Hey curvy girls all over the world,

The plus-size market is a multi-billion dollar business and there’s good reason as to why. Over the past 5 years, plus size fashion has gained more visibility than ever before. With new designers and online brands popping up. There was a time when there were only a handful of places for plus size women to shop. O.G. retailers like Lane Bryant, Catherine’s, and Ashley Stewart have been in the plus-size fashion game for years. Plus-size women can now shop an array of retailers. Most of them are online only. However, we are slowly but surely starting to see brick and mortar stores and even boutiques offer plus size women the option of shopping in store.

Now, don’t get me wrong. We still have a long way to go when it comes to having more brick and mortar plus-size stores. I was crushed when H&M stopped carrying plus sizes in store. I was devastated when I went into Bloomingdales on 5th Ave. in NYC only to see they no longer offered plus, but, I’m hopeful that things will get better. Currently, the average American woman is now a size 16 according to this 2016 journal. You would think there would be countless brick and mortar plus size stores by now. Unfortunately, there isn’t. However, that doesn’t mean plus-size women are completely left out in the cold.We are seeing online retailers create pop up and test stores. Back in April, online retailer Eloquii launched their first brick and mortar pop up store in Washington, DC. Also, in February, Neiman Marcus announced that they would start adding plus sizes in some of their Last Call NM stores as a test. Since they’ve been having great success with their online plus size sales, the retailer wanted to expand it in store. If it works, they will include a full plus size section in all of their outlet stores.

I for one have never been much of an online shopper. I’ve always liked shopping in-store. The reason may be due to the fact that retail stores can offer more payment options complemented by POS systems for retail businesses (visit https://revelsystems.com/pos-systems/type/retail-pos/ for more information on POS systems). On the other hand, while shopping online, payment options might be limited. Apart from that, not only do I feel better when I can try clothes on before buying them, but I love the music a retail store has playing in the background. The music and the sound system quality, which these stores can get from Cloud Cover Music or similar companies, helps me zone in and really find the kind of outfits I am looking for. Although, if I am being honest, there are better and much more stylish options for plus-size women online. Still, I need to touch and try on my clothes to be completely satisfied. The ease of attempting to feel the clothing hung at the store fixtures may be an important reason why many people prefer shopping for clothes from retail stores.

Many SC readers and social media followers always ask where do I shop. So, today, I wanted to answer that question by listing some of the best places to shop in store for plus-size clothing. While there isn’t a myriad of in store places to shop, there are quite a few places that we can still go in store and buy stylish plus size clothing.

As more designers like Rachel Roy, Tracy Reese, and Tommy Hilfiger are starting to incorporate larger sizes, department store buyers are adding them to their plus size departments. Even retail giants like JCPenney have created their own exclusive plus size collections by partnering with Project Runway winner Ashley Nell Tipton.

**In addition to shopping plus size retailers with brick and mortar stores like Torrid, Lane Bryant and Ashley Stewart, checkout our list of the best places to shop in store for plus size clothing.

Lord & Taylor

For years, I’ve been telling my friends, family, and even SC readers that L&T has an amazing plus size department. They carry classic plus-size designers like Michael Kors and Calvin Klein. However, they’ve updated their plus department with international retailers like Carmakoma and Addition Elle.

Macy’s

As a New Yorker, Macy’s has always been a go to for plus size clothing if you didn’t want to shop online. Macy’s has given their plus size department a major makeover. Much like Lord & Taylor, you can find plus size clothing from American designers like Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, and Calvin Klein. However, Macy’s in house brands like INC International Concepts and Alfani offer stylish plus size pieces. Also, just last month Macy’s added Tommy Hilfiger plus. You can also find Jessica Simpson, American Rag, and Vince Camuto plus-sizes at Macy’s.

Forever 21

In April, Forever 21 announced that they would be revamping their plus size department and start putting more focus and money behind it. You can shop Forever 21 plus for all things trendy. You should just know that their cuts are junior plus.

TJ Maxx/Marshalls

To me TJ Maxx and Marshalls are one in the same. The good thing is that most of their stores offer a plus size section. It may be small but its one of those places that you may just find a fashion gem.

Charlotte Russe

It’s only been a few years since Charlotte Russe added plus sizes. However, they’ve managed to include plus sizes in quite a few of their stores across the country. They offer trendy styles but the cuts are pretty forgiving.

Ross

Along with kitchen and housewares, you can also shop for clothing at Ross. You can find discount designer plus size clothing and some fast fashion styles. Last year I did a fitting room visit, you can check that out HERE.

Dressbarn

Dressbarn has been the working woman’s go to spot for dresses and separates. For the past couple of years, they’ve teamed up with super model Ashley Graham for an exclusive collection called Beyond that includes plus.

Nordstrom

Each year, their plus-size offerings get better and better. Nordstrom stands out as a top retailer for plus sizes because they carry quite a few plus size designers in store. They carry high end to contemporary plus sizes.

Eloquii

Eloquii has opened up a few stores across the country. Currently they have a total of 4 and are planning to open more. If you live in Chicago, Ohio, Detroit, and Virginia, then you’re in luck.

Fashion To Figure

At Fashion to Figure you can live out all your trendy fashion dreams. They carry all of the current trends in fashion. Recently, they just launched their first ever plus size swim collection.

Bloomingdales

Although Bloomingdales eliminated their plus size department at their NYC 5th avenue store in NYC, however, there are still a few Bloomingdales department stores that offer plus sizes in store.You can check their store locations to find out which ones carry plus size in store.

Target

Since they started doing designer collaborations, Target has improved their plus size selection in store. Now you can shop stylish plus size clothing in store from Who What Wear, Ava & Viv, and more.

JCPenney

Last spring JCPenney upgraded their plus size department by adding Boutique+ and bringing on Project Runway winner Ashley Nell Tipton as an ambassador and designer for Boutique+. So, along with JCP brands like Worthington, you can also shop stylish on trend plus size clothing directly in store with their Boutique+ department.

Kohl’s

I used to sleep on Kohl’s plus size department but over the last 3 years, they’ve made quite a few improvements to their plus size section. The two best things that happened to Kohl’s plus is the Jennifer Lopez and Vera Wang collections. You can shop them online and in store. I’ve worn quite a few pieces from Kohl’s plus sizes HERE

Talbots

If you’re classic and preppy, then you would definitely want to checkout Talbots. Talbots not only has a plus size section but they also offer petites. Most Talbots offer a plus size section in stores.

Charming Charlie

Recently, Charming Charlie announced that they will offer plus size clothing online and in store at all of their locations. Check store locations to find a Charming Charlie’s in your area.

Ashley Stewart

Ashley Stewart is still a great in store option for plus size women. They have revamped their stores and the styles they offer.

Rainbow

For decades Rainbows has been there for plus size girls who needed affordable trendy clothing. They’re still going strong with plus size options in store.

Burlington Factory

Back in the day they were called Burlington Coat Factory. Now its just Burlington. Many of their stores have a plus size section that is filled with dresses, skirts, pants, and of course coats.

Torrid

Most of you know that Torrid has been serving up plus size style in store and online for over a decade,

Dillards

All across the country Dillards has locations that offer plus size clothing. Unfortunately, just not on the East Coast. However, they have a substantial amount of locations that carry plus size options.