A walk through H&M or Zara may be disappointing for plus-size shoppers looking for style on a budget. But log online and you can search, compare, and shop for thousands of pieces. These brands and retailers carry plus-size lines that are fashionable and affordable. All prices, sales, and shipping deals are as of the time of writing.
No matter what's missing in a wardrobe, Target's plus-size brand, Ava & Viv, probably carries it in sizes ranging from X (14W) to 4X (28W to 30W). From outerwear to bridesmaid dresses to sleepwear, Target offers a large collection of items online, some available for in-store pickup. Prices are fair, including summer dresses in the $20 to $30 range. Target offers free returns and free shipping for orders over $25.
Signature Item: Printed off the shoulder dress by Xhilaration for $30. A unique, off-the-shoulder dress with paisley print that is perfect for spring.
For trendy styles from top-quality brands, many online shoppers head to ASOS. It's a step above fast-fashion brands such as Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe, and its Women's Curve & Plus Size styles are suitable for the office or going out, including tasteful skater dresses, casual tops, and more. Hundreds of items, some up to size 26, start at less than $10 in the store's sale section.
Great Buy: Curve cami with square neck and drape back for $13 Pair this sexy, draped olive cami with a blazer or bomber jacket for work or play.
Forever 21 has taken over the fast-fashion world, and part of that is its Forever 21+ section stocked with seasonal trends: floral rompers, festival wear, high-low styled tops, and printed shorts in sizes up to 3X. Forever 21 clothing is prone to shrinking in the wash, so read the care instructions -- especially for pieces made of 100 percent rayon. Free shipping is offered for purchases over $50.
Great Buy: Denim high-rise shorts for $20. These stretch-denim shorts, with a high waistline creating a flattering fit, come in three colors.
Lane Bryant is a dependable go-to, offering an expansive selection in-store and online in sizes 14 to 32. Its quality clothing may cost more than some other brands, but deals are frequent (such as its BOGO $10 sales on tops) and there's free shipping to stores.
Signature Item: Cutout neck tank for $30. Add this staple to a work wardrobe in classic colors (pitch black and gray), or go bright in deep lagoon or magenta cosmo. Reviewers advise pairing with a nude bra.
Shoppers with the energy to raid sales pages should head to Macy's. The store is well-known for its clearance racks and holiday sales, sometimes with markdowns of 50 percent to 75 percent. Macys.com has thousands of items in its clearance section in sizes 12W (0X) to 28W (4X) and a Trendy Plus Sizes section.
Signature Item: Karen Scott cotton button-trim V-Neck top for $13. Created for Macy's, this top has an asymmetrical edge that adds style to comfort.
Relatively inexpensive Charlotte Russe specializes in fun, flirty fashion geared toward teens and young adults, with sections dedicated to plus-size dresses, tops, jeans, skirts, shorts, pants, and outerwear. Trendy items include bodycon dresses, rompers, and maxi dresses in sizes up to 4X or 26. Free shipping is offered for purchases over $50.
Great Buy: Polka dot palazzo pants for $21. Wear them to the beach with a bikini or tuxedo shirt on top. These crepe-knit, wide-leg pants add fun, comfortable style.
For those looking for more basic and conservative styles, Old Navy carries a wide selection of work-appropriate pants, sweaters, and dresses up to size 30, as well as plus-size workout clothes and belts. Prices are low and sales frequent. Free shipping is offered for online orders over $50.
Great Buy: Fit & Flare cami dress for $30. This pretty, light dress comes in black or pink floral just in time for a new spring look.
The new Missguided+ line from Missguided offers edgy selections with figure-hugging silhouettes, modern cuts, and tailored items that flatter every curve. Check out the U.K.-based retailer for plunge dresses, midi skirts, and sassy shirts in sizes 12 to 20. Missguided offers $5 standard shipping and a 50 percent student discount.
Great Buy: Curve khaki distressed pocket T-shirt dress for $26. Distressed jeans and tees are all the rage among the cool kids.
Torrid specializes in hot, new plus-size styles in sizes 10 to 30. Its prices are higher than fast-fashion brands -- most tops start above $30 and dresses at $50 -- but steals can be found in the clearance section. Torrid offers free U.S. shipping on purchases over $75.
Great Buy: Harper green georgette sleeveless pullover blouse for $29. Match this rich seafoam blouse with favorite shades and a sun hat. The flowing shirttail hem is perfect for work or brunch.
Kmart offers a great variety of plus-size clothing up to size 32 (4X) with tops and tees starting at around $10, shorts at $11, dresses at $20, and swimwear at $25. Kmart offers free shipping for orders over $35.
