Alight (http://www.alight.com) – An online plus-size clothing store which sells sizes 14-30 (with rare 32). The selection of items above a size 26 is small but there are nice pieces to be had. The website is easy to navigate with options to search for items based on size, boutique, or style as well as keywords. Standard shipping (6-9 day business day delivery) is a flat $7.99 for orders under $100 and $11.99 for those over. There are expedient shipping options available, as well as international. The clothing in general is of good quality and stylistic. Though the jeans tend to be flared legs, which isn’t always the most flattering for plus-size women, the colors and patterns are more youthful in appearance than most plus-size clothing stores. Alight has the most selection in dresses, which vary in style, color, and cloth. The company’s return and exchange policy is liberal and BizRate customer reviews are available. According to the website, the first Alight store has been opened in Long Island.
Lane Bryant (http://lanebryant.charmingshoppes.com/pagebuilder/) – Available online, retail, or catalog this store sells plus-size clothing in sizes 14-28 (though there are search options for 30-32). The website has the ability to search according to item type, and from there one can narrow the search down by size. The selection of clothing is pretty impressive, and Lane Bryant has a reputation known to most everyone. The style of clothing varies between youthful to business casual. The pants tend to be more tapered or flared, again not a good look for most plus-size women, but the tops are plentiful with an array of styles. The shipping price is tiered, with the lowest being $4.95 for orders under $25 up to $12.95 for orders exceeding $125.01, with expedient shipping upgrades available through FedEx for $6.00 or $13.00 extra. Lane Bryant also offers maternity clothing and intimate wear.
Junonia (http://www.junonia.com/home.htm) – An online venue which sales plus-size clothing from sizes 14-40. They also offer a catalog for ordering and 24 hour customer service. The shipping cost is based on each order. The lowest is $5.99 for an order under $25 ranging to $17.99 for orders over $200. Expedient shipping is available for either $7.99 or $14.99 extra. Junonia does offer international shipping but one has to contact them via telephone in order to do so. The website states that the sizing is “generous” but feedback from friends has marked them as being smaller than normal. In regards to the selection of plus-size clothing, most items seems to be frumpy and plain. The majority of pants fall into the trend of having elastic waists or being pleated (which is horrible for plus-size women). The tops look like tents with elaborate patterns or without any style. However, there is an impressive line of activewear. Junonia would not be a recommended plus-size store unless one was shopping for basics or activewear.
Catherine’s (http://catherines.charmingshoppes.com/pagebuilder/HOME) – Accessible for purchase via internet or at their retail store, this plus-size clothing store offers sizes 14-34. The style of clothing offered is disappointing to say the least. None of the jeans offered are in any way flattering to a full figured woman and the shirts, while attempting to be vibrant and youthful, look like 1980s rejects. Though the plus-size clothing line did get more promising in the way of pantsets and suits, the overall feel of the items are still dated. While Catherine’s wouldn’t be a first choice for shopping, it contains hidden treasures which makes it noteworthy. Like so many shopping websites, the shipping prices are based on the amount of the order. Prices begin at $4.95 for orders under $25 and range up to $12.96 for over $125 spent. For an additional $6 of $13, expedient shipping through FedEx is offered.
Torrid (http://www.torrid.com) – Both internet, and retail shopping is available for this plus-size clothing site. Easily one of the best plus-size clothing stores for the young and expressive woman. Torrid offers plus-size clothing from 12-26. It is often referred to as the “Hot Topics” for the plus-size woman. The selection is wonderful and ranges from everyday casual wear to business attire. Though everything has personality to it. Shipping is available via FedEx and at $6.95 for orders under $49.99 up to $32.95 for purchases over $500. Torrid even offers plus-size clothing in the way of costumes, which is an amazing new addition to most clothing stores. They do ship internationally and even have a live chat feature.
Roaman’s (http://www.roamans.com/) – Catalog and internet plus-size clothing in sizes 12-44. Roaman’s clothing line is touch and go on selection. The casual items are a let down with elastic waists, pleats, and wild patterns which is suppose to make the statement of youthfulness. However, there are some attractive items in the business, dresses, jackets and blazers, and swimwear categories. Another site which warrants keeping an eye on but it not recommended for everyday purchases. The shipping cost of purchases up to $19 is $5.99 and the cost for purchases over $139 is $16.99. For an additional charge of $7.99, or $16.99, expedient shipping can be purchased.
Avenue (http://www.avenue.com) – Accessible both online, and retail, this plus-size clothing distributor store carries sizes 14-32. Avenue is one of the best shops for everyday plus-size clothes. Their jean selection is extensive, with styles that flatter plus-size women and range from standard to elastic-waist varieties. Also carried are stylish tops, jackets, and activewear. The site has numerous business casual pieces, but does not carry more professional attire. The clothing is fashionable, and fitting for both young and older. Standard 4-8 business day shipping is $4.95 for orders under $25 and goes to $16.95 for orders over $200. They also have expedient shipping but it is based on order price.
Cato (http://www.catofashions.com) – While Cato does not specialize in plus-size clothing, it gets mentioned in this article because it still carries high quality clothing. The styles are fashionable and cover casualwear as well as more business attire. It is also a great place for younger plus-size women who can never find cute outfits to wear. Cato was one of those places that kept my hope alive when I was the fat girl in high school. There were always sales going on, which allowed my grandmother to buy clothing for me, and they didn’t make me look like I was 50. Cato does not offer online shopping, though it does have a website, but is available in 31 states.
Fashion Bug (http://fashionbug.charmingshoppes.com/pagebuilder/HOME) – Shopping at this plus-size store is available in both online and retail store format. While the website and regular store do not specialize in plus-size fashion, they do have a surprising selection, and there is a plus-size clothing store called “Fashion Bug Plus”. The jeans are nice, with only slight flares and rare items which are unflattering to the plus-size woman, and the tops vary between flirty and fresh to loud and unfashionable. Though the latter is in the minority. Though the intimate wear needs to be addressed, the clothing line really expands in the dresses and business wear department. Though Fashion Bug has no professional business plus-size clothing, but they do have a category called “social” which is for the plus-size woman with a nightlife. The options on the website aren’t as extensive as what can be found in the store, and there is even an incentive program. When one acquires a Fashion Bug credit card, and uses it for purchases, they are rewarded with gift cards to spend on in-store purchases. In similar style to the other website, shipping is based upon the order total. For amounts under $25 the shipping is $4.95, and extends to $11.95 for totals over $125. For an additional $7, or $14, expedient shipping is provided. This store does not ship internationally.
