Finding affordable plus size clothing that fits well and makes you feel fabulous can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, right? But don't worry, guys! It's totally possible to build a stylish wardrobe without breaking the bank. This article is here to guide you through the best places to find cheap plus size clothes, both online and in local stores. We'll cover everything from budget-friendly retailers to thrifting tips and tricks, so you can look and feel amazing without emptying your wallet.

    Where to Find Cheap Plus Size Clothes

    When it comes to finding cheap plus size clothes, you've got options! Let's break it down into online retailers, physical stores, and some clever thrifting strategies.

    Online Retailers

    The internet is a goldmine for affordable plus size fashion. You can often find better deals online than in brick-and-mortar stores, plus the selection is usually much wider. Here are a few online retailers to check out:

    • ASOS Curve: ASOS Curve is a fantastic option for trendy and affordable plus size clothing. They offer a huge range of styles, from everyday basics to statement pieces, and their prices are generally very reasonable. Keep an eye out for their sales and promotions to snag even better deals.
    • Shein: Shein is known for its incredibly low prices on a wide variety of clothing items. While the quality can be hit-or-miss, it's a great place to experiment with different styles and trends without spending a fortune. Just be sure to read the reviews before you buy!
    • Boohoo Plus: Boohoo Plus is another great online retailer that offers a wide selection of trendy and affordable plus size clothing. They have everything from dresses and tops to jeans and outerwear, and their prices are very competitive. They also frequently run sales and promotions, so you can often find great deals.
    • Walmart & Amazon: Don't underestimate these retail giants! Both Walmart and Amazon have significantly expanded their plus size clothing offerings in recent years. You can find surprisingly stylish and affordable options, especially for basics like t-shirts, leggings, and jeans. Plus, the convenience of online shopping with free shipping and easy returns is hard to beat.
    • Target: Target is a go-to for many shoppers, and their plus size clothing selection is no exception. They offer a variety of stylish and affordable options, including their own in-house brands like Ava & Viv. Target is a great place to find basics, workwear, and even some trendy pieces.

    Remember to always check the size charts and read reviews before ordering clothes online. Sizes can vary between retailers, and reviews can give you valuable insights into the fit and quality of the garments. Also, don't forget to factor in shipping costs when comparing prices.

    Physical Stores

    If you prefer to try on clothes before you buy them, there are still plenty of brick-and-mortar stores that offer cheap plus size clothing. Here are a few options to consider:

    • Old Navy: Old Navy is a great place to find affordable plus size basics like t-shirts, jeans, and sweaters. They also offer a good selection of dresses and skirts, and their prices are generally very reasonable. Plus, they often have sales and promotions, so you can save even more money.
    • Torrid: Torrid specializes in plus size clothing and offers a wide range of styles, from casual to dressy. While their prices are a bit higher than some of the other retailers on this list, they often have sales and clearance events where you can find great deals. Torrid is a good option if you're looking for trendy and stylish plus size clothing that fits well.
    • Lane Bryant: Lane Bryant is another retailer that specializes in plus size clothing. They offer a wide range of styles, including workwear, casual wear, and special occasion dresses. Lane Bryant is known for its quality and fit, but their prices can be a bit higher than some other retailers. However, they often have sales and promotions, so you can find great deals if you're patient.
    • Maurices: Maurices offers a selection of trendy and affordable plus size clothing, with a focus on casual and everyday styles. They have a good selection of jeans, tops, and dresses, and their prices are generally very reasonable. Maurices is a good option if you're looking for stylish and affordable plus size clothing that you can wear every day.
    • Department Stores (Macy's, Kohl's, JCPenney): Don't forget about department stores! They often have dedicated plus size departments with a variety of brands and styles to choose from. Keep an eye out for sales, clearance events, and coupons to save money. Department stores are a great place to find a wide variety of plus size clothing, from basics to dressy pieces.

    Before you head to the store, check their website or app for any coupons or promotions that you can use. Many stores also offer email sign-up discounts, so be sure to take advantage of those! And don't be afraid to ask a sales associate for help finding the right size and style for you.

