TL;DR is that I’m telling you about my personal experiences shopping with some plus size retailers.
Walmart
Remember when Walmart was the big bad evil retailer coming to destroy small towns? [laughs in Bezos] Anyway, as a fat kid growing up in Eastern Kentucky in the 90s, Walmart was actually my only shopping option. And the options were… bleak. In recent years, they’ve really stepped up their fashion, particularly through a collaboration with designer Brandon Maxwell. While their line with him, Scoop, only goes up to a 2x, most of their other plus lines go up to at least a 3x. They also offer shopping options through third party vendors, but I frankly just don’t recommend it.
The style: Mostly basics, but their new lines have some fun options. They also offer Eloquii Elements, an outlet version of Eloquii – which features some very on-trend, but less pricey pieces.
My personal experience: Honestly, I’ve had really great luck with Walmart tops and dresses. I find their pants to be kind of shapeless. As you shift between brands (and definitely if you shop a retailer other than Walmart), check the size charts. But mostly, I’ve found that ordering my usual size is pretty safe. One big exception is their No Boundaries line, which is junior’s sizing.
Pitfalls: The quality of pieces can be pretty meh – rarely downright bad from Walmart’s own brands, but from third party vendors? Absolutely possible that you’re buying garbage.
Boohoo
Oh, fast fashion. You are a problem.
The style: Trendy, bordering on street style. Sometimes a little wacky.
My personal experience: I’ve had mixed experiences with Boohoo. I’ve probably placed seven orders with them, and received six: one got destroyed in transit. The one thing I will say? Their sweaters: YES! They’re definitely acrylic, but cute. A lot of my winter wardrobe rests on Boohoo’s shoulders. Everything else is more hit-or-miss. I’ve gotten some tops and dresses from them that I love, I’ve gotten some tops and dresses from them that I either returned or ended up passing on later. The sizing is pretty close to standard, bordering on slightly small; if you’re in-between sizes, size up (unless something is “oversized,” which many pieces are). All that said? If you MUST shop fast fashion, go with Boohoo over SheIn.
Pitfalls: The quality and sizing is definitely better than a lot of XplusWear and SheIn videos I’ve seen, but it is still fast fashion. They rely a lot on stretchy knits and polyester. Some pieces run small, but without reviews, you won’t know until you order. I also find that their pants are SO LONG. This is a brand for tall girls! I did a return once and found the process to be easy and quick. YMMV.
Zulily
Nope.
The style: Random.
My personal experience: Nope.
Pitfalls: Okay, okay, you deserve more explanation than this. You order from whatever random brands or collections they’re hawking that day. After wading through mounds of LulaRoe-style crap, you absolutely must check and re-check the size charts because the sizing is absolutely random, possibly based on the position of the moon. Assuming that they don’t cancel your order (which has happened twice out of four times I’ve tried to place an order), it will take close to forever to ship. When it does arrive, you will be underwhelmed, I promise. I’m sure someone, somewhere has had a good experience with this company. I’m just not one.
Kiyonna
If you want a dress for an event, Kiyonna can (probably) help.
The style: Stretchy-knit dresses, along with a few separates.
My personal experience: I’ve bought from Kiyonna a couple of times, though to be fair, it was all pre-pandemic. I find their dresses well-constructed, often with thick lining.
Pitfalls: If you want something that’s going to hide lumps and curves, Kiyonna might not be your best bet. And if you want youthful or trendy… yeah, keep scrolling.
Hanes
Underwear? Well, yeah, that too. But they also have active/loungewear!
The style: BASICS
My personal experience: Overwhelmingly positive. Sweatshirts, soft pants, pannies, tees… these guys have your basics covered up to a US32. Their sizing is spot-on standard and everything is comfy.
Pitfalls: Their shipping (last time I ordered with them) wasn’t the speediest. If that’s a problem for you, they do sell on Amazon.
Snag
Tights that actually work for plus folks (US2 – 34)? Hell to the yeah. Go Snag some! (They are based in Scotland, but are now able to ship US orders from the US, which will cut down on shipping time. They also have sites for a number of other countries, which makes your shipping easier.)
The style: Supes cute tights and chub rub shorts, plus some new clothing pieces.
My personal experience: I love these guys. I probably have ~20 pairs of their tights. First of all, they all come hand-wrapped in colorful paper in a recyclable shipper, which rules. Second of all, they’re just SO GOOD. I don’t wear tights nearly often enough for the number I own (lol my life story), but the only hole or run I’ve gotten was in a pair of super delicate lace tights. Not telling you what to do or nothin’, but their mock garter tights. Just do it.
Pitfalls: I haven’t tried their clothes except one pair of panties. I found them kind of hilariously too large – by like maybe two sizes – but I could definitely see the genius of the design (wider gusset, sturdy waistband, etc.) So definitely check the size charts.
Dootsie Bug 
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