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Let’s be real for a second.
Yes, the plus size workwear market has improved.
And yes, it still stings to lose brands that once felt like they were finally getting it.
When White House Black Market quietly sunset their plus size options after hyping WHBM Plus, many of us did not even find out through an announcement. It was emails, comments, and whispers in the community. No goodbye. No transparency. Just gone.
And do not even get us started on LOFT quietly bowing out of plus size as well.
If finding plus size workwear has felt harder lately, you are not imagining it and you are not alone. That frustration is shared across the industry. A consumer survey highlighted by Vogue Business found that poor fit (43 percent) and inconsistent sizing (36 percent) are among the biggest reasons plus size shoppers feel alienated by fashion brands, with many saying they can never or usually cannot find their size in more professional or elevated clothing.
That clarity matters, because it shifts the blame where it belongs.
The good news is this. While some doors have closed, others are opening. Being a plus size professional today may require more strategy, more creativity, and sharper discernment, but there are brands showing up with better fit and smarter design. We still have places to shop, and we have learned how to make it work
Today, we look towards some of our favorites to depend on as plus size workwear seems harder to find. The business world can be stressful enough without having to worry about where to get work gear. There are tons of places to go, and we’ve got the deets for you!
Where to Shop for Plus Size Wear to Work Clothing
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www.ashleystewart.com
Ashley Stewart has been one of the go-tos for plus size fashion for a while, and when it comes to workwear they know their field. Sizes from a 12 to 32, colors galore and scads of different styles, you’re sure to find something, at an affordable price too!
Available up to size 36
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eloquii.com
One of our favorites, the brilliant Eloquii who always brings color, modernization, and chicness into our daily lives as fashionistas. They can be a little pricey (subscribe to their emails for great sales!), but you’re getting quality and fabulousness, a deal-maker for us at TCF!
They range from a size 14 to 28, have color options for a lot of their business clothing, and have wonderful fits as you can see in these pictures!
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lanebryant.com
Another one of our favorites! Lane Bryant offers size 10-28 online and has stores across the country. With a very professional yet comfortable look and feel, this is a go-to for anyone looking for a nice mix between the two.
Available in sizes up to 28 at LaneBryant.com.
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bloomichic.com
BloomChic offers accessible plus size workwear designed for everyday professionals, with select styles available up to a size 30. The brand focuses on modern office staples like blouses, tailored pants, blazers, and work-ready dresses that balance comfort with polish.
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seerosego.com
See Rose Go gives a modern twist on some of your favorite silhouettes and uses “technical performance with timeless versatile styles that last. Beautiful design with technical fabric to elevate every day chic comfort.”
Available up through a size 4X.
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marinarinaldi.com
Marina Rinaldi is a luxury Italian fashion house known for elevated plus size workwear and tailoring, with most styles available up to approximately a US size 26 or 28. The brand specializes in impeccably cut suits, refined dresses, silk blouses, and structured outerwear crafted from premium fabrics.
Though sometimes we may forget, our department stores can have some great pieces too! First on the list is Macy’s, with sizes ranging from 12-28 in plus sizes, there are lots of trendy and classic styles on the table.
Available up to 3X (22W-24W)
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www.hilarymacmillan.com
Canadian based designer, Hilary MacMillan is one to know and watch. Givign us contenporary fashion and design, this brand gives us elevated suiting options, from trenches to matching suiting outside your normal black and navy!
Available up through a size 4X.
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modcloth.com
ModCloth has left us wondering in the past, however, they were able to bring themselves back to the forefront and there’s still an opportunity to find fun and cute pieces of workwear with a nod to vintage up to a size 28.
Available up to a size 4X
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anthropologie.com
Anthropologie offers a curated selection of plus size workwear and office-appropriate pieces through its extended sizing and Plus collections, with most styles available up to a size 26W. The brand’s approach to workwear leans creative and polished, featuring elevated dresses, tailored trousers, blouses, and statement-making layers that work well for business casual or creative professional environments.
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www.citychiconline.com
City Chic is one of the best to shop online, with free shipping and free returns. They also have over 200 stores worldwide! This is one store to definitely check out for fashionable, classy, and chic workwear (and so much more)!
Available in sizes up to a 24.
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nordstrom.com
Nordstrom’s plus shop has been on the come-up for the last couple of years and they have that famous no-hassle return policy and will find an item in your size and have it shipped to you for free! They have blazers, pants, skirts, blouses and more from a size 16 to 28!
Available up to size 4X (22W-28W)
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dillards.com
Dillard’s may not be known for their plus size pieces (or their wide calf boots) but, girl, you better check out both! They offer classy pieces and it’s a great piece to find a suit and have it tailored to fit your body. Sizes range from 14-24.
Available up to size 24W
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jcpenney.com
JCPenney has been killing the game for the past couple years for the Plus Size Community. They’ve been rock solid with the Big & Tall Men, their Maternity Collection, and overall Plus Size!
Available up to size 24W
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www.universalstandard.com
You should check out Universal Standard, not only for their quality, colors, and direction, but also their love for all women. Universal Standard has helped us women find our professional attire, help the environment, and challenged other retailers to cater to the plus size shopper beyond a 3X.
Available in sizes up to 40
ASOS has come a long way and now they have sizes up to a 30 in ASOS Curve! They offer personalized size recommendations with ASOS Fit Assistant! Business suits, shift dresses, tailored pants & essential work shirts- all must-haves!
Available in sizes up to 24-30
Target has been doing some great things in the Plus Size Community! With so many brands and collaborations, we are loving what they have to bring to the table. Not just plus size clothing, but maternity wear and shoes! Now that many of their stores include plus sizes, it is so much easier to find plus size options for workwear!
Available up to size 4X
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www.torrid.com
Torrid has been slaying the game of fun, trendy plus size fashion, and when it comes to workwear it’s no different. They have recently introduced Studio by Torrid, a collection of coordinates with sizes ranging from a 10-30!
Available in sizes up to size 6 (30)
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www.penningtons.com
From sexy plus size lingerie to ripped-from-the-runway dresses and everything in between Addition Elle’s got you covered. Sizes 12-26, they have color, style, and quality in their workwear! Woot!
Available up to size 26
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www.justfab.com
With sizes up to a 24, cute and chic clothing from Just Fab is perfect for the business casual workwear lover!
Available in sizes up to XXL (22-24)
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mmlafleur.com
If you’re looking for high quality and professional attire and willing to spend a bit for that classic look, MM. LaFLeur is for you in sizes up to 22!
Available in sizes up to 22
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lafayette148.com
Known for consistent great fit, quality and sophistication is Lafayette148. Find iconic plus size designer workwear styles in sizes 14-24!
Available up to size 3X (24W)
Whether you need an outfit for date night or dinner with friends, more than plus-size dresses, H&M offers jackets and blazers and work appropriate separates if you want to spruce up your office wear.
Available up through a size 4XL.
We have options! Quite a few plus size wear to work options that will help us put our best foot (or curve) forward, to tackle the day with confidence.
Right?
Right.
When plus size workwear misses the mark, it’s rarely about style and almost always about design shortcuts. Too often, professional clothing is scaled up from straight sizes instead of being intentionally engineered for plus size proportions. That’s why fit issues show up first in suiting; pulling at the bust, collapsing fabric, awkward waist placement, and shoulders that never quite sit right.
As plus size designer Tracy Christian, founder of Sante Grace, has shared with The Curvy Fashionista, “True fit comes from designing with the plus size body as the blueprint, not an afterthought.” That philosophy is exactly what separates workwear that merely exists in extended sizes from pieces that actually support plus size professionals in how they move, sit, lead, and show up at work.
Plus Size Workwear Fit Tips to Know Before You Buy
- Start with the shoulders. If a blazer fits your shoulders, it can be tailored everywhere else. If it doesn’t, no amount of wishful thinking or sizing up will fix it.
- Watch the button test. A blazer should button smoothly without pulling across the bust or stomach. Strain lines are a fit issue, not a body issue.
- Fabric weight matters. Heavier fabrics like ponte, stretch suiting, and structured knits hold their shape better on plus size bodies and instantly read more professional than thin or flimsy materials.
- Comfort is part of polish. If you can’t sit, stand, or move through your workday without adjusting your clothes, the fit isn’t doing its job.
- Tailoring is strategy, not extra. Hemming pants, adjusting sleeves, or nipping the waist can turn a “good enough” piece into a power staple.
If you noticed, we also gave you a mix of luxe plus size brands, contemporary plus size designers and retailers, as well as big box brands! No matter the budget, we have tried to round up a few great gems and finds to help you shop with confidence.
If you happen to be starting a new job and are not sure where to begin, to build your wardrobe, make sure you check out this handy list of 10 Wear to Work Essentials You Need!
So what do you think of our list? Who did we miss? Were there any retailers or items that you love love love?!
Let us know in the comments below!
Source: The Curvy Fashionista – thecurvyfashionista.com
