22 of the best plus size clothing brands for women from size 18+, selected by fashion experts

The best plus size clothing brands have been revolutionary in terms of helping fuller-figured women up their style game and in recent years the number of available brands has grown to suit a multitude of tastes. 

Generally speaking the concept of plus size clothing starts from where the majority of the high street finishes their size offering. This is usually around a size 18+. The benefit of plus size clothing brands or specific lines means that they have been cut with curves in mind, taking proportions into account in every garment. 

When it comes to what makes the best plus size clothing brands, we're looking for great fit, modern styles, a strong range of sizes and quality. A continuously growing market, in 2024 there is a much better choice of youthful styles, and many high street brands are offering both specialist collections or extended sizes in mainline looks, giving great accessibility to plus size shoppers and making building a plus size capsule wardrobe a much simpler task.

Best plus size clothing brands

The plus size fashion industry has boomed in the last decade, to the point that there are now legions of plus size models, helping to make the clothing on offer stand out everywhere from storefronts to the runway, giving the final look an editorial spin. From high-end to budget-friendly, there is something to suit every style and price point.

Fashion influencer Becky Barnes has seen much of the plus size fashion industry evolve in the last decade, switching from cheaper fast fashion items to capsule wardrobe winners. "I think as I've reached my 40s I look more for stand-out prints, and quality, over fashion and trends. I want statement pieces that are going to work in my wardrobe for years to come."

When it comes to size inclusivity, Universal Standard is pretty hard to beat. The American clothing brand caters for US sizes 00-40, making this a brand that pretty much everyone can enjoy. Specialising in the pieces that underpin a wardrobe, Universal Standard offers supreme basics, such as brilliant workwear, excellently cut shirting and timeless denim. With a stable of classic cuts and shapes, Universal Standard will ensure you can eradicate those nothing-to-wear moments once and for all. 

Always innovating, we particularly love the brand's Fit Liberty programme which means that if you change sizes within the year of purchase (up or down), Universal Standard will exchange your clothing items free of charge, yes, you read that right.

The Mango plus size range has unfortunately rarely been spotted in store, making it one of those high street gems that you might have missed. The Spanish clothing brand, which used to call the collection Violeta, has merged the range under its mainline, with many pieces now essentially being extended sizing, rather than specifically designed for a plus size market. This gives the range a more fashion edge, with items available up to a size 4XL. 

Offering the same sharp style we've come to expect from Mango, look out for chic blazers, elegant separates and party-ready pieces, giving you wardrobe dilemma-solving pieces 24/7. As one might expect from Mango, colour palettes remain relatively muted, in line with the brand's style guide. Our main complaint is that items sell out so quickly, so bookmark this one for regular browsing so that you don't miss out. 

Another brand that has merged its plus size arm with its mainline operation is occasionwear specialist Phase Eight. When the plus size division first launched it was called Studio 8, but now all the pieces sit under one umbrella, with most items in the range now part of an extended size collection. This is a win-win for plus size customers as they get the inclusive styles from the Phase Eight range, which are absolutely gorgeous. 

Our one-stop-shop for what to wear to a wedding, the races or Christening, Phase Eight's plus size offering has some of the most flattering jumpsuits and best dresses around. With lots of colour and print, these are statement looks that will ensure you turn heads for all the right reasons. We also love the key basics, such as the cropped tailored jackets, coordinating clutch bags and easy-to-wear fascinators that help complete the look. 

One of the best plus size clothing brands, Anthropologie has a lot of exciting and statement pieces in its plus size line, alongside some key basics. If we had to choose, we'd say the dresses are the styles to plump for, with The Somerset dress becoming something of an icon amongst shoppers for its easy-to-wear, flattering fit. 

A bold use of colour and print helps to set Anthropologie apart and its slightly bohemian feel is also ideal for those with a more arty temperament. Bringing together some smaller labels, as well as in-house designed pieces, you will find a mix of standalone, just-for-plus size items, as well as extended sizing pieces, but everything feels directional and seasonally appropriate.  

Head of Ecommerce for woman&home Millie Fender is one of many fans of the brand's Somerset dress, which is available right through its size offering: "Arguably Anthropologie's most iconic style, the Somerset dress has had dozens of iterations in a range of fabric types and patterns. It truly looks good on everyone, with a tiered skirt that sits beautifully at my narrowest point and it's become a failsafe for pretty much any fashion need. I've worn it for date nights, to formal events, and I've also layered a jumper on top and paired it with trainers to wear to the office. I'm lusting after a linen one next for my summer holidays".

A British clothing brand with a long history in serving the plus size clothing market, Simply Be is a great pitstop for affordable, everyday design with a fashion focus. Sprawling categories that cover everything from shoes and lingerie to the best plus size pyjamas, jeans and occasionwear make this quite the shopping destination. 

With a focus on trending, seasonal styles, you can expect to find everything to bolster your wardrobe. With sizing up to a UK 34, although the brand no longer uses as many plus size models - as it now starts from a size 8, don't be fooled by the imagery, there really is plenty of options available here.

Owned by Khloe Kardashian, don't dismiss Good American as another celebrity fashion project, the jeans are really, really good. The fit is designed for more curvaceous figures and with sizes from a US 00-32 this is a truly inclusively sized brand. 

