Bodies come in all sizes, and if you have a child who is plus size, you need to consider how to help her find clothes that make her feel good. Girls plus size clothing and plus size junior clothing can be harder to find, but parents can make the process much easier by identifying retailers that carry plus sizes and getting creative with online shopping sprees.
👉 This article is also available in Spanish.
Things to think about when shopping for girls’ plus size clothing
We live in a society that promotes harmful body ideals. Bodies come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. But the fashion industry makes clothes for a very narrow (literally) body type. The lack of plus size fashion for girls and juniors is frustrating for parents.
Children living in larger bodies are at risk of body hate, disordered eating, and eating disorders. This is no surprise, since it’s hard to live in a larger body in our society.
We recommend that parents who have plus size girls, tweens, and teens learn about Health at Every Size. This approach encourages parents to completely accept their child’s body. But even the most accepting parents will find it difficult to help their kids feel when stores fail to carry kids’ plus size clothing.
Non-Diet/Health At Every Size® Fact Sheets, Guidelines, and Scripts
- Fact Sheets About Weight Stigma, Diet Culture, Kids and Diets, and More
- Non-Diet Parent Guidelines
- Non-Diet Parent Scripts About Responding to Fat Talk, Diet Talk, and More
- What to Say/Not Say When Talking About Bodies and Food
When shopping isn’t fun because there’s a lack of girls’ plus size clothing
Going shopping – an adolescent rite of passage – can be fraught when you’re looking for girls’ plus size clothing. Clothes may not fit well, may be too tight in some places and gape in others. Even worse, many retail stores don’t carry plus size children’s clothes in the store.
Shopping meltdowns are common during this delicate time in a girl’s physical growth and emotional development. Parents and their kids can feel awful about themselves because there are so few options available.
In fact, shopping can be a major trigger for the beginning of struggles with body hate and dieting. Since dieting is a major risk factor for eating disorders, it’s important to address shopping struggles.
This is why it’s a good idea to think critically about clothes shopping before going shopping with your child. Education can help you and she understand the options and navigate the changing room with minimal shame.
Most clothes are made for “straight-sizes”
The vast majority of clothing available in retail stores is for “straight-sizes,” which range from size 0-12 for adults. People who live in larger bodies find it extremely difficult to find stylish clothing in their size.
In 2012, it was estimated that 67% of American women are “plus size” (size 14 or larger) (Bloomberg). However, plus size clothing is often given a tiny fraction of department store floor space. Sadly, the majority of mass retailers do not accommodate sizes beyond 12.
This means that people living in larger bodies have a very hard time finding clothing that meets their body needs and personal style.
The excuse from fashion designers is that making plus size clothing is hard. This will remain true as long as consumers accept a lack of selection in plus size clothing. We need to increase pressure on retailers and fashion designers to dress our bigger girls, tweens, and teens.
Children’s clothing sizes
Children’s clothing is based on age. This assumes a straight growth curve in which the child grows up and out at a standard rate. However, not all bodies are made to be straight. For example, an 8-year-old girl may need a size 12 to accommodate her waist, but a size 12 length is too long.
The hardest time for plus size girls is when they are in between children’s and junior clothing sizes. For example, 10-year-old girl may need a Junior size 2 to fit her waist, but the neck holes, armholes, and length are all wrong. Junior sizes give too much space for breasts, not enough space for tummies, and the length is wrong for most children.
Junior clothing sizes
Kids’ sizes end at straight-size age 12, at which point a girl goes into the Junior’s dept. A 13 year-old plus size teen is not going to be able to wear a Junior’s size 5 or 7. She needs clothes that fit her body shape. Straight sizes assume we grow according to thin beauty standards, however, most of us don’t.
This mismatch happens right as girls are gaining weight for puberty, and their shapes are in transition. It’s as if Junior sizes forget that tweens’ bodies are gaining weight and growing unpredictably. Straight sizes assume a standard chest-waist-hip ratio that doesn’t fit the majority of the population.
Brand sizing
Every brand uses its own sizing chart. This means that a woman may range up to four sizes depending on the clothing brand. This adds significant stress for people living in larger bodies, who already feel incredibly vulnerable in the changing room.
A teen who carries more weight in her thighs may be unable to fit in clothing from one brand. A teen who carries her weight in her breasts may fit that brand perfectly. This happens to straight-size and plus sizes alike.
The variation between brands can be mind-boggling. Here’s a woman trying on the same size in different brands:
How to shop in the store
To avoid generating body shame and anguish, do some research before going shopping with your child. First, identify whether your child is straight size or plus size.
If your child is a straight size, then you will be able to find clothing for her in most major retailers. But children who are on the large side of straight sizes or are plus size may be harder to fit. You want to minimize the pain of not fitting into the largest size in the store. If your child is plus size, then you will likely have more difficulty finding options at your local mall.
1. Be a Fashion Scout:
It pays to do some scouting in advance. Find out whether your local retailers carry plus size children’s and plus size junior’s clothing. It’s better not to bring your child on your scouting expeditions. It can be frustrating for both of you to see that there are no plus sizes. Save your child from external evidence that there is something wrong with her body. She’s likely already facing that every day. We can’t protect our child from constant reminders that her body does not fit our cultural ideal. But we can protect her from unnecessary exposure to fashion tragedies.
2. Upsize
When shopping for clothes in a retail store, the key is to prepare in advance to “upsize.” This is especially true if your child has recently gained weight or her body has changed.
Upsizing means that you choose multiple sizes of the same item, including one that you are fairly certain will be too large. Try to avoid selecting anything that you are fairly certain will be too small. Have your child try on the clothes from the largest size to the smallest size. Avoid looking at the size label while trying on. This will help her enjoy whatever size actually fits, instead of starting small and trying to force her body into something uncomfortable or despairing over her body’s size.
Encourage her to ignore the size label while she is trying the clothes on, reminding her that every brand does sizing differently, and it’s important to buy things that fit well, regardless of the size on the label. Be careful to avoid bringing any judgment to the sizing process.
3. Don’t praise clothing size
If she fits in a smaller size than you were expecting, don’t praise her for having a smaller body. Just acknowledge that the size fits her well. If she is too large for the largest piece of clothing in a certain style, just remind her that sizing is crazy.
Remember: if the pants don’t fit, it’s the pants’ fault – not her body’s.
Whether the pants fit or not should never mean that you provide praise or disapproval of your child’s body. Remind your child that it is the clothing’s job to fit her body. It is not her body’s job to fit the clothing.
Body Image Printable Worksheets
The best tools to feel calmer and more confident in your body!
- Boost confidence
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How to make online shopping work
Unfortunately, most of the major retail clothing stores do not provide plus size clothing in-store and if they do, it can be very limited. Some online retailers that carry “Girls Plus Size” clothing include:
Some online retailers that carry “Juniors Plus Size” clothing include:
Many retailers provide plus sizes online. Online shopping isn’t the same as a traditional shopping trip, but your child may prefer it.
1. Over-order
Together you can search online retailers, fill shopping carts and place the orders. If you are able, over-order the clothing with the assumption that you will likely return 30%-70% of the clothing purchased online. If your budget allows, order at least two sizes of every item so there are choices.
2. Take measurements
Over-ordering isn’t always possible! The alternative is to take careful body measurements and consult the size charts for each retailer.
3. Fill the cart
Consider having your child do the “fun” part of adding the stuff she likes to the cart. Consider taking on the hard/frustrating part of figuring out which size to order.
4. Plan a try-on day
Wait until all the packages come in and have a try-on day. This can be a fun replication of the dressing room. Set all of the clothes up in multiple sizes. Lay out different outfits and combinations. Help your child evaluate how well the clothing fits, and have her sit, stand, and run around in it. Make a pile of keepers, maybes, and go-backs. This will optimize your child’s experience and minimize size-shame.
This is very much like the traditional shopping trip but in the comfort of home. Once you have piles based on how well the clothing fits, you can evaluate your budget and return what doesn’t fit.
Ginny Jones is on a mission to change the conversation about eating disorders and empower people to recover. She’s the founder of More-Love.org, an online resource supporting parents who have kids with eating disorders, and a Parent Coach who helps parents supercharge their kid’s eating disorder recovery.
Ginny has been researching and writing about eating disorders since 2016. She incorporates the principles of neurobiology and attachment parenting with a non-diet, Health At Every Size® approach to health and recovery.
Ginny’s most recent project is Recovery, a newsletter for deeply feeling people in recovery from diet culture, negative body image, and eating disorders.
My granddaughter is 5 and she is chunky nothing fits her right she is wearing 7/8 many children fall into this size but in Jean’s are always to right no plus sizes for the little girls under size 10 very frustrating
It’s very frustrating. We just have to do our best and keep asking brands to expand their sizing options. Did you try any of the stores in this article? Have you found their children’s plus sizes helpful?
I might have overlooked it, but I never saw details on how to find the proper length.
Are the plus sizes what is needed for the proper length?
My nine, almost ten year old is in a size 16 but all jeans are way too long for her.
Typically the best approach is to either get them tailored or learn how to hem pants and jeans. There are lots of great tutorials on YouTube!
None of those stores carry plus size that is plus enough for my daughter. She is not very big at all, but she is so short and her rise is so short. Her waist is a regular size 14. But her rise and length is 10. The only brand we have found that works is Justice. She wears a size 10 plus, as long as it is their jeggins. They are stretchy enough and still look and feel like real jeans.
That’s so disappointing! I will add Justice to the list. Thank you so much for letting me know!
I am so glad to see all that comment as I thought I was the only one had that problem.
My 2 kids have same, Tall for the age and bit chubby for the age. Again I could go to adult size but sometimes kids want to wear graphic shirts that other friends are wearing.
I am looking to find the company to make that size.. hope to launch soon
You’re not alone! We all hope there will be more options for larger kids soon. It’s heartbreaking that they don’t get to pick the same styles as their peers.
I’m looking for any help in finding dresses for my 8 year old granddaughter who’s a size 16-20 plus size. She’s short and heavy. I can’t even find a pattern in that size. Any idea or direction is welcome.
Did you check the stores we included in the article? I’m so sorry there aren’t more options available. It shouldn’t be this hard!
This is reply is years too late but I’ll write it in case it’s helpful to others! I’ve found Wonder Nation (Walmart) plus sizes to be great for this size range.
Could you do an article on how to find styles that are flattering on plus sized kids? My 9-year old is still in that princess stage but those styles do not flatter a protruding tummy. The other kids are brutal. Help!
The problem is neither her tummy nor the clothes – the problem is the other kids. Have you spoken to her about having confidence in her body and assured her that there is nothing wrong with her body? Perhaps also help her find ways to respond to the bullies. For example: “please don’t talk about my body,” “I don’t like it when you talk about my body.” Please speak with her teachers, principal, and school psychologist. It sounds like she is being bullied, and that is very serious and absolutely not OK. Sending love … Ginny
Thank you so much for this article & your approach.
Thank you! I’m so glad you like it!
Thank you for doing this article, my daughter is 10yrs old and is sizing up and out of the store we have shopped at since she was a baby. It was easy shopping for me, til now when I go try to find her next size up it’s not there. It’s frustrating there is not a store made just for girls who are sizing up and out, but still need to look like little girls. Thank you again for the great tips and store recommendations.
It’s so difficult to find plus size kids clothes. Thanks so much for your comment – I’m really glad to hear this article was helpful!
Being the parent of two fabulous plus size girls, who want nothing more than to wear clothes that fit in with current trends, I have felt the frustrations and heartache of a lot of the mums who have posted on this site. Your article has been an inspiration for me and I will certainly be putting into practice all the tips and recommendations. Thank you so much.
Thank you for loving your girls as they are!
WONDERFUL article, thanks for sharing! My daughter is short and stockier and we are beyond able to just size up, pants are just too tight and long doing that!! Thankfully my daughter has a great self esteem and self awareness at 8, but I will do everything in my power to keep here there! Thanks for stores that are great options to shop at her for clothes that will be a little roomier and the right length!
I’m so glad the article was helpful! Thanks for the work you are doing to keep your daughter positive about her body. Please keep assuring her that the problem is never, ever her body. The problem is the pants!
My daughter is 6yo going into first grade. She is almost wearing junior clothes. We shop mainly at justice and sometimes kohl’s (online) because they have cute shirts and dresses that flare out and aren’t tight on her tummy. She has friends that wear these cute little outfits that we can never find in her size and its so frustrating. Breaks my heart every time we shop. Lately we have been sticking to ordering online because they have all the right sizes. My fear is that in the next few years, she wont be able to fit into the justice girls clothes or anything that is for little girls. Also, Even when we can find something girly in say a size 20 plus, it is so long that I have to fix it for her to wear it. Shoes are also an issue. She is right in between a kid and adult size shoe. She can wear a 6 girls or a 7 womans. But a lot of stores kids size shoes only go up to a 5. The last thing she wants is to wear an adult shoe? I just wish stores and designers would understand that there are kids out there that are built a little different. Thanks again for reminding me to assure here that its not her body, its the clothes!!!
I’m so glad that you are willing and able to alter her clothing so that she can enjoy being a child! It’s unfortunate, but many people in larger bodies learn alteration skills so they can achieve the fashion they enjoy in an environment that doesn’t serve their bodies. She is lucky to have you – thank you!
It’s great you took the time to address this problem. My 9 year old is currently at the in between stage where a 14 doesn’t quite fit unless we’re lucky. The juniors stuff is always too long and skinny or just not made for her body size/shape. Yesterday we went school shopping and she had a meltdown in the target dressing room when we weren’t having any luck and something she really wanted didn’t fit. I feel her pain as it’s the story of my life, I was having flashbacks to my childhood crying while school shopping cause I hated the few things that did fit me. I just was really hoping for some great insight on where or how to find a kids size 18 20 which is really what they should have available for these kids! Instead your solution was to order stuff online in multiples and get tons of it like if you were in the store trying stuff. This seems totally impractical not to mention expensive. I don’t do a lot of online ordering but I do know it costs extra sometimes and can cost $ to return. MAN I really wish there had been some better solutions than that! It is sad really because plus size clothes have come a long way since I was a teen and they had NOTHING. But apparently the fashion industry left out the most important client, kids!! You are so right about your description of “straight” sizes and how they expect all kids to be built the same and to only grow up and not out! SO FRUSTRATING and school starts next Tuesday. My poor girl school shopping should be fun😢😢😢
Target meltdowns seem to be common! It’s hard finding clothes that fit, and I’m so sorry that your daughter has to deal with this. I wish I had better solutions, too! One thing that has come up lately is learning some basic sewing skills so you can alter clothing. Like everything, this