With the rise of weight loss drugs and ever-shifting wellness trends that pop up like stubborn pimples—there are still ways to find clothes that work for your body without shrinking yourself to fit the current trends.
While I’m always a fan of finding plus-size pieces at Old Navy or while digging through the racks at the thrift store, I wanted to highlight a few size-inclusive brands for when you want a staple piece in your wardrobe like a nice dress or top for work or a funky outfit that shows more of your personality. It feels like there’s not a lot of options when it comes to mid-budget options in larger sizes but I’ve got your back and your budget! The biggest tip I have for the brands I’m going to highlight below is follow them on Instagram, sign up for their email lists, and stay tuned for sample sales or random one-off sales that get posted on social media to get a piece that you love that doesn’t break the bank!
Fashion Brand Company – Gorgeous, Stunning, Absurd Yet Sexy
Offerings: Basics and Stand Out Pieces
Pros
- Size-inclusive, plus-size models and accurate sizing/easier to understand size charts
- Small, woman owned business (#girlboss)
- You could find a wedding dress here or a Halloween costume or something for a special occasion like your cousin’s lizard themed bat mitzvah or a basic outfit to wear to the gym
- Lots of natural fiber options, as well as cute but functional active wear and swim options which can be hard to find in plus-size options
- Random sales that the designer, Penelope Gazin, announces on her Instagram stories or on the FBC Instagram like 69% off on Valentine’s Day or ½ off sales if they’re running low on stock of certain items (this is personally when I strike and get a few items)
- High quality, long lasting pieces – I have some items from 2021 that are in my routine clothing rotation that still feel like new!
- May impress your crush so much that they become obsessed with you
Photo Credit: Fashion Brand Company
Cons
- Higher prices – may not be in the budget even during a sale
- One-off pieces that you may not be able to get again later if you fall in love with them
- Can be easier to shop aspirationally during a sale and maybe realize you won’t wear butt cut-out jeans very often
Nettle Studios – Fun, Funky, Art-Teacher Chic
Offerings: Basics and Stand Out Pieces
Pros
- Size-inclusive, plus-size models and accurate sizing/easier to understand size charts
- Ethically made in the United States, small woman-owned business
- Size-inclusive with a lot of breezy, flexible fitting options which is especially great if you tend to flex between sizes
- Basic colors and options while also having fun, colorful pieces that you could pair with a lower budget option item to balance the cost
- Natural fiber options and interesting cuts or patterns
- High-quality and long lasting items – I can vouch for this company myself!
- You may end up being the most well dressed person at your workplace
Photo Credit: Nettle Studios
Cons
- Higher prices – may not be in the budget even during a sale
- One-off pieces that you may not be able to get again later if you fall in love with them
- Things can sell out fast since it’s a small company, follow their Instagram account to see when clothes drops happen so you can be prepared if you really want a specific piece from them
Tradlands – Elevated Basics, Classic Styles, Breezy East Coast Cool
Offerings: Mostly basics that don’t feel basic
Pros
- Size-inclusive, plus-size models
- Small woman-owned business
- Size-inclusive dresses with a lot of breezy, flexible fitting options which is especially great if you tend to flex between sizes
- Mostly natural fiber options with classic cuts or trendy silhouettes
- High-quality and long lasting items – they’re dresses are comfortable and hold up well in the wash!
- Best low effort but put together looks for school, work, or date night
Photo Credit: Tradlands
Cons
- Higher prices – may not be in the budget even during a sale
- They tend to do less restocks especially in larger sizes
- They have since re-worked how some of their plus size items fit but sometimes the fit can vary more than they should between pieces, read the reviews and size up when needed/you’re able to!
- Things can sell out fast since it’s a small company, follow their Instagram account to see when clothes drops happen so you can be prepared if you really want a specific piece from them
Big Bud Press – Millennial-Core, Work Wear, Colorful Unisex Styles
Offerings: Colorful basics and hand painted or dyed one-of-a-kind options
Pros
- Size-inclusive, plus-size models and easier to understand size charts
- Ethically made in the United States, small business
- Unisex sizing that is more flexible if you tend to be in-between sizes
- Sample sales throughout the year that makes pricing more accessible
- High-quality basics and fun workwear, especially great for artists or folks working in creative industries who want to showcase their personal style
- Long-lasting, natural fiber clothing – I have some shorts since 2021 that are still holding up well to this day
- Good resale value on depop and poshmark, if you outgrow a piece or it doesn’t suit your style anymore – people are always quick to buy BBP pieces secondhand \
- Physical shops in major cities like LA, Chicago, and New York if you’re traveling or local and want to try clothes on in-person
- Coolest barista at the local coffee shop vibes (complimentary)
Photo Credit: Big Bud Press
Cons
- Sample sale sizing tends to run a bit small or a bit large depending on the piece, good for tops and accessories but less accurate sizing for shorts and pants
- Size charts can be tricky and a little too vague, I go off the model sizes and whichever model is closest to my body size/fit which works for me since they have more size inclusive models
- Higher prices – may not be in the budget even during a sale
Universal Standard – Best Size Range, Best Fitting Jeans
Offerings: Day-to-night styles, work clothes, best variety of styles and options for straight-size and plus-size folks
Pros
- Truly the best range of options and sizes for straight-size and plus-size folks alike, I’ve gotten work clothes here and the best fitting jeans that I own
- Size-inclusive, plus-size models and accurate sizing/easier to understand size charts
- Great outerwear options! It’s hard to find solid, plus-size outerwear like winter coats and rain jackets – they have coats that are wide-hip friendly and are worth every penny
- Basic colors and options while also having fun, colorful pieces that you could pair with a lower budget option item to balance the cost
- Natural fiber options and interesting cuts or patterns
- High-quality and long lasting items – this is a favorite company of mine and I wait for their sales especially their annual denim drive when jean prices are comparable to Old Navy or Gap
Photo Credit: Universal Standard
Cons
- Higher prices – may not be in the budget even during a sale
- They tend to do less restocks so if you really love something, go for it before it sells out!
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