wore a 2x most of my life. Then I had a back injury & gained... 3-4x, then I quit smoking gained I don't know how much. My scale goes to 500, but reads ERROR when I get on it! I have one shirt that fits me & it's wearing out. I don't even know what size I am, but 5x is too small, I've bought a ton because apparently that's the biggest human on Earth! I have a 54" bust & a 64" waist.
Hi Debie, don't fear! My measurements are similar and there's plenty out there! Check out this post and start with a size 28 😉 https://fatgirlflow.com/100-places-to-shop-for-plus-size-clothing-part-2/
Hey, thanks for making this list!! I'm a plus size teen with biiiig hips but a small waist so finding pants that actually fit me is so hard, so I kind of only have two school pants and two jeans haha. It's especially hard since I live in a small town on a very low income, so it's like I either pay 100$+ for jeans at a plus size store, or just go to walmart and find whatever fits me haha. I'm hoping with the new school year I can get some fab new pieces and really show my style and wear the things I want to wear without my size getting in the way. Have you ever tried Rose Wholesale? I saw some nice cheap pants on there but not sure how good their service is. Also I just want to say you're a major inspiration, and you're very beautiful! <3 Sorry for the long message but I hope you have a great day and keep on rockin'!
I feel for you. My stepdaughter is 16 and has a larger waist than bust and large thighs. It's hard to watch her buy jeans. Have you tried Walmart. They make cute "jeggings" you can pair with tucked in boots and tops from Zulilly.com trust me...you'll find things you'll love and have a wonderful freeing sense of confidence for the school year.
Thank you sooo. I'm thinking of starting a plus size store and you've given me the plug for clothing. Next up, I need shoes. Slippers.
Thank you SO much for putting together this information. I'm a plus sized mother that never really gave up my high school clothing... this has re-inspired me to get back in with CUTE clothing! SO much to choose from, and the pricing is GREAT. I know you've heard it before, but you're a GODSEND. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I went on rainbow and checked the measurements. They seem awfully small but I know I've bought from them before. Makes me a little Leary. I'm usually between a 1x and a 2x.
Measure ch-49
Measure w-45
Measure -53
Ps I'm in Canada shipping sucks. And if it doesn't I usually get nailed for duty so I look for low prices and great sales.
10dollarmall.com also is a good site for affordable plus size clothing