Where Are the Plus Size Clothes for Women Over 60?
One of the most common complaints that I get when I post a fashion article is that I don’t focus enough on plus size clothes for women our age. Typical comments include things like, and, I’m paraphrasing here, “I applaud these women for their boldness, but, frankly, I don’t have a 28 inch waist. How about showing us some plus size women?”
Frankly, I don’t disagree with these comments. I’m not a super skinny woman. Like many women in our community, I try to stay in shape, but I am still rounded in all the usual places. No, the problem is not that I am avoiding featuring older plus size models. The problem is that I can’t find any!
Here is our list of the best places to buy plus size clothes:
- Lane Bryant – the pioneer in plus size clothing in the USA.
- Maurices – contemporary styling which appeals to older women.
- Gwynie Bee – unique concept in that you order clothing, wear it, and either send it back to exchange or keep it.
- Ashley Stewart – American plus size women’s clothing company and lifestyle brand.
- Just My Size – quality lingerie for plus sized women.
- Dress Barn – online sales only. They offer a great plus size section with a variety of selections.
- Addition Elle – Penningtons’ plus size division for trendy curvy fashionistas.
- Dia & Co – created as a way for women to embrace their individuality.
- Avenue – carries a variety of brands that cater exclusively to plus size women.
- Woman Within – offer great-fitting clothing for women in sizes up to 6X.
Read 5 EASY WAYS FOR PLUS SIZE WOMEN IN THEIR 60S TO EMBRACE FASHION.
Where Can We Find Plus Size Clothes for Women Our Age?
In a way, this is symptomatic of a larger problem that I would like your help in solving. When it comes to fashion, youth and slenderness are still the most desirable traits. As a result, older women with rounded bodies feel doubly rejected.
The good news is that designers are starting to recognize the opportunity that plus size women represent. For example, H&M has a plus size range, even if it is not targeted specifically at older women.
The bad news is that this change isn’t happening fast enough. This slow shift is somewhat puzzling when you consider the fact that, according to MassMutual Financial Group, Boomer women control ¾ of the wealth in the U.S.
To help accelerate this process, I’d like to ask for your help in highlighting some of the shops and brands that cater to the needs of plus size women. I hope that this approach will have a couple of benefits.
First, we can expose each other to new plus size clothing options that we may not have previously considered. Second, we can speak with one voice and help the fashion industry to understand the potential opportunity that they are missing. Let’s tell the world that we deserve to be fashionable and comfortable too!
I’d love to get your thoughts on this.
Where do you think are the best places to shop for plus size clothes for women our age? Are there any brands that you couldn’t live without now that you have found them? Please add your favorite brands and shops in the comments below.
Community Update! Here Are Some of Your Favorite Places to Shop for Plus Size Clothes
From your comments, it’s clear that finding plus-size clothing for women is still a challenge. At the same time, it’s also clear that you have found some hidden gems.
Top 10 Stores in the United States that Sell Plus-Size Clothes for Women
Lane Bryant
Lane Bryant is the pioneer in plus size clothing in the USA. It’s a woman-founded, woman-led brand. 115 years after Lena Bryant started designing and producing clothing (even before women could vote) the brand has expanded and now specializes in women’s plus size designs.
This soft easy-to-wear cardigan comes in several fun colors. A cardigan is a must-have in every woman’s closet.
These super comfy Linen Wide-Leg Pants can be dressed up or down, depending on how you accessorize them.
Maurice’s
Maurice’s features a specialty section specifically tailored for plus sizes, providing a diverse range of clothing options. With contemporary styling that transcends age, the store attracts not only younger shoppers but also older women seeking fashionable and inclusive attire to suit their unique preferences and sizes.
Plus Size 24/7 Fairhaven V Neck Dolman Tee in animal print is fun to pair with jeans for a dressed-down look or black trousers and gold accessories to create a dressier outfit.
Gwynie Bee
The Gwynie Bee exchange concept is unique in that you order clothing, wear it, and either send it back to exchange or keep it. They dry clean the clothing and put it back into circulation. Great way to continuously update your wardrobe!
The Satin Button-down Brick Dress looks great with jeans for a casual look or leggings and booties for a more formal outing
Ashley Stewart
Ashley Stewart is an American plus size women’s clothing company and lifestyle brand, which was founded in 1991. The name Ashley Stewart was inspired by Laura Ashley and Martha Stewart, who the company saw as icons of upscale Americana. The ship internationally!
Trendy Ombre Slub Woven Midaxi Shirtdress comes in black, blue, and yellow.
Just My Size
Just My Size is renowned for producing high-quality lingerie designed specifically for plus-sized women. Their collections offer a wide range of stylish and comfortable options, ensuring that women of all sizes feel confident and empowered in their undergarments.
