How to Shop for Plus Size Clothes on a Budget
Fashionistas can create the plus-size wardrobe of their dreams on a budget with this helpful guide.
Plus-size fashion has exploded over the last few years, with more ranges available. Rather than people having to shop in designated stores for plus-size people, many fashion retailers have extended their size ranges. As a plus-size woman, this has made fashion fun…at last! But it isn’t always cheap.
Read on for my tips on how your plus-sized wardrobe doesn’t have to break the bank.
Shop preloved
My personal experience has found that when it comes to plus size clothing the charity shop isn’t always the best place to find a good selection. However, preloved clothing apps are! Whatever size you are there are thousands of garments to choose from via the Vinted app. It’s a firm favourite with me, I’ve grabbed some real bargains that are brand new. Here are some of my favourites:
Satin Bomber Jacket by Capsule RRP £45. I paid £8, new without tags plus postage £2.89.
Bolero cover-up by Anthology RRP £25. I paid £4, new with tags plus postage £2.89.
Khaki leopard print jeans by ASOS RRP £38.99, I paid £10.50, new with tags plus postage £2.89.
When shopping for plus size fashion Jo and Nat, owners of plus size fashion brand Topsy Curvy say ‘Follow your favourite plus size influencers on social media and see if they have Vinted or Depop, it’s a great way of picking up pieces for less’. And this is a great tip, as influencers are often sent so much clothing they won’t keep.
Get the best from the sales
Plus size clothing has been notoriously expensive in the past as it was Often regarded as a niche clothing line. As the national average dress size is 16 - plus size isn’t niche at all!
Over the last few years, there has been an explosion of both plus-size brands and existing brands extending their size range. But prices remain fairly high, so looking out for the best sale prices is essential. Some of my most loved brands have the best sales including:
ASOS - A sale of some kind runs most of the time at ASOS and offers up to a whopping 70% off! Make full use of the filters though, ASOS is huge and you could be scrolling for hours. You can sometimes add discount codes to sale purchases too, so don’t forget to check before you checkout.
New Look - The New Look curve range is reasonably priced, to begin with, but the sale offers some real bargains. On average you can save between 20 and 50% on sale items. In addition to this New Look has special offers like 3 for 2 on underwear or 2 t-shirts for £14.
Yours -Yours clothing is a dedicated plus-size fashion brand. They offer sizes from 14 through to 40. The sale provides a discount of up to 70% and it really does seem like they have a sale running all the time. I’ve saved more by using the App as they often send out additional discount codes or free shipping offers.
In the Style - With plus size ambassadors onboard like Jess Millichamp, In the Style has become a firm favourite within the plus size community. Most ranges are extended into plus sizes, so there are hundreds of styles to choose from. Check out the outlet section of the website, prices start at just £2!
Curvissa - The Curvissa sale gives a discount of 50% off selected styles. I’ve found some real steals when it comes to underwear from Curvissa, I was especially happy when I saved 30% on the Curvy Kate brand. The plus size options are vast and affordable, even if you don’t grab a sale bargain!
Sign up for the newsletter or download the app
I know, we don’t all want an inbox full of spam emails. But consider signing up for your favourite retailer newsletters or download the app, it’s a great way to get exclusive discount codes and special offers. I have a separate email address that I use for retailer emails as it keeps my primary inbox free for all the super important stuff!
Are cheap fashion brands worth exploring?
This is a tricky one, and really up to personal preference. Brands such as Boohoo or Shein are incredibly cheap and you might have differing views on some of the ethics these companies have. They are very inexpensive in comparison to some of the other brands I have previously mentioned. And you might need to do a little research to see if an item you like is worth buying.
Plus size influencer Leanne Smith says ‘a lot of websites have started to include reviews with photos and are a godsend when shopping. You get to see the quality and if you need to size up or down.
Did someone say party?
If there are a few of you that shop plus size clothing why not consider a swapping party? You might not fancy wearing that jacket that’s been gathering dust but your friend might and vice versa! Choose a date, time and venue, grab a bottle of wine and make it a great night that provides a welcome wardrobe update.
Capsule wardrobes are the way forward
While it’s easy to pack a wardrobe full of bargains it isn’t necessary. Not only is it sustainable to cut back, it saves a ton of money. By purchasing a few key items, a capsule wardrobe can see you through every season, leaving you with more money to spend on the fun stuff or building up your savings.
Hi, I’m SJ. I’m the Beauty Editor and PR Executive here at MyVoucherCodes. As a qualified make-up artist, I've been able to share my knowledge on all things beauty and skincare with our readers so they not only look good and feel great, but save money. As a mum of three, I understand the challenges that families face, and making budgets go further is something I feel passionately about. My research and recommendations help families of all sizes shop better allowing them to enjoy the little luxuries in life. My work has been featured in many publications including The Sun, The Mirror, Netmums, and The Telegraph.
Outside of MyVoucherCodes, I'm a writer and interviewer for pop culture magazines like Buzz Magazine. I've chatted to celebrities such as Strictly's Johannes Redebe and poet Kae Tempest. It's certainly one of the best parts of my job. Over the years I've built a portfolio of work that shows the diversity of my writing, which gives me a breadth of knowledge and experience that I apply to my work every day.