Ahhh… Plus Size Shopping Online. As we know, most of the really good plus size shopping is only to be had online. But online shopping can be like target practice, if you haven’t practiced and done it enough it can be a real hit or miss. Even if you have perfected this craft, you can still be caught off guard.
So what do you do? How do you navigate? HOW do you decide? Where do you even begin?
Well, a few years back, I fashioned an online shopping tips post and after re-reading it, I felt I needed to update this, especially with the strides in plus size fashion over this short time!
Navigation can be easier once you know what to expect and prep yourself proactively! So check out these tips (and leave yours in the comments too) to help you along your shopping way!
5 Plus Size Shopping Online Tips
- Know your measurements. I have two measuring tapes at my desk. I have my measurements written down too. I fluctuate often (as most of us do) and stay aware of my measurements… This works wonders and helps me know what to expect
- Blogger Reviews. This is what we are here for! Whether in an official review capacity or in out outfit posts, seeing how an item looks on a blogger and reading their experiences helps ME and can def help give you another picture!
- Get Social. Many of our favorite online haunts have Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest or a combination of them! Most are quite reactive and proactive about communicating! If you have a question, do not be shy-ask!
- Familiarize yourself with the designer/brand’s aesthetic. I know you may be scratching your head with this one. But this one is important. Many brands and designers cater to a specific subset within the plus size fashion arena. Some are more vintage while others are more wear to work friendly. Some are more conservative while others are more edgy. Some are more pricey and others and budget friendly. Knowing what to expect a bit will help set expectations!
- Shipping and Return Policies. I always check for these. Although I barely return (I hate doing them), I do like to check up on the shipping policies. Maybe I shop too much, but free shipping or an understandable fee is a must. ESPECIALLY if you are online only. ALSO, if they do have physical locations, I need to be able to return to store or at least have that option.
I have narrowed this down to Five Tips, but I do encourage you to check out my older post which adds a few more tips that are not JUST online specific but will help as well! do these plus size shopping online tips help?
Know the fit of different brands. I have a long torso which affects the fit of pants immensely. Knowing which brands make pants with a short rise saves time and money!
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS I cannot stress your point enough! thank you for saying it again!
Keep in mind height. Plus size stores have gotten better at using actually plus size models, but they are still models, which means they are more than likely tall. I am 5 ‘3″, as much as I love maxi dresses, I have to keep in mind how that translates to my body. This may mean a visit to the tailor and get it hemmed or it may not work on me at all.
XOXOXO I completely understand!
Hi,
Can you tell me where I can get the swimsuit cover up to the far left?
I believe the Avenue! 😀
I like to know what size the model is wearing. This also helps me gauge what size I should order as well as fit. I am normally at least one or two sizes larger than model. The Kiyonna website is great because the shoppers post their photos wearing the outfits.
Yes! I believe Igigi does the same as well! as well as Modcloth!
me too I about 4’12 and maxi dresses are my favorite .plus the skirt too.
😀 Love them!
I love when a website tells me how tall the model is and what size outfit they are wearing! Super helpful especially when I realize their 1X is smaller than I am used to.
YESSSSSSSSSSSS This helps me sooooooooooooooo much!
Very informative! Thanks so much for sharing dear~
Best, x http://chictrends.co.uk/
My pleasure! You know that you do not have to put your link in every comment? If you put the url in the comment sign in, your name will be linked to your site! 😀
I don’t buy from any plus size only site that uses obvious regular size models.
You must not buy an awful lot then.
I’m not a fan of free shipping since I know it’s not ‘free’. The manufacturer will price into the garment the highest shipping cost it can from, say, LA to Boston in order to cover their shipping costs. If I live in the same zip code as their distribution center, why should I have to pay more for my top in order to cover the postage for someone across the country? No thanks. It’s an expensive scam.
There are other brands with different sizes that’s why this is important to know and set in mind the tips put in here! Clothes in shopping online is not that best if you can try to wear, that why this tip is so helpful to the curves out there.
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