Back in 2019, I wrote up a list of my favorite plus-size and size-inclusive brands to shop. Six years later, I’m sorry to say, several of those companies have either folded or cut back on their plus-size options. The fashion world (well, the world) has weathered a lot of change since then, including a general cooling on concepts like body positivity and size inclusion. But some brands have stuck it out — and, I have to say, have gotten even better in recent years. Inclusive fashion is still a small world, but it’s thriving. Here are 10 of my favorite brands that are nailing it right now…
Universal Standard
Size US 00-40
I’ve always admired Universal Standard, a brand that sets the bar for inclusivity and quality. But in its early days, the collections were a little austere for my personal taste. In the years since, however, WOW, has it flourished. Universal Standard now produces a broader range of styles (with STUNNING colors), while maintaining its excellent quality. It’s grown-up but not stodgy, which, as any plus-size shopper knows, is tough to come by if you’re anywhere over a size 14. I am absolutely obsessed with this mustard wrap coat, and I’m into the bell-sleeve/boat-neck combo on this striped top.
Thigh Society
Size US 2-34
I had no idea how comfortable I could be in a dress until I got my first pair of Thigh Society shorts to wear underneath. They look like shapewhere, but don’t be fooled — these anti-chafe shorts are all comfort, zero squeezing. They are durable and shockingly breathable, and I genuinely forget I’m wearing them. I wore them on my wedding day and danced for six hours in total comfort under 10 layers of tulle.
Land’s End
Size US 00-26
Yeah, that’s right, Land’s End — remember that catalogue that was always on the mail table growing up? I kind of forgot Land’s End existed sometime around 1998, but when I rediscovered it a few years ago — while desperately hunting for a winter parka in my size — I was shocked to discover that Land’s End got GOOD. It’s one of the few brands that make solid, weather-resistant outerwear in plus sizes, but don’t overlook their indoor clothes. These wide-leg corduroys? This green sweater tee? Okay, Land’s End! I’ll get back on the mailing list!
Ace & Jig
Size XXS-4X
Whenever I spot someone wearing a great print and ask them where it’s from, the answer is always Ace & Jig. No one does prints like them — cheery and artsy and chic, and made of Fair Trade Certified fabrics. Just looking at this dress makes me want to dance at a backyard party. I hemmed and hawed for months over buying a jumpsuit — should I really be spending $240 on overalls? — and eventually went for it during a sale. That was three years ago, and they’re still one of the most-worn, most-treasured items in my wardrobe. The price point isn’t low, but I find the cost-per-wear value to be excellent.
Wray
XXS-6XL
Wray is another great brand dispelling the myth that plus-size clothes must be either bland and boxy OR asymmetrical and covered with bows on the back (why always on the back??). Their collections are full of great pieces with vintage flair — fun, but not spangled, if you know what I mean. I love this deep-berry dress, and these checked pants have totally upended my lifelong aversion to checks. Another thing I appreciate about Wray is that they re-sell their secondhand items, and allow shoppers to list their own previous purchases. I’ve never re-sold on their site, but I’m always keeping at eye out for retired designs I didn’t get a chance to grab the first time.
Big Bud Press
Size XP-7XL
Big Bud Press is best known for their jumpsuits, and for good reason. They are true forever pieces in that the styles are classic and the materials are top-notch durable. But can we talk about the rest of their products? The work jackets! The carpenter overalls and tees in every color of the rainbow!
Old Navy
Perhaps an obvious choice, but credit where credit is due. Old Navy checks boxes that virtually no other brand does: They produce all womenswear in the company’s full size range, and they photograph pieces on a variety of models, allowing shoppers to select a model size when browsing online. I find that particular feature so helpful that it’s one of the reasons I keep coming back to Old Navy (hint, hint, other brands!). It’s also kind of amazing to be able to click a button and suddenly see a page full of bodies that look more like my own. I’m absolutely devoted Old Navy’s button downs and high-waisted flare jeans. And I spent all summer in this swim romper, which was so cute I’m proooobably going to buy another for next year right now.
Peridot Robes
Size 14-40
Do you know how hard it is to find an even slightly plus-size robe? I get weirdly bummed out about this. True, a robe is not as important as, say, underwear or a winter jacket. But a comfy, pretty, lounge-y robe is the kind of luxury you take for granted until you look around and realize it’s completely unavailable to you. I was THRILLED to discover Peridot Robes, a company that’s devoted to filling this gap (and making more cute loungewear to boot!). And how luscious are the fabrics?! I am currently fantasizing about swanning about in this juicy tie-dye number.
Rachel Antonoff
Size 0-26
Rachel Antonoff’s pieces are just the cutest, but never so cutsey that I’d feel childish wearing them. (This rainbow cookie sweater is top of my Christmas wish list, in case anyone’s interested!) I also enjoy the brand’s gorgeous, playful lookbooks, and the fact that they typically feature a variety of ages and genders modeling the clothes. I do wish they incorporated more plus models — especially those on the larger end of the spectrum. But I’m hopeful that a brand so willing to flout industry standards in other ways can be nudged in the right direction. So, let’s nudge.
Girlfriend Collective
XXS-6XL
Girlfriend Collective will always have a special place in my heart for being one of the only activewear companies that stocked plus sizes from the start. I give them huge credit for alerting other brands to the fact that many plus-size people do, in fact, enjoy exercise and would LOVE to do it in something other than a giant T-shirt. I never had an actual workout set until Girlfriend came along, let alone a variety of cuts and colors from which to choose. I especially like their cropped workout bras, and I’ve been eyeing this balletic long-sleeve bodysuit for months.
So, who else is getting it right these days? Any more inclusive (or plus!) brands I should check out?
P.S. Jordan Sondler’s week of outfits (featuring more great inclusive brands!), and what’s the ‘hero piece’ in your closet?
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