For many years, the stereotypical plus sized clothing store has carried baggy, shapeless clothes. They were either all black, due to the misconception that “black is slimming” or they were plastered with large, ugly flower patterns. Elastic waist pants and flowing muumuus were once the main staples of a large woman’s wardrobe. It seems that some designers and stores are FINALLY getting the concept that young plus sized women really want to wear the same colors, styles, and patterns as everyone else; we just want it in our size, cut to fit our curves. Here are the top five stores that I’ve found to be finally getting with the program and providing a real choice of style to the average American woman.
Lane Bryant: This store is in many ways still trying to overcome its reputation for carrying frumpy clothing designed primarily for older women. For the last several years, Lane Bryant has renewed its image and begun catering to a younger crowd. They always appear to be on top of the latest trends. Window shoppers not familiar with the store would likely not realize that it was any different from any other trendy clothing store in the mall. Lane Bryant carries the latest fashions and fads, but also has a good selection of standard wardrobe items: jeans, dress pants, and undergarments to name a few. The prices are moderate and the clothing is generally of good quality.
The Avenue: Similar to Fashion Shop, the Avenue carries low priced clothing of moderate quality. They are often viewed as catering to older women, but have recently begun carrying more youthful looks in their stores.
Dillards: Most large department stores have extremely limited plus size departments. Dillards, however, seems to realize what a huge market they were missing out on by not carrying a wider variety of larger sizes. The Dillards closest to my home has half of an entire floor devoted to women’s plus sizes. The prices vary greatly from inexpensive to outrageously pricey, and they carry a good selection of popular name brands such as Elisabeth (Liz Claiborne) and Tommy Hilfiger. They also tend to have a good selection of plus-sized swimsuits and formal dresses, two items that can be nearly impossible to find.
Torrid: This is a relatively new and rapidly expanding company once owned by the creators of the Hot Topic stores. The look of Torrid’s clothing is generally youthful and unique. Those looking for a gothic or otherwise funky outfit would do well to shop at Torrid. Prices are moderate, and clothing is fairly good in quality.