    Thrifting and Consignment Shops

    Thrifting is a fantastic way to find cheap plus size clothing that's both unique and sustainable. You can often find high-quality pieces for a fraction of the retail price. Here are a few tips for successful thrifting:

    • Be Patient: Thrifting takes time and effort. You may have to sift through a lot of clothes before you find something you love. Don't get discouraged if you don't find anything on your first visit. Keep trying, and you're sure to find some hidden gems.
    • Know Your Size: Sizes can vary greatly between brands and even within the same brand. Before you go thrifting, take your measurements and write them down. This will help you quickly identify clothes that are likely to fit you.
    • Check for Damage: Before you buy anything, carefully inspect it for damage like stains, holes, or tears. Some damage can be easily repaired, but other damage may be irreparable. Be sure to factor the cost of repairs into the price of the garment.
    • Try It On: If possible, try on the clothes before you buy them. This will help you ensure that they fit well and that you like the way they look on you. If the store doesn't have a dressing room, try holding the clothes up to your body to get a sense of the fit.
    • Wash Everything: Before you wear anything you buy from a thrift store, be sure to wash it thoroughly. This will help remove any dirt, dust, or allergens that may be lurking in the fabric.

    Consignment shops are another great option for finding cheap plus size clothing. Consignment shops sell gently used clothing from individuals, so you can often find high-quality pieces in excellent condition. The prices at consignment shops are generally higher than at thrift stores, but they're still much lower than retail prices.

    Tips for Saving Money on Plus Size Clothing

    Beyond finding the right stores, here are some extra tips to help you save money on cheap plus size clothing:

    • Shop Sales and Clearance Racks: This seems obvious, but it's worth repeating! Always check the sale and clearance racks first, both online and in stores. You can often find incredible deals on clothing that's out of season or being discontinued.
    • Use Coupons and Promo Codes: Before you make a purchase, search online for coupons and promo codes. Many retailers offer discounts to new customers, email subscribers, or students. You can also use browser extensions like Honey or RetailMeNot to automatically find and apply coupons.
    • Sign Up for Email Lists: Many retailers offer exclusive discounts and promotions to their email subscribers. Sign up for the email lists of your favorite stores to stay in the loop about upcoming sales and special offers.
    • Shop Off-Season: Buy your winter clothes in the spring and your summer clothes in the fall. You'll find the best deals on out-of-season items. This requires planning ahead, but it can save you a lot of money in the long run.
    • Consider Secondhand Options: As mentioned earlier, thrifting and consignment shopping are great ways to save money on clothing. You can often find high-quality pieces for a fraction of the retail price.
    • Rent Clothing: For special occasions, consider renting a dress or outfit instead of buying one. There are many online rental services that offer a wide selection of plus size clothing. This is a great way to save money on clothing that you'll only wear once or twice.
    • Take Care of Your Clothes: The better you take care of your clothes, the longer they'll last. Wash your clothes according to the care instructions, store them properly, and repair any damage as soon as possible. This will help you avoid having to replace your clothes as often.

    Embracing Your Style on a Budget

    Finding cheap plus size clothes isn't just about saving money; it's about empowering yourself to express your personal style without feeling limited by your budget. Remember these key takeaways:

    • Focus on Fit: No matter how cheap the clothes are, they won't look good if they don't fit properly. Prioritize finding clothes that fit your body well and flatter your figure. Don't be afraid to get clothes tailored if necessary.
    • Build a Capsule Wardrobe: A capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. Building a capsule wardrobe can help you save money by reducing the number of clothes you need to buy. Start with basic pieces like t-shirts, jeans, and a little black dress, and then add in a few statement pieces to personalize your wardrobe.
    • Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: Trying new styles and trends can be intimidating, but it's also a lot of fun. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors, patterns, and silhouettes to find what works best for you. Remember, fashion is all about expressing yourself, so have fun with it!
    • Confidence is Key: The most important thing you can wear is confidence. No matter what you're wearing, if you feel confident in it, you'll look great. So, embrace your body, celebrate your style, and rock your look!

    Conclusion

    Finding cheap plus size clothes that fit well and make you feel good is absolutely achievable. By exploring online retailers, visiting physical stores, embracing thrifting, and implementing smart shopping strategies, you can build a stylish and affordable plus size wardrobe that reflects your unique personality. So go out there, have fun, and discover the joy of fashion without breaking the bank!