Wait, what? Forever 21 plus size is actually a thing again? Yes, you read that right. The fast fashion retailer that had us all side-eyeing their commitment to size inclusivity is back with a digital first strategy, and we need to talk about it.
Forever 21 Shopping Is Available Right Now
If you’ve been searching for “Forever 21 plus size,” here’s what you need to know: the brand relaunched with a completely new operating structure in September 2025, and yes, their plus size collection is alive and well online at forever21.com. The site currently features plus size dresses, tops, bottoms, activewear, swimwear, and more.
This is the same Forever 21 that shuttered all its U.S. stores in May 2025 after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time. The same brand that faced massive backlash in summer 2024 when they deleted their plus size Instagram account and customers noticed plus size sections disappearing from physical stores. The same company that once included diet bars with plus size orders in what became a PR nightmare.
So yeah, we have some thoughts.
The New Forever 21: Digital First Strategy Explained
Authentic Brands Group, which owns Forever 21, announced a major restructuring in September 2025 that positions Forever 21 as a “digital first, consumer led brand.” Here’s what that actually means for shoppers looking for Forever 21 plus size options.
“This marks a sensational new chapter for Forever 21 and underscores our commitment to meeting consumers where they are,” said Jarrod Weber, Global President, Sports & Lifestyle, Authentic Brands Group. “By aligning with expert operators in digital commerce, wholesale and youth apparel, we are setting Forever 21 up for long-term relevance and success, delivering fast, accessible fashion to Millennial, Gen Z and future generations through the channels they trust and prefer.”
The brand partnered with Unique Brands, a digital retail solutions provider, to handle all U.S. e-commerce operations. Mark Edwards Apparel took over women’s wholesale, and Kidz Concepts now manages kidswear.
Translation? Forever 21 is betting big on online shopping, and that includes their plus size and Big & Tall offerings.
A Rocky History With Forever 21
For those of you who’ve been following TCF over the years, you know we’ve been tracking Forever 21′s complicated relationship with plus sizes since way back. Let’s recap, because context matters.
Forever 21 launched their plus size line (originally called Forever 21 Plus, later rebranded as Faith 21, then Forever 21+) back in 2009, offering sizes up to 3X and 4X. At the time, it felt revolutionary. Affordable, trendy plus size fashion? From a mall brand that young people actually wanted to shop? Sign us up.
But here’s where it got messy. The plus size sections were always relegated to tiny corners in the back of stores. Online inventory was consistently smaller than straight size offerings. And don’t even get us started on that 2019 incident when they shipped Atkins diet bars with plus size orders, then called it an “oversight.”
By summer 2024, the writing was on the wall. Influencer and model Remi Bader went viral claiming Forever 21 was pulling back on plus sizes after the brand deleted its dedicated plus size Instagram account. Customers visiting stores in Los Angeles found that only one out of five locations carried any plus size inventory at all.
Forever 21 denied they were eliminating plus sizes, saying they’d simply consolidated all their social accounts into one “inclusive space.” But the damage was done. Plus size shoppers felt abandoned. Again.
With this new leadership (who also owns Fredericks of Hollywood, Guess, Nine West, amongst many others), we are curious how they navigate this space, work with the community, and allow for Forever 21 to redefine their brand…
Why This Forever 21 Comeback Matters
Here’s the thing… despite all the drama, despite brands treating size inclusivity like it’s optional, despite what we’re calling the “Ozempic era” of renewed thin worship… the demand for plus size fashion is stronger than ever.
The plus size clothing market is projected to hit $426.21 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.94% from 2024. That’s not niche. That’s not a trend. That’s a massive consumer base with disposable income and style preferences that deserve to be met.
So, when Forever 21 announces they’re back online with plus sizes and Big & Tall included, it matters. Not because we think they’ve suddenly become champions of body positivity, but because accessible, affordable plus size fashion options are still too rare.
What’s Actually Available in Forever 21 Plus Size Right Now
We checked forever21.com’s plus size section, and here’s what we found. The Forever 21 plus size collection includes:
Plus size dresses ranging from casual minis to sequined maxis, bodycon styles to flowing maxi dresses. Prices start around $20 and go up to $90 for more elaborate pieces.
Plus size tops including graphic tees, crop tops, sweaters, cardigans, blouses, and bodysuits. The Y2K aesthetic is alive and well, with plenty of baby tees and fitted styles alongside more relaxed options.
Plus size bottoms like jeans, leggings, skirts, shorts, and joggers. Denim options include everything from baggy styles to skinny jeans.
Plus size activewear and athleisure pieces for those who want comfortable, trendy workout gear.
Plus size swimwear including bikinis, one pieces, and cover ups.
I am looking forward to the accessories department to be flushed out more, as this was one of the few places I could get rings for my plus size fingers to fit, that were cute, and that worked for me.
Also to note? Big & Tall options is also available! Up through a 4 and 5XL in select items.
The inventory appears solid, though we’ll be watching to see if it stays that way.
Shopping Forever 21: What You Need to Know
If you’re planning to shop Forever 21, here’s some practical advice.
Check the measurements. Forever 21’s sizing has always been… let’s call it inconsistent, so maybe this could be an area we see the new management’s changes with? Don’t rely on the size tag alone. Look at the actual measurements provided for each item.
What we are seeing so far is that they do have a singular size chart for all products, so that could be promising! Also, their 4x seems to be closer to a Torrid 3X. So, this seems that this newer silhouette may be more like a junior plus cut.
Read reviews if available. Other plus size shoppers will tell you the truth about fit, fabric quality, and whether items run true to size.
Know the return policy. Since this is a digital first operation, understanding how returns work is crucial. Online only shopping means you can’t try before you buy.
Watch for sales. Forever 21 has always been about volume and turnover. If something feels too pricey, join the newsletter to stay on top of sales!
Manage expectations on quality. This is fast fashion at fast fashion prices. These pieces aren’t investment pieces. They’re trendy, affordable options for current styles.
What We’re Watching For
The fact that Forever 21 exists right now doesn’t mean it’ll exist next year. Or even next season. We’ve seen too many brands launch plus size lines with fanfare only to quietly discontinue them when they decide it’s not “worth it.”
Here’s what we’ll be monitoring as 2026 unfolds.
Does the plus size inventory stay robust, or does it slowly dwindle? Are new styles being added regularly, or is the section becoming an afterthought?
Is the sizing range actually inclusive? Forever 21 plus size historically went up to 3X or 4X. Is that still the case? And are those sizes actually in stock?
How’s the representation in marketing? Will we see plus size bodies in their campaigns, or will it be sample size models with a tiny “also available in plus sizes” disclaimer?
What’s the shopping experience like? Are plus size items getting buried in search results? Is the navigation intuitive? Do filters work properly?
The Bigger Picture: Plus Size Fashion in 2026
Forever 21’s reemergence as an online plus size retailer is happening against a backdrop of concerning trends. Multiple brands have quietly pulled back from size inclusivity over the past few years. Loft eliminated their plus line in 2021. Athleta’s extended sizing never reached the scale they promised. Even brands that still offer plus sizes have dramatically reduced their physical store presence.
Some industry watchers have blamed this pullback on the rise of GLP 1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, suggesting demand for plus sizes is declining. But the market data tells a completely different story. Plus size fashion is growing, not shrinking. The issue isn’t demand. It’s commitment.
Brands got into plus size fashion when body positivity was trending. Now that the culture has shifted back toward thin worship, suddenly size inclusivity feels less urgent to executives who were never personally invested in the first place.
That’s why Forever 21’s continued presence in the plus size space matters, even if we’re approaching it with healthy skepticism. Every option matters when options are limited.
Should You Shop Forever 21?
Look, we’re not going to tell you where to spend your money. That’s your call. But here’s how we’re thinking about it.
If you need affordable, trendy pieces and Forever 21 has your size in stock? Shop there if it works for you. Plus size women deserve access to fast fashion just like everyone else. We deserve to experiment with trends without breaking the bank. We deserve to look cute in a $20 top if that’s what we want.
But also? Don’t let Forever 21 (or any brand) off the hook. Demand better. Expect consistency. Call out backsliding when you see it. Support brands that show sustained commitment to size inclusivity, not just performative gestures.
The plus size fashion landscape is complicated. Forever 21’s history is messy. But right now, today, you can shop Forever 21 plus size clothing online. That’s a fact. What happens next will tell us whether this brand has actually learned anything, or if this is just another chapter in fast fashion’s ongoing failure to fully embrace the bodies that make up the majority of their customer base.
At the End of the Day…
Forever 21 is back as an online retailer with plus sizes included in their digital inventory. After closing all physical stores and restructuring under new operating partners, the brand is positioning itself as digital first with a continued focus on “speed, agility and trend leadership.”
In a market where plus size options are still too limited and too often treated as afterthoughts, every accessible retailer counts. So yes, you can shop Forever 21 in plus sizes right now. The clothes are there. The prices are the same what you can expect from Forever 21. The styles hit current trends.
Will this last? That’s the billion dollar question. Or in Forever 21’s case, the several hundred million dollar question, considering their financial struggles. But for now, the option exists. And in the often disappointing world of plus size fast fashion, we’ll take what we can get while demanding better.
What do you think? Are you willing to give Forever 21 another shot? Or have their past missteps lost your trust for good? Drop your thoughts in the comments, because we want to hear how the TCF community is feeling about this comeback.