The emphasis for the label has always been on fit and we love their innovative denim pieces, named 'Always Fit' that change and stretch and snap back with your changing shape, with one cut straddling several sizes, so if, like many if you find you need a little extra give throughout the month, these are a fantastic option. The brand does a strong selection of clothing too, but it's the wide-ranging denim, in all cuts and washes that has us hooked. We also love that you can pick between three sizes of model to view the collection on so you can get a more realistic view of what the jeans might look like on you. 

Millie recently invested in a pair of the brand's jeans and was suitably impressed: "My Good American jeans were one of the best investments I made last year. The Good Legs Flare jeans make the perfect on-trend base for an elevated day-to-day look, and the denim across the range is buttery-soft with good stretch. I used to struggle to find jeans that fit my legs without gaping around the waist, and discovering this brand has meant that I can finally buy staple plus size jeans without having to compromise on fit or style".

Fit and quality are at the forefront of The Hour branding, which offers high quality plus size clothing; and this elegant, independent label has already proved itself when it comes to chic workwear dresses and separates, that can carry you from the boardroom and onto dinner and drinks. Versatility ensures that the investment in these luxe pieces are well worth it, and if you're looking for an in-store experience, The Hour has a shop in central London too. 

From sharp blazers to vegan leather skirts and softly draping blouses, there is everything you need to kick-start a capsule wardrobe for work, with lots of lovely statement styles that can be underpinned by other basics. 

Never Fully Dressed has to be one of the most fun plus size clothing brands out there. An inclusive label, with sizes 6-28 in every item, this brand has made a huge impact on the landscape of plus size fashion, offering trending and statement pieces that up the ante - all with a strong mix of price points. The use of colour and print is sure to turn heads, and Never Fully Dressed is not afraid of a sequin or two either. 

With lots of lovely dresses, separates and co-ords, there is more of an emphasis on smart casual and occasion wear, with items easy to dress up for a night out, or date night look. Never Fully Dressed also have some cleverly versatile styles that can be tied in numerous ways to give you several ways to wear, making your money go further.

"I adore Never Fully Dressed for plus size," says fashion stylist Stevie B. "The quality is great,  and I love their passion for prints which I believe plus size women shouldn’t shy away from. As a stylist, I look for brands that don’t play it safe when it comes to curvier women. Brands and designers that understand that plus size women have as much right as any woman when it comes to having fun with style and self-expression".

If you love a nod to vintage styling but want the benefit of sizing that new clothes bring? then Joanie Clothing is the brand for you. This cute and quirky label manages to infuse every piece with a retro aesthetic, without making it feel like a reproduction, touching on modern twists to bring pieces up to date.

Cute collars, sweet prints and everyday tea dresses fall in line next to figure-flattering jumpsuits and retro slogan sweaters and tees and form the basis of the own-brand collection. But there are heaps of collaborative edits to shop too, including a vintage style treat of a collection with novelist and broadcaster Dawn O'Porter, as well as a charitable collaboration with the Lady Garden Collection. Joanie places a strong emphasis on sustainability and giving back as part of its ethos and style identity.

Scandinavian clothing brand H&M has had a plus size range for a long time, but it has steadily grown in fashionability as the market has progressed. One of the few brands that also puts its plus size collection into selected stores, you're at a higher chance of being able to at least test run some sizing before investing. 

As you might expect, H&M+ offers great base layers for your wardrobe, from classic tees and jeans, to simple knits and slogan sweatshirts. There's also a strong selection of dresses and blazers and some of the best winter coats to see you through cooler months in style.

Italian clothing brand Marina Rinaldi is where you want to head for added polish. A designer brand in its own right, Marina Rinaldi is one of the best plus size clothing brands for luxury fashion. With plenty of high-end fabrications - think pure wool, silk, leather and cashmere pieces, this is the place plus size women can truly spoil themselves.

The range, as one might expect is huge and covers everything from basic tailored trousers and shirts (which are at the lower end of its price range) to high value ticket items that stretch into the thousands and focus on exquisite detailing and handle. 

The designer destination for plus size women, if you're looking for elegance and timeless style appeal Marina Rinaldi is the one. 

You can't talk about the best jeans brands, without mentioning Levi's the founder of our favourite wardrobe piece. A key part in the denim story, there was much merriment when the American brand decided to go into the plus size arena and it has been going from strength to strength ever since.

Replicating a large part of its main line collection into its plus size offering, you can get all the classic Levi's silhouettes in plus size, although as sizes sell through fast, we recommend buying multiples when you can. The brand has expanded the range covering denim jackets, truckers, t-shirts and shirts too.

River Island has had a plus size collection for a number of years and it has steadily grown with time. Straddling categories that include separates, partywear, jeans, basics and swim, there is a strong edit to choose from, with several designs adapted from mainline collections. 

As with the rest of the River Island brand, expect a strong use of colour and print, as well as youthful and forward-thinking design elements, that sit alongside great and timeless wardrobe basics. 

Rather than having a dedicated plus size collection, Ganni has what is commonly referred to as extended sizes, which means an edit of selected pieces from the mainline have been graded up into plus sizes. This allows shoppers to shop mainline designer pieces from Ganni, which offers a point of difference to many of the other labels available. 

A little grungy, a little feminine but with a whole heap of cool, you can cherry-pick the pieces from Ganni that best suit your style. Whether you love a sweater vest, or want a printed dress, this brand has it all up to a size 4XL.