Great Buy: Joe Boxer high-waist bikini swim bottoms for $20. Pineapples are this season's icon, gracing everything from stationery to home decor.
If you love your curves but have trouble finding sexy lingerie to flaunt them, head to Hips & Curves. It carries an impressive variety of chemises, garter belts, lingerie sets, and more in sizes up to 6X or 26 and bras up to GG. A sale includes corsets and chemises starting at less than $30. Purchases over $95 get free shipping.
Great Buy: Off the shoulder lace bodysuit for $30. Available in dark red and black, this lace bodysuit is sexy and tempting. The lace material is soft and stretchy, and the elastic neckline lends comfort.
Rainbow is known for clothing that's perfect for play, whether it's figure-hugging zip-up dresses or distressed jeans. The inexpensive chain carries plus-size clothing in sizes up to 24 or 4X at cheap prices, such as maxis, rompers, and high-waisted print shorts for less than $15. Rainbow offers free shipping for purchases over $50, and free returns to more than 1,100 stores.
Great Buy: WAX denim shortalls for $23. Overalls are making a comeback. Pair with high-top sneakers and a favorite tee for an urban look.
Dress Barn carries plus-size clothing in sizes 14 to 24 at reasonable prices. The selection includes work pants, sleepwear, skinny jeans, and tops. Dress Barn offers free shipping on orders over $50 and free returns in store and online.
Signature Item: Jones Studios textured tank for $23. This classic comes in stone or cobalt blue, with a scoop neck and textured look that will go well under blazers and cardigans.
Brand-name plus-size clothing such as pants, tanks, and even fleece sweaters start at less than $20 at 6pm. Sort by percent off to find the items with the largest markdowns. The site offers free shipping for orders over $50, or for orders with at least two items.
Great Buy: Becca by Rebecca Virtue Southern Belle vintage fit bottom for $33. If florals are a wardrobe staple, try this high-waist bottom. It features bright peonies in a vintage design that's eye-grabbing and flattering at the waist.
Amazon's fashion marketplace is a good place to look for plus-size styles, especially for Prime subscribers. A quick search found unique designs such as a chiffon crop shrug, cold shoulder dresses, and cinch waist beach cover-ups.
Great Buy: S.L. Fashions solid chiffon cascade crop shrug for $4 Drape this flowing burgundy shrug over an outfit for an instant upgrade. It's a steal.
For professional, quality outfits, consider Loft's new Loft Plus line for comfortable tops, tropical shirt dresses, and wrap skirts. Loft offers free shipping and returns on all Loft Plus orders.
Great Buy: Loft Plus striped flare cuff tee for $39.50. This soft cotton pullover features fluttering sleeves and a striped pattern. It pairs easily with jeans and sneakers, or dress it up with pants and a dramatic necklace.
Avenue sells plus-size clothing exclusively, and offers a variety of collections such as bright prints, kimonos, and bold geo prints. There's free shipping from store to store or for purchases over $50, and $1 standard shipping on any U.S. order.
Great Buy: Floral trim skirt for $27. No boring pencil skirt here -- this skirt's white floral trim and unique puff print will step up your work game.
For brighter, trendy tastes, head to Ashley Stewart, which offers sizes up to 36. Think hoodie dresses in army colors, asymmetrical colorblock pieces, and cocktail dresses with fluttering bell sleeves. Dresses start at around $40, but there are frequent sales, and many items in the clearance section.
Signature Item: Floral border print zip-front top for $40. Turn heads in the boardroom in this bold zippered crop top. Pair with a favorite pencil skirt or hemmed pants for a versatile, memorable work look.
Nightclub goers and fashionistas who love dramatic looks can find outfits in Boohoo's Plus & Curve Clothing line. Basic tees, bandeaus, and crop tops can be found for less than $10. Some of Boohoo's regular items, including those in its new Zendaya Edit line, go up to size 18.
Great Buy: Plus Jane square-neck wide-leg jumpsuit for $29. Channel your lady in red for a night out in this chic jumpsuit. It will go perfectly with black heels and clutch; throw a blazer or leather jacket on top for chilly nights.
When scouring for deals, don't forget about Nordstrom Rack, which carries a variety of brands on sale. Consider an elegant ruffle trim long-sleeve tee, a crochet lace bell sleeve top, or a professional red sheath dress with ruffled cold shoulders. There's free shipping on orders over $100 and free 45-day returns to any Nordstrom Rack store.
Great Buy: Susina faux shearling draped collar cardigan for $10.50. This cozy cardigan comes in five colors and features a soft faux shearling color and brushed knit material. At 70 percent off with plenty of sizes and colors in stock, it's a steal.
Venus offers a variety of fashionable spring and summer clothing, including embroidered maxi, fringe bottom, and floral wrap dresses. There's also plenty of trendy rompers and jumpsuits to choose from.
Great Buy: Tie chain romper for $20. A dressy romper appropriate for work or play comes in dark navy or red and features gold chain neckline detailing.
Rue21's styles are reminiscent of Forever21, geared toward a younger audience. It carries the usual items as well as Plus Swim, NFL Shop, and wide-width shoes and offers free shipping to stores on orders over $35 and free shipping on orders over $50.
Great Buy: Plus Light pink "No Probllama" sleep set for $20. Pajamas should be fun and comfortable, and this fulfills both requirements. Both pieces are made of 100 percent cotton. The shorts have a drawstring waist.
Like other big box retailers, JCPenney has a huge selection of plus-sized clothing. Its clearance section offers classic T-shirts starting at $5, slouchy long-sleeve tops for less than $10, and bright pastel shorts for less than $14. JCPenney offers free same-day pickup for select online items.
Great Buy: Xersion floral strappy back bra for $15. Whether it's intense workouts or a light jog, feel secure in this floral sports bra decorated with a sexy strappy design in the back. A reviewer says she wears it daily for its great support.
Burlington Coat Factory is a go-to for deals on jackets and coats and has an extensive plus-sized selection. It carries fun printed leggings, moisture-wicking active T-shirts, and midi skirts. There's free shipping on orders over $75 and free in-store returns.
Great Buy: Olivia Blu floral embroidered ponte knit midi skirt for $13. For a midi skirt for work, consider this light pink embroidered skirt that hits just below the knee. Pair with a favorite work blouse and flats.
Check out Lands' End for relaxed fits and simple patterns. Its plus-sized section houses a variety of classic patterned cotton tank tops, layering tees, and turtlenecks (some on sale for less than $15). Lands' End offers free shipping on orders over $50.
Signature Item: Cotton tank top for $20. Available in 12 colors, the tank material is made of an all-cotton interlock knit. Its plus-size tanks have bust darts for improved shape and fit around the armholes.
Kohl's offers thousands of items in its plus-size clothing section online, where plenty of sale items can be found for less than $10. But head over to its Trendy Plus Size page for pieces from Lauren Conrad, Jennifer Lopez, and the Simply Vera Vera Wang lines. Kohl's offers free same-day pickup and free shipping with a $75 purchase.
Signature Item: Croft & Barrow stretch pull-on ankle pants for $44. Elastic waistband and stretchy cotton material bring comfort, while the straight-leg cut and ankle length add style.
City Chic specializes in sleek, urban clothing for curvy customers and offers free shipping and free returns. Its clothing start a higher range, but fashion comes at a price. For example, clearance items start at around $30. Keep an eye out for sitewide discounts.
Great Buy: Split sleeve top for $30. Trendy off-the-shoulder and split sleeve features combine in this shirt. Pair with jeans and heels for play, or tailored pants for a dramatic work look.
Trendsetters already know about Eloquii, with apparel in sizes 14 to 28. Its regularly priced items start in the $50 range and go up to $150 and more, but browsing the sale section and special offers could score a pair of floral crepe pants or a dramatic cascading dress for less. At time of writing, Eloquii offered free shipping on orders over $125.
Signature Item: 9-to-5 layering top for $35. Literally any bottom pairs with this classic, and fluttering elbow-length sleeves and a breezy, flowing silhouette make any outfit possible. Consider wearing a belt to add shape.
Dresslily offers a solid selection of tops, dresses, and bottoms for plus sizes, but check out the swimwear collection. A cute naval themed two-piece can be had for less than $10, and a sunny floral backless one-piece for $15. There's also a nice collection of swim cover-ups and colorful beach throws. Dresslily offers a 30-day return guarantee and free shipping worldwide.
Great Buy: Halter cherry boyshort vintage bathing suit for $23. For a vintage swim look, get this adorable boyshort suit. It features a halter neckline with an all-over cherry print and bow at the center dip. Try pairing with a versatile cover-up ($16) that will work anywhere on the beach.
For everyday staples, Sear's plus-size line, Simply Emma, offers dresses, tops, and bottoms starting well below $10. Think comfortable T-shirts, printed blouses, Bermuda shorts, and bootcut jeans. Sears.com offers free shipping on orders over $25.
Signature Item: Simply Emma open-front cardigan for $14. For a cozy cardigan to throw on at home or a chilly office, try this open-front cardigan made of soft, lightweight knit. The relaxed fit and fashionable sharkbite hem bring fashion and comfort together. It comes in gray, blue, red and black.
