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!

102 Comments

  1. I just discovered your page here today so I don't know if you have listed it in another post but Cato is another great place to get plus size clothes, my mother and I love that place.. That's where we would get all our clothes but I'm in Maine now and the stores don't come up this far yet, thankfully their selling on their website finally. They go up to I think a 30 and have really good prices.

  2. I have a hard time finding black dress jeans. I need 26W wide legs. I was buying them at wemans within. They fit great not tight not to baggy. Just the way I like them fitting. Well saddly I tried to order them they no longer carry them. This is what happens to me every time I find a pair I find good fit. I need a new pair by October 8th yes this weekend I'm never gonna make it.

  3. Hi glad i found your site. I have found site for all us big beauties but epecially those of us 5x and above. The only thing i dont like is kind of pricey. I think anyway. But worth checking into. Sanctuarie plus size. Hope it helps

  4. Just came across your site - lots of great info! Torrid is pretty much my favorite plus size store and I've gotten some great deals by waiting until they have stuff go on 50% off clearance. Got a very cute grey moto jacket for about $35 last week just before the Black Friday sales! Once you rack up enough purchases to qualify for unlimited free shipping, buying online is a great option as well.

  5. I need help i am a bigger lady and i fit 5xl but most of my stuff is super stretchy. I recently bought a dress off of the website Nastydress.com and it got here and is not what we thought it would fit like it was completely see through and they said it was a v neck and what it really was was a complete plunge in the front and back. They will not give me my money back as it was on clearance. All i am looking for is a nice dress that would be appropriate for a maid of honor dress that is black and goes to the floor. This makes me sad that there are woman out there in the same boat as i am when trying to find nice dresser clothing for special occasions.

  6. Hi! GREAT post!!! Could you help me a tiny bit? I don’t know if I’m a 3X or 4X. I usually wear a 26 or 28, and I do not like tight clothes. What do you think?

    Thank you for the superb advice. I’d not known about most of these stores!

  7. Wow, I hadn't heard of a lot of these - thank you so much for sharing! I live somewhere with very little in-person plus size retailers other than Walmart, Old Navy, and Target so I am always excited to hear about new-to-me online stores.

    I just read that HuffPo article you contributed to, and I wanted to thank you for that, as well. As a lifelong fat girl it has been so, so important to me to see and hear the experiences of women like me. I adored your gorgeous photo (and I also love - which I see in this post as well - hearing about your mother's supportiveness). Thank you <3

    1. Thank you for reading and thank you for the kind words. That article has been a whirlwind of mostly totally positive feelings <3

  8. Bonprix - and a few of the fashion forward but not junior - don't seem to ship to the US. I have sometimes used pink clove and yours clothing, though. In AUS Best for Less is a good budget option for pieces. Thred up is online consignment and sometimes has plus options (obviously hit or miss.) Also, Rue21 can have some cute stuff up to 3x. Remember that anything that is aimed for juniors will likely have a closer fit at best, and often is shaped differently, so you may need a slightly different size than at other stores. Check the charts!

  9. 2 big blondes here is seattle is the best ..its a co sign store for plus size not a thrift store it has to be close to brand new or she wont take it and twice a yr she has a fill a bag for 10 bucks sale ..I am in tears every time I leave that store my self esteem has rocketed since I started shopping there..

  10. Wow at this colourful array......but......WHERE WERE THESE ITEMS MADE? WHO SEWED? WHO CUT? Which
    country hosted this manufacture of such inexpensive clothing?

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