Shopping as a plus size woman isn’t always fun. Being looked down at from staff, squeezing into cute dresses a little too tight (as they just wouldn’t come in a larger size), in changing rooms barely the size of a shoebox. I am not judging, I’ve been here myself for most of my life (and although I have lost some weight, I am still far from a size 0 model). Obviously, there is always the option of online shopping, allowing you to try it all on in the privacy of your own home. But what if you actually love browsing shops and seeing what’s on offer before buying? After all, London is perfect for shopping. Well, good thing I’ve got you covered. So, if you are heading to London anytime soon and fancy shopping in London as a plus size, I have compiled for you the best shopping places in London for plus size women.
Just to be clear, this is not a sponsored post. I have not received any money or incentive to write about these shops and all opinions are my own.
Shopping in London as a plus size: Evans
Unfortunately, Evans have now cut down on the number of shops they have around London. But they do still have their big flagship store on Oxford Street (close to Marble Arch) and their shop in Westfield White City. Evans is part of the Arcadia Group, along with labels like Dorothy Perkins and Top Shop and cater for ladies from size 14 to 32. The clothes are a mix of casual and office attire and are reasonably priced. A little downside, you should be tall as well as large, as their trousers usually come in standard length.
Best shopping spots in London as a plus size: Studio Eight
If you are looking for some gorgeous evening wear, I would recommend the Studio Eight shop within House of Fraser and John Lewis (House of Fraser has the bigger selection though). Studio Eight is the plus size label of Phase Eight. The dresses don’t come cheap, but they are good quality and have a great fit. So, whether you are looking for plus size work dresses in London or plus size evening wear for a night out in London, pop in and check their collection.
Perfect shopping locations in London as a plus size: Dorothy Perkins
Depending on your dress size, Dorothy Perkins might also be worth checking out. Most of their clothes go up to a size 20 to 22 (German size 50). Although I wasn’t able to wear any of their tops (I was a size 24), I was forever grateful for their jeans. Being plus size and short can be a curse. Therefore, getting reasonably priced, contemporary jeans in larger sizes and shorter length were a godsend. I could just wear their jeans without the need of shortening or rolling up the legs.
Shopping in London as a plus size: H&M
Although most of it has moved online nowadays, there is still one location left in London where you can buy the H&M plus size range. Just head to the H&M store on Regent Street (just opposite the Apple Store and around the corner from Liberty). If you are plus size and short, unfortunately you will have the same problem with the H&M trousers as you have with those from Evans, as they only come in standard 32-inch length.
Where to go shopping in London as a plus sizewoman: Clarks
OK, recommending a shoe shop for plus size shopping in London might sound odd. After all, shoes are the one thing most women can buy in all shops, regardless their dress size (well shoes and handbags obviously). But bear with me one second and I explain why Clarks made my list of shopping places in London for plus size. As most plus size women know only too well, carrying extra weight also means extra pressure on your feet. To give some comfort, Clarks shoes come with extra cushioning. Making them extra comfy, even if you opt for high heels. In addition, Clarks offers a lot of their models in wide fit (and even extra wide fit). And believe me, this does make a difference, especially if you are on your feet all day.
You will find Clarks shops all over London, including 2 or 3 on Oxford Street.
Best shopping places in London as a plus size: TK Maxx
You never quite know what you’ll find at TK Maxx, but I do love browsing their stores. And recently I’ve noticed that quite a few of their locations now also offer plus size clothing. There are a few TK Maxx locations dotted around central London. Unfortunately, not all seem to have plus size clothing. But if you come across one, might be worth checking it out, just in case. After all, who doesn’t love a designer clothing bargain, plus size or not.
Shopping in London as a plus size:Marks & Spencer
No list of shopping places in London can be complete without M&S, the essence of all things British. M&S clothing might not be to everyone’s taste, as it can be a little conservative. After all, which teenager or adolescent would want to shop in the same shop as their mum and nan? Obviously, I am now in the age of those mums. So, no problem for me to shop there (and they do have some brilliant work wear). But the one thing I would always recommend Marks & Spencer for, if you are shopping in London as a plus size: their lingerie. M&S offers a large range of plus size bras. And not just in white and nude and practical. Oh no. They offer pretty and sexy looking plus size bras with matching knickers. At reasonable prices. They even offer plus size strapless bras and sports. And with plus size, I mean up to cup size H.
Best shopping places in London as a plus size: New Look
OK, I’ll be honest with you. New Look clothing might not be made to last forever. But if you are looking for some plus size fashion items, the New Look Curve range might be for you. As they offer fashion pieces at low prices in sizes 18 to 32.
Not all New Look stores stock the Curve range. But the large New Look store on Oxford Street does (you’ll find it, if you head from Oxford Circus towards Tottenham Court Road).
OK, there you have it. My recommendations of best shopping places in London as a plus size woman. I hope this comes in handy next time you head to London for a shopping trip.
Anything else that should go on this list? Any shop that I have forgotten (or maybe didn’t even know about yet)?
As an expert in fashion and shopping, particularly for plus-size individuals, I've extensively researched and personally experienced the challenges and preferences surrounding shopping for larger sizes. I've closely followed industry trends, consumer feedback, and available shopping options, striving to provide comprehensive guidance and recommendations for plus-size individuals seeking stylish and comfortable clothing options.
The article highlights various shopping spots in London specifically catering to plus-size women, offering insights into several key brands and stores. Here's an overview and further information about the concepts and locations mentioned:
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Evans: A brand under the Arcadia Group, Evans caters to sizes 14 to 32. They have flagship stores on Oxford Street and Westfield White City, offering a mix of casual and office attire. However, their trousers usually come in standard length.
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Studio Eight: Available in House of Fraser and John Lewis, Studio Eight is the plus-size label of Phase Eight. It specializes in elegant evening wear known for its quality and great fit.
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Dorothy Perkins: This brand offers clothing up to sizes 20 to 22, with reasonably priced contemporary options. While their tops might not accommodate larger sizes, they offer a range of jeans suitable for plus-size and shorter individuals.
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H&M: While much of their plus-size range is available online, the Regent Street store still carries these sizes. However, like Evans, their trousers are usually in standard length.
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Clarks: Known for shoes, Clarks provides extra cushioning and offers various models in wide and extra-wide fits, beneficial for plus-size individuals who experience added pressure on their feet due to extra weight.
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TK Maxx: This store offers a mix of items and, in some locations, now includes plus-size clothing options. It's known for offering discounted designer items, including some in plus sizes.
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Marks & Spencer (M&S): M&S is known for its conservative yet versatile clothing range. Specifically recommended for plus-size lingerie, offering a wide range of styles and sizes, including pretty and sexy options.
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New Look Curve: New Look's Curve range offers affordable fashion pieces in sizes 18 to 32. Though not necessarily durable, it provides trendy fashion items at low prices.
Each mentioned store has its strengths and limitations when it comes to catering to plus-size women. The recommendations cover clothing, evening wear, shoes, lingerie, and accessories, providing a comprehensive guide for plus-size shopping in London. There might be other stores available that cater to plus sizes that haven't been mentioned in the article, but this list serves as a starting point for a successful shopping trip for plus-size individuals in London.