Glamorise Full Figure Plus Size MagicLift® Active Wirefree Support Bra
JMS Women’s Plus Stretch Jersey Leggings
Having a pair of leggings in your wardrobe adds versatility to your outfits.
Dress Barn
Dress Barn closed all their retail stores in 2019 and relocated to online sales only. They offer a great plus size section with a variety of selections.
The MEADOW DREAM MAXI DRESS is perfect for a formal or semi-formal event. Wrap dresses look great on practically every shape and size.
Addition Elle
Addition Elle, Pennington’s premier plus-size division, caters to fashionable curvy women seeking trendy attire. Offering an extensive array of stylish clothing, from casual wear to elegant dresses, Addition Elle empowers curvy fashionistas to embrace their unique style and feel confident in their own skin.
White Curvy-Fit Wide-Leg Jeans – d/C JEANS are perfect for every spring/summer wardrobe.
Dia & Co
Dia & Co was founded in 2015 by Nadia Boujarwah who found it difficult to find clothing in her size. She created it as a way for women just like herself to embrace their individuality.
This Swim Dress at Dia & CO has just the perfect amount of trending nautical flair!
Avenue
Avenue offers an array of exclusive brands tailored specifically for plus-size women, providing a diverse selection of fashion-forward clothing and accessories. With a commitment to inclusivity and style, Avenue offers curated collections that empower plus-size women to express their personalities.
The Casey Stripe Shirt in blue has a fun mixed-print design and wrap styling that looks great on all shapes, even those with large busts.
Woman Within
Woman Within also carries a variety of brands that cater to plus sizes. They offer great-fitting clothing for women in sizes up to 6X and have been for over 50 years.
The Long terry robe at Woman Within comes in ten fun and chic colors.
If you don’t live in the US, there are lists of retailers in Europe and Australia/New Zealand offering plus-size clothing at the end of this post.
Many of the women who commented on this issue said that they wanted to avoid looking like an “old lady.” Instead, they wanted to find plus-size clothing that is comfortable, stylish and affordable. Are you listening all you fashion designers out there? There is a huge market here! Just give us what we want!
Who knows, maybe there is a fashion designer in our community who will take up the challenge. After all, in many ways, older entrepreneurs hold all the cards.
Read Interview with a Plus-Size Fashion Designer – Her Styling Tips for You Curvy Women Over 50?
In addition, you also offered several practical suggestions for where to buy plus-size clothing. I’ve included a list of your favorite stores, by region, below. If you have any other suggestions, please add them in the comments section below.
A few more US stores offering plus size clothes for women:
- Cato Fashion
- Catherines
- Chicos
- Christopher and Banks
- Gudrun Sjoden
- J. Jill
- Kohls
- Lands End
- Kaliyana
- QVC
- Penningtons
- Reitmans
- Soft Surroundings
While most of these stores are not exclusively plus-size retailers, they all offer either a plus-size category or size-inclusive items, meaning that most items’ size charts can range from 2 to 22.
Stores in Europe that Sell Plus Size Clothes for Women
Stores in New Zealand and Australia that Sell Plus Size Clothes for Women
Read 10 PLUS SIZE DRESSES FOR WOMEN OVER 50.
Also read PLUS SIZE FASHION TIPS: FINDING SLEEVES TO FLATTER EVERY FIGURE.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What other amazing places have you found that offer plus-size clothing for women our age? Please add them below.
Anthropologie has a great selection!
Coldwater creek
It’s not just about finding appropriate sizes-I find the quality and style to be lacking in many of the plus size stores. I’m fluffy but still have a sense of style! Fabrics that don’t cling, sleeves at a flattering length, figure enhancing designs-all these would be a plus! Lafayette 148, Misook, Ming Wang, and Eileen Fisher also offer larger sizes.
Ulla Popken has been my go to brand since around 2007. Sadly, their quality has gone down over several years with thinner material, badly cut patterns, but still higher prices. QVC is much better with designers like Isaac Mizrahi. I can fit in his 3X, where I need 4X in Woman Within. Also Quacker Factory and Denim & Company on QVC are good. Woman Within quality can be pretty bad, but also very good, depending on the item. Read reviews before buying anything from there. Mod Cloth has darling, retro clothing, up to 4X. Sign up, then watch for sales. Look for vintage clothing on eBay. There are some gently worn or NWOT items on there for good prices. Bob Mackie wearable art tops and sweaters on eBay are generously sized. I can wear his size 3X.
I want to be a plus size fashion model/ influencer. There is a niche out there for me.. 😂!!!