Size Inclusive Retailers To Shop + Defining SIzing Terms
FROM MY CLOSET TOUR
A few weeks ago on my IG Stories,
I re-shared how LOFT made the difficult (and disappointing) decision to no longer carry plus sizes back in 2021. This was personally devastating to me on so many levels because they were one of the go-to brands I could not only wear comfortably but also share excitedly, knowing they’d have a wide range of sizing options that included plus and petite.
I started this platform based on hoping of inspiring your innermost confidence to make getting ready easier and enjoyable. My goal is to have a platform you come to feel included and uplifted, regardless of your shape or size. With that comes careful curation of the brands that I choose to share.
Upon these thoughtful discussions in my inbox, it occurred to me that it may be helpful to share a dedicated resource of brands and break down some of the terminologies I use often.
Size-Inclusive Terminology
What is an in-betweener?
You may have heard me describe myself as one. An in-betweener is someone who can typically wear the largest size in standard sizing (XL) and also the smallest size of plus sizing (0X-1X). I straddle the line of standard and plus sizing, so it’s important to me to consider those who may be a size larger or smaller than me.
What is straight or standard sizing?
This refers to sizes small through large, sometimes XL, or sizes 0-14.
What is extended sizing?
Extended sizes are built from the base pattern of straight sizes, which is commonly a size medium. Typically, they take the base size and extend it to fit larger or smaller bodies. Extended sizes are written as XS, XXS, XL, or XXL. These sizes will have a shape very similar to straight sizes, with a similar hip-to-waist ratio in all sizes.
What is plus sizing?
Plus sizes are built to fit a fuller waist, which is more common in plus-size body types. In addition to starting with a different hip-to-waist ratio, the grading of sizes also accounts for how other proportions and body shapes change as size increases. These sizes are written as 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, and beyond. Numeric sizes are written as 18W-24W.
What is mid-size?
I would define mid-sizing as sizes 8-16… the larger sizes of standard sizing and the smaller end of plus, right in the middle of the spectrum. I would consider myself mid-size. Most models are on the smaller end of standard and plus sizing, so there has been a recent surge in the popularity of catering to bodies that fall around the middle range of these two sizes.
What is inclusive sizing?
Size inclusive or size inclusivity is not just about plus sizes, and it’s not just for women. The movement is about providing clothing that considers all bodies and identities. The term size-inclusive means that brands build a wide range of size options in all styles and don’t simply add on “plus sizing” in a few core styles. Inclusive also relates to different lengths (petite and tall) and adaptability.
Inclusivity is one of the core pillars of my business, and I’ve worked closely with several brands behind the scenes to implement necessary changes so that all bodies can feel represented and heard. One of my most notable partnerships surrounding size inclusivity has been working with Amazon to launch their first-ever collection up to 3X, which is now offered up to 5X. I’ve also worked closely with small, ethical, and sustainable brand Able to launch their sizing up to 3X, with plans to extend to 5X this spring.
MORE Inclusive Brands
While this list is not flawless, I want to share a list of some of my go-to brands that cater to various sizes. My ideal online shopping scenario is when the brand has all its size offerings on ONE product page. Bonus points for brands that showcase different-sized models, but here are some brands that offer sizing options and their offerings next to each brand. Feel free to click on these brands and check them out!
Each brand will fit everybody differently, so I encourage you to experiment
with something new to see how it works best.
Abercrombie & Fitch 23-37 in denim XXshort - XXlong
Able Clothing XXS-3X (5X coming soon)
Amazon The Drop XXS-5X
Amazon Essentials XXXS - 6X in some styles, including men
Anthropologie XS-XL, 1X-3X, petite, plus + tall
Athleta XS-XL, 1X-3X, petite, plus + tall
ASOS 00-26, petite, plus + tall
Birdy Grey XS-3X
Bloomingdale’s XXS-XXL
Boden 2-22, petite + tall
Dillard’s XXS-3X, plus + petite
Draper James XS-3X
Eileen Fischer XXS-3X petite + plus
Frances Valentine XS-3X
Girlfriend Collective XXS-6X (w/ different inseam options)
Good American XS-5X
H&M XXS-4X
J.Crew XXS-3X, 00-24 petite + tall
J.Crew Factory XXS-3X, 00-24, petite
J.Jill XS-4X, petite + tall
Lands’ End XS-3X
L.L.Bean XS-3X, petite
Lululemon 0-20 (w/ different inseam options)
Macy’s XXS-4X, plus and petite
Madewell XXS-4X plus, petite and tall
Mango XXS-4X
Maurices XXS-XXL, 0X-4X (petite + plus)
Modcloth XS-4X
NastyGal 0-22
Nordstrom XXS-4X
Old Navy XS-4X, petite, tall + plus
Reformation 0-12, 14-24
Sail To Sable XS-XXXL
Savage x Fenty by Rihanna XXS-4X
Show Me Your Mumu XXS-3X
SKIMS XXS-4X
Spanx XS-3X (petite + tall, use CARALYN10)
Summersalt XS-2X, 2-22, up to 24 in some
TA3 Swim XS-4X short + long torso
Talbots XS-3X, petite, plus, plus petite
Target XXS-4X
Terea by Andrea Pittner XXS-5X
Tommy Hilfiger XXS-3X, includes adaptive fits
Tuckernuck XS-XXXL
Universal Standard 00-40
Vince XS-XL, 1X-3X
Walmart XS-5X
Yitty XS-6X
I’m confident I missed a few, so please feel free to share your favorites that I may have missed below and I’ll happily add to this list! This list above is focusing on brands that cater to the range of sizes rather than just plus sizes and up, so here are a few plus size brands that I love for sizes 12+.
PLUS SIZINg only
Thank you so much for reading!
I hope this was helpful and you’re left feeling like you have so many more options than you did before. I encourage you to click through these brands, especially ones that you haven’t tried or haven’t tried in a while. Brands are constantly evolving and changing, usually for the better, so I am excited to hear your feedback on any wins that you’ve had lately.
And as I mentioned above, please feel free to leave any brands that I may have missed - happy to add in! Should I do another list of inclusive places to shop for shoes? Let me know below.
xx CMK
Photos by Ryan Kell