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I will be honest, I don’t have the best fashion sense, I would say my style is more “plain Jane, girl next door” than anything you might see floating on IG these days.
But that doesn’t mean I can’t wish for new things hoping someday it would just click. So as I made my way back & forth to NYC every summer (the joys of living in the Tri-state area), I was reluctant to purchase anything in the clothing category as a souvenir.
After meeting Peter, I later realized my fear of purchasing even a t-shirt was not unwarranted or unfounded because we both realized that majority of souvenir shops don’t go past XL.
Maybe it’s because of New York Fashion Week or Sex in the City, who knows, but if you are planning a trip to NYC with the intent to shop and you are larger than a size 12, you might be wondering where to find some cute, unique, valuable, etc. clothing.
I’ve pulled together a list of stores throughout NYC that provide plus-size clothing for women so you don’t have to hunt for them yourself.
If you are looking for men’s clothing, check out this post Peter pulled together about “Where he has found men’s clothing in NYC.”
Visiting NYC? Here are some things to do or see!
1449 Rockaway Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11236
Cost Index: $
Ashley Stewart is one of the top stores I have had recommendations for by other plus size and curvy women throughout my journey. While in New York City you will be delighted to find approximately 7 stores located throughout the city.
Catered towards a forward and modern fashion with a conservative appeal you will be delighted to find at least one thing to fit into your wardrobe. Their prices run lower in comparison to other stores throughout the city with shirts starting around $38 and going up.
Sizes Carried: 12-36
1360 Fulton St # 107, Brooklyn, NY 11216
Cost Index: $
Avenue is a great mixture of everything we always wanted. High end and basic combined with special occasion options. Priced in the middle of our chart, they provide a little something for everyone.
Sizes Carried: 14-32
395 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Cost Index: $$$
Eileen Fisher is the high end of fashion for plus size, well at least the dollar amount is. They carry items such as basic t-shirts and jeans all the way to cocktail dresses and ball gowns.
Like their price point buddies Lafayette 148, Eileen Fisher opts to use skinny models on their plus size clothing section on their website. I don’t know maybe it’s just me, but this erks me especially considering how much they are asking for to purchase a pair of jeans.
When walking into the store you will be faced with clean and organized racks with this seasons line in stock. So basically everything my closet isn’t. As for assistance in finding sizes and trends that might be a good fit for you. Also note they too are on the highest end of the budget scale so plan accordingly with your shopping.
Sizes Carried: 10-24W (smaller sizes available)
330 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
There are 3 stores within NYC, you can find them here.
Cost Index: $
Fashion to Figure offers a wide variety of choices from intimates and swimwear to business and casual attire.
Sizes Carried: 12-24
179 Stanton St, New York, NY 10002
Cost Index: $$
From casual to classic Kiyonna/ Curvaceous K is a great place to find something for everyone. Priced rather well you can find cocktail dresses for a night out on the town or a shirt to remind you of your adventures throughout New York City.
Sizes Carried: 10-32
148 Lafayette St 8th floor New York, NY 10013
Cost Index: $$
Take the elevator to the 8th floor and shop in style at Lafayette 148. The showroom has all of the current seasons pieces you can look through and find what you would like. Once you have chosen different style an assistant will help you by gathering your sizes while you wait. Essentially go chase your Pretty Woman shopping dreams! Lafayette 148 is the higher end of budgeting based on our research, so be aware of that while planning out your trip to this store.
The only thing I found disheartening about this company is that their plus size offerings online do not show plus size women. When companies do this it can make it really difficult to a) feel included b) judge the clothing and the companies mindset.
Sizes Carried: 14-24
42 W 39th St 17th Floor, New York, NY 10018
Cost Index: $$$
Do you remember Fashion Bug? La Cera gives me a similar vibe with their take on comfort. Priced moderately this company offers everything from sleepwear to formal. What I love the most about La Cera is that they have a geniune mix of plus size and regular sized models throughout their Instagram and website, giving customers the feeling of inclusion.
Sizes Carried: 12-30
380 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Lane Bryant can be found across the United States, there are numerous stores throughout New York City. You can find additional stores here.
Cost Index: $$
I used to work for Lane Bryant in my local mall during college. Back then they focused a lot on business pants and casual attire. While they filled my closet during college, I always found that the style was more grown up than towards young adult.
However, nowadays I wear a lot of business attire and suits that I actually can’t wait to give them a try again. This location of Lane Bryant is located within a mall, so don’t be surprised by if you find yourself purchasing new panties, a business suit and an Auntie Anne’s pretzel along the way.
Sizes Carried: 10-32
42 Crosby St, New York, NY 10012
Cost Index: $$
I know what you are thinking… aren’t they an online clothing store? The answer is yes! But recently ModCloth has been filtering their way into Brick and Mortar stores for customers to try on and order in store.
I tried their store out in Houston, Texas last year while on a business trip. I loved the idea of trying on different options and feeling the material (this is a huge thing for me). I didn’t order anything while in the store, but I did go home and order a few pieces a few days later.
It was a unique experience, but I loved being able to try on before buying.
Sizes Carried: XXS-4X
455 Graham Avenue, Right, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Cost Index: $
Noted as a unique boutique with one of a kind focus BKLYN gives customers a fresh new funky take on fashion trends. You can find a lot of options in store, but they also have great options online as well. So if you get home and really regret not picking up that dress or earings, check their website they might have them available for you to grab.
Sizes Carried: 14 – 26, with select styles up to 32 (according to their Facebook Page)
Rainbow Shops
110 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002
There are stores scattered throughout NYC, to find out where their other locations are please click here.
Cost Index: $
Rainbow Shops is priced for the smaller budget, with shirts as low as $10 it’s really the place to beat. They offer trending styles, modern twist on conservative styles and your everyday plain t-shirt as well. For staple items, this is definitely a place to check out.
Sizes Carried: 12-24 (smaller sizes as well)
270 W 38th St Suite # 2000, New York, NY 10018
Cost Index: $$$$
I have seen Shegul pop up on the forums throughout the internet a lot when asked about places to shop for Plus Size clothing. While I haven’t purchased nor do I own anything from this company personally, obviously they must be doing something right.
Their designs are something out of literature combined with whimsy and conservative trends, making their line offer something for everyone. While they are in our second to highest price range, owning a piece would be worthwhile, at least according to the online forums.
Sizes Carried: 12-26
2145 Ralph Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11234
Torrid has plenty of locations throughout New York City and you can find them here.
Cost Index: $
I remember when Torrid first opened their doors in my local mall. It felt like a plus size version of Hot Topic and I had no desire to step foot into their store. As the years have gone by I stopped following them only to return upon encouragement from other ladies in our Facebook Group.
I found them to be affordable and have the business attire I need for work.
Sizes Carried: 10-30
65 Greene St, New York, NY 10012
Cost Index: $$$
Work with a stylist and step out of your own comfy clothes. Universal Standard might look small, but they offer a might big punch. Although they are on the higher end, they cater to everyone. What more do you really need?
Sizes Carried: 6-32
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The Portly Passengers provides plus size inclusive travel tips and advice for anyone who is looking to explore the world. From seat sizes on airplanes to exploring museums, restaurants, and nature Melissa & Peter have the experience and stories to help guide you through it.