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On any given Saturday, all my heart desires is to walk into a designer store, latte in hand, and try on beautiful clothes—an afternoon that if I was straight sized would be effortless, but since I’m plus size, it requires research.
The demand for in-person shopping from the plus size community continues to grow (despite think pieces questioning the end of size inclusion in the era of Ozempic), and impatience for the fashion industry to catch up to our wallets is pervasive. Look no further than the comment section on Samyra Miller’s TikTok-viral song “Plus-Size Freestyle,” which asks point blank: “Why do I gotta get it in the mail?” You’ll find thousands reiterating that when it comes to shopping, plus size customers are over settling for less.
It's a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with, and after a decade of being told by well-intentioned sales staff that I can only find plus sizes online, standing in a thoughtfully designed store and hearing, “We do have your size in stock; I’ll get a room started for you!” feels euphoric and is an experience you deserve to have too.
Deciding if you like clothing before you've already purchased it is a true luxury for plus-size people. I want to hem and haw with credit cards burning a hole in my pocket in a flatteringly lit dressing room while I ponder if this is what I really want. I’m tired of convincing myself a garment is good enough because I simply can’t bear sending something back—again. The planet is paying for my returns’ carbon footprint. I am paying for my returns, and what once felt like swimming in a digital sea of possibilities now feels like a cheap substitute for shopping. Give me curated scentscapes and mood-setting playlists; soda water while I browse; and the ability to compare sizes without having to pay $20 in return fees.
If you’re craving that tangible experience too, I have good news. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or want a size-diverse group of friends to all be able to shop together, here are ten designers carrying plus sizes in stores in New York right now.
Berriez
Your fave plus influencer absolutely shops at Berriez. Owned and curated by Emma Zac, Berriez is the place to find one of a kind vintage gems, reworked vintage, and exclusive collabs from emerging designers in sizes S–4X. It all elicits envious “where did you find that?!” cries. The appointment only shop also hosts pop-ups, creator closet sales, and size inclusive community events at their Brooklyn warehouse studio. If you’re looking for statement pieces ahead of the trend cycle, Berriez is a must visit.
Big Bud Press
This cute double-decker shop, with an interior that perfectly matches the vintage-inspired unisex workwear pieces and ’70s color scheme the brand is famous for, carries sizes XXS–6XL. While the dressing rooms are a bit on the small side, the emerald tiled walls make a stunning selfie backdrop, and the bubbly staff rounds out the whole experience.
Ganni
While its plus-size range is lesser known, Ganni is now carrying up to a 4X (the full size range is 0–US 20/4X) in select pieces at its SoHo store. The playful space on Mercer Street, designed with sustainability in min designed with sustainability in mind, stocks its collaborations as well, and the sales team is more than happy to walk you through the specific pieces for you to try on. It’s also worth noting that this flagship carries extended sizes in shoes, going up to a 44, which we love to see.
Ilana Kohn
Ethical fashion fan-favorite Ilana Kohn is both designed and produced in NYC. The shop on Orchard Street is the perfect place to try out its signature oversized silhouettes and give into your urge to own wide-leg coveralls. While you might not find the full size range out on the racks (XS-3X), the sales team is happy to pull your size from the back, so don’t be afraid to ask for exactly what you’re looking for.
Maguire
This direct-to-consumer shoe brand started in Canada and expanded to New York in early 2022 with a playful shop in Nolita. Maguire boasts numerous wide-width shoes (and a recently launched wider-calf boot), an often hard-to-find accessory, especially in brilliant hues and cool patterns. Cow-print loafers, anyone?
Mara Hoffman
A feast for the senses in all aspects. The sales team always exceeds expectations (case in point: the comment thread on this post), and the dressing rooms are spacious, softly lit, and now the standard to which I compare other dressing rooms. Treat yourself and visit this calm exhale of a store, which carries 00–20/XXS–3X.
Never Fully Dressed
Patterns, metallics, neons, and sequins. If you're looking for anything but bland, you have to visit Never Fully Dressed in Nolita, which carries sizes US 2–24. The energy of the store—bright and eclectic—is contagious, resulting in instant change room forged friendships, honest outfit advice from the attentive sales team, and an overall sense of play that makes shopping here feel like you’re standing in your best friend's closet getting ready for a fabulous night out.
Plus BKLYN
Want to shop while sticking to a budget? Try Plus BKYLN. It offers a size range of 1X–6X and a mix of new, resale (including pieces from local-plus influencers), and vintage pieces as well as fat-positive accessories and art. It’s the perfect spot to spend an afternoon searching for a one-of-a-kind plus-size treasure.
Tanya Taylor
If you’ve ever dreamt of shopping on Madison Ave., I am delighted to say you (finally) can! Tanya Taylor opened a flagship store in the iconic shopping district stocked with their full size range, US 00–22. A luxury designer experience through and through, sip complimentary bubbly while perusing modern and artful pieces, or let the sales team take care of pulling looks for you, by booking a free in-store styling appointment for personalized fashion and fit advice. From feathers to fringe, some details simply need to be experienced in person.
Vince
On the hunt for high-end workwear and elevated daily staples? Look no further than Vince. While you’ll only be able to find its plus collection at the Fifth Avenue location, make the trip to shop these splurge-worthy garments in person. Trust us, heirloom-quality wool coats, satin slip skirts, and cashmere sweaters are much more fun to try on IRL.
Wray
Just down the street from the aforementioned Big Bud Press is Wray, a Latinx-owned brand also offering sizes XXS–6XL, designed for the ephemeral cool girl who isn’t afraid to turn heads. The store itself is minimally designed, so the clothing stands out. )If you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet Lemon, the shop dog.)