As a fashion editor, I’m always on the lookout for brands that have yet to be discovered by the masses. Think indie labels, vintage shops, and designers that aren’t yet sold at every major retailer. In fact, finding all of the above is more like a hobby than a job—one that I spend a lot of time partaking in. Unfortunately, most of these brands—like so many that already exist in the industry—don’t serve the majority of women in America: plus-size women, who, despite making up 70% of the population, often receive only minor attention from the fashion world.
Because of this, many plus-size shoppers face an uphill battle when it comes to finding brands to support that aren’t already well-known or part of the fast-fashion universe. That is why after scouring the depths of Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, and more platforms for sartorial discovery, I knew I had to spotlight a few of the brands on my running list that not only cater to women size 14 and up, but do it well. From beloved brands that only recently extended their sizes (I’m looking at you, Ganni!) to recently launched labels that specialize in trend-forward styles for shoppers of all sizes, the list ahead is a gold mine for plus-size shoppers who don’t want what everyone else already has.
For elevated classics that don’t miss, Los Angeles–based label Baacal is a must-try. Named after Lauren Baacal, a movie star from the 1940s who seldom followed the rules, the brand, founded by Cynthia Vincent, follows in its muse’s footsteps. Rather than following fashion’s exclusive rules, she set out to design fit-focused clothing for “the true majority,” or customers that wear sizes 10 to 22.
Everyone needs a slip skirt like this one in their wardrobe.
This color is so incredibly luxe.
A wardrobe staple.
Brooklyn-based online vintage shop Berriez is the brainchild of Emma Zak, who, after years of struggling to find clothing that not only fit her colorful aesthetic, but also her body type, took matters into her own hands. Having always loved vintage, but also understanding that plus-size pieces are hard to come by, she now sources the best of the best in secondhand clothing for the plus-size community.
Can it be spring already, please?
After popping up in Marine Serre’s S/S 22 collection, it’s clear that popcorn tops are making a comeback.
This dress is giving serious ’70s mod vibes.
See Rose Go founders Yi Zhou and Erin Cavanaugh met while working together at Nike, where they discovered that the same qualities athletes look for in activewear, consumers also desire in their everyday clothing: style, durability, and heat regulation, according to Forbes. See Rose Go is the result of that discovery—a brand focused on providing intentional designs for customers sizes 10 to 28.
Faux leather always.
Shackets are both a trend and a staple.
This will get so much wear.
Forget size-inclusive fashion that plays it safe. Karoline Vitto’s eponymous brand, with its flossy skirts and cutout tops, is all about empowering plus-size women to celebrate their bodies through clothing.
I’m bias toward a peek-a-boo garment.
Sultry doesn’t even begin to describe this cutout midi skirt.
From the cutouts to the color, this ribbed knit has it all.
C’est D founder Doyeon Yoni Yu has one mission: to bring a sense of sartorial choice to those who’ve long been denied that freedom due to the size they wear, and in turn, empower plus-size women to love themselves and their bodies.
This dress just screams, “Party!”
I personally love a ruched moment.
That crystal-sleeve detail is everything.
Luxury fashion label Coyan is a one-stop shop for stunning, made-to-order evening wear—available in sizes up to 24—that will last you a lifetime. Though the brand’s pieces will cost you a chunk of change, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll never need to search for a gown that looks and feels great ever again.
I’ve never been drawn to a color more.
Gorgeous.
This gown is your answer to any black tie–related shopping struggles.
You might know Lauren Chan from her appearances on Christian Siriano’s runways, but what people might not know about the fashion editor and model is her impeccable eye for design. In 2019, she founded her luxury essentials brand, Henning, to bring staples like silk dresses, cashmere sweaters, and trench coats to women size 12 and up.
A cashmere sweater is the epitome of luxury fashion.
A splurge has never felt more worth it.
Sweatshorts, but better.
As a California College of the Arts alum and former designer at Issey Miyake and Rachel Comey, Wray Serna knows what she’s doing in the design department—and she brings all her know-how to Wray, her NYC-based size-inclusive label that specializes in fine art–inspired fashions.
A statement piece.
This print, though.
A great pair of jeans goes a long way.
LNA has long been a go-to for basics, but only at luxury plus-size retailer 11 Honoré can those elevated staples be found in extended sizes, up to 3X. Sure, the brand’s pieces aren’t cheap, but the quality and unique touches are worth the splurge.
I’m loving this cutout detail.
Never underestimate the power of a good white tee.
A chic pair of sweatpants are heavenly.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last five years, then you probably already know of the Scandinavian cult brand Ganni. What you might not know is that in October, the label partnered up with 11 Honoré to extend its sizes to 22 on a limited number of items. Seeing that so many of those pieces have already sold out, I’m predicting that more sizes and styles are on the horizon.
Who doesn’t love a mesh dress?
This fabric feels so nice on.
A blazer-dress hybrid is a double whammy.
Housed in NYC, Tamara Malas’s eponymous label is focused on bringing sustainable, stylish, and ethical fashion to shoppers who wear sizes 6 to 32—and the designer, a plus-size woman herself, is following through on that mission.
This sheer turtleneck is perfect for layering.
Bombers are back.
Moiré is more, baby!
Camilla Valentina’s namesake brand was a product of the sweatpants craze that lockdown catalyzed. The NYC-based designer and Fashion Institute of Technology grad found herself frequenting the lackluster silhouette so much that she decided to do something about it, creating eye-catching and colorful loungewear available in sizes XS to 4X.
