Wait, what? Is Forever 21 plus size actually trending again? Yes, that’s right. Now that the fast fashion retailer whose size-inclusivity efforts we’ve all been side-eyeing is back with a digital-first strategy, we need to talk about it.
Forever 21 Shopping is available now
If you’re searching for “Forever 21 Plus Size,” here’s what you need to know. The brand relaunched in September 2025 with an entirely new operating structure. Yes, plus size collections are alive and well online. eternity21.com. The site currently features plus size dresses, tops, bottoms, activewear, swimwear, and more.
This is the same Forever 21 that closed all of its U.S. stores in May 2025 after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time. The same brand that faced massive backlash in summer 2024 I deleted my plus size Instagram account And customers noticed that plus-size sections were disappearing from physical stores. This is the same company that once included diet bars in plus-size orders, which became a PR nightmare.
Yes, I have some ideas.
The new Forever 21: Explaining the digital-first strategy
Authentic Brands Group, which owns Forever 21, Announcement of major restructuring in September 2025 This positions Forever 21 as a “digital-first, consumer-driven brand.” Here’s what this means in practice for shoppers looking for Forever 21’s plus-size options.
“This is a sensational new chapter for Forever 21 and underscores our commitment to meeting consumers where they are,” said Jarrod Weber, Global President, Sports & Lifestyle, Authentic Brand Group. “By partnering with expert operators in digital commerce, wholesale and youth apparel, we are setting Forever 21 up for long-term relevance and success, providing Millennials, Gen Z and future generations with fast, accessible fashion through the channels they trust and prefer.”
The brand has partnered with Unique Brands, a digital retail solutions provider, to handle all e-commerce operations in the United States. Mark Edwards Apparel took over the women’s clothing wholesale, and Kids Concepts now manages the children’s clothing.
translation? Forever 21 is betting big on online shopping, and that includes plus-size and big & tall products.
Forever 21’s Rocky History
If you’ve been following TCF for years, you know that we’ve been tracking Forever 21’s complicated relationship with plus size going back a long way. Context is important, so let’s summarize.
Forever 21 launched its plus size line (originally called Forever 21 Plus, later rebranded as Face 21 and then Forever 21+) in 2009, offering sizes up to 3X and 4X. At the time, it felt revolutionary. How about affordable and trendy plus size fashion? From mall brands that young people actually want to shop? Please register.
But here’s a problem. The plus size section was always relegated to a small corner at the back of the store. Online inventory was consistently smaller than straight-size items. And don’t get them started on the 2019 affair. Atkins diet bars shipped on plus size ordersthen called it an “oversight.”
By the summer of 2024, the writing was on the wall. Influencer and model Remi Bader made headlines when she claimed that Forever 21 would stop selling plus-size clothing after Forever 21 deleted its plus-size account on Instagram. Customers visiting the Los Angeles store found that only one in five stores had no plus-size inventory at all.
Forever 21 denies excluding plus sizes, saying it has simply consolidated all social accounts into one “inclusive space.” However, the damage was done. Plus-size shoppers felt abandoned. Also.
Under this new leadership (who also owns Frederick’s of Hollywood, Guess, Nine West, etc.), we’re curious to see how they navigate this space, engage with the community, and enable Forever 21 to redefine its brand…
Why Forever 21’s comeback is important
Here’s the thing…despite all the drama, despite brands treating size inclusivity as if it’s optional, despite what we’re calling the “Ozempik era” of new thinness worship…the demand for plus-size fashion is stronger than ever.
The plus size clothing market is projected to reach $426.21 billion by 2030. Growing at a CAGR of 6.94% from 2024. It’s not a niche. It’s not a trend. This is a huge consumer base with disposable income and style preferences that deserve to be met.
So when Forever 21 announces it’s back online with plus sizes and Big & Tall, it’s significant. Not because they think they’re suddenly champions of body positivity, but because accessible and affordable plus-size fashion options are still too rare.
What’s actually available at Forever 21 Plus Size right now?
Confirmed eternity21.com Here’s what we found in the plus size section: The Forever 21 Plus Size Collection includes:
We carry plus size dresses from casual mini dresses to sequined maxi dresses, from bodycon styles to flowy maxi dresses. Prices start at around $20 and go up to $90 for more elaborate pieces.
Plus size tops including graphic tees, crop tops, sweaters, cardigans, blouses, bodysuits and more. The Y2K aesthetic is still here, with baby tees and fitted styles galore, as well as more relaxed options.
Plus size bottoms such as jeans, leggings, skirts, shorts, and joggers. Denim options include everything from baggy styles to skinny jeans.
Plus size activewear and athleisure items for those looking for comfortable and trendy workout gear.
Plus size swimwear including bikinis, one-pieces, and cover-ups.
I’m looking forward to expanding the accessories department. Because this was one of the few places I could get a cute, perfect ring that would fit my plus size finger.
Are there any other precautions? Big & Tall options are also available! Up to 4 and 5XL on select items.
Stocks seem solid, but we’ll be waiting to see if that happens stay Like that.
Shopping Forever 21: What you need to know
If you’re planning on shopping at Forever 21, here’s some practical advice.
Please check your measurements. Forever 21’s sizing has always been inconsistent, but maybe this is an area where we’ll see some changes with the new management? Don’t rely solely on size tags. Please see the actual measurements listed on each item.
So far, we see that there is a single size chart for all products, which could be promising. Also, their 4x seems to be close to Torrid 3X. In other words, this new silhouette may be closer to the Junior Plus cut.
Read reviews if possible. Other plus-size shoppers can tell you the truth about fit, fabric quality, and whether products run true to size.
know Return policy. This is a digital-first operation, so it’s important to understand how returns work. Online-only shopping doesn’t allow you to try before you buy.
Keep an eye on sales. Forever 21 has always focused on volume and sales. If something seems too expensive, join our newsletter to stay on top of sales!
Manage quality expectations. Fast fashion at fast fashion prices. These pieces are not investment pieces. These are trendy and affordable options that suit your current style.
what we are paying attention to
The fact that Forever 21 exists now doesn’t mean it will exist next year. Or even next season. We’ve seen too many brands launch plus-size lines with much fanfare, only to quietly discontinue them if they decide it’s not worth it.
Here’s what we’re watching as 2026 unfolds.
Will plus size inventory remain strong or will it gradually decline? Are new styles added regularly or is this section on the back burner?
Does it actually include a size range?Forever 21 plus sizes have historically gone up to 3x or 4x. Is that still the case? And is that size actually in stock?
What about representation in marketing? Will the campaign feature plus-size bodies, or will it just be a sample-size model with a little disclaimer that says “plus-sizes also available”?
What is the shopping experience like? Are plus size products buried in search results? Is the navigation intuitive? Do the filters work well?
The big picture: Plus-size fashion in 2026
Forever 21’s resurgence as an online plus-size retailer comes against a backdrop of worrying trends. Multiple brands have quietly retreated from size inclusivity in recent years. Loft discontinued the Plus Line in 2021. Athleta’s expanded sizing never reached the scale they promised. Even brands that still offer plus sizes have dramatically reduced their physical store presence.
Some industry watchers are blaming the pullback on the rise of GLP1 drugs like Ozempic and Wigovy, suggesting demand for plus sizes is declining. However, market data tells a completely different story. Plus size fashion is growing, not shrinking. The problem is not demand. That’s a commitment.
When body positivity was trending, brands got into plus size fashion. Now that the culture has returned to a cult of dilution, inclusivity at scale suddenly feels less urgent for executives who have never personally invested in it in the first place.
That’s why it’s important that Forever 21 remains a presence in the plus-size space, even if we approach it with a healthy dose of skepticism. When your options are limited, every option counts.
Should I buy Forever 21?
I’m not going to tell you where to spend your money. That’s your calling. But here’s how we think about it:
If you want trendy items at affordable prices, does Forever 21 have your size in stock? If that works for you, shop there. Plus size women have the same right to access fast fashion as anyone else. We all deserve to try out trends without spending a fortune. Of course you can look cute in a $20 top if that’s what you want.
but also? Do not take Forever 21 (or any other brand) out of harm’s way. Demand better. Expect consistency. If you see him, please call him backsliding. We support brands that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to size inclusivity, rather than just a performative gesture.
The landscape surrounding plus size fashion is complex. Forever 21’s history is complicated. But now you can buy Forever 21 plus size clothing online. That’s a fact. What happens next will tell whether the brand has actually learned anything, or whether it’s just another chapter in fast fashion’s continued failure to fully embrace the bodies that make up the majority of its customer base.
At the end of the day…
Forever 21 is back as an online retailer that includes plus sizes in its digital inventory. After closing all physical stores and rebuilding under a new operating partner, the brand continues to focus on “speed, agility and trend leadership” and positions itself as digital-first.
In a market where plus-size options are still very limited and too often treated as an afterthought, every accessible retailer is important. Yes, you can buy Forever 21 plus sizes right now. The clothes are there. Prices are the same as Forever 21. The style matches current trends.
Will this last? That’s the billion dollar question. Or in the case of Forever 21, given their financial woes, it’s a question of hundreds of millions of dollars. But for now, the option exists. And in the often disappointing world of plus size fast fashion, we take what we can get while striving for better.
What do you think? Would you give Forever 21 another try? Or have their past mistakes permanently damaged your credibility? We’d love to hear what the TCF community thinks about this comeback, so please share your thoughts in the comments section.
Source: The Curvy Fashionista – thecurvyfashionista.com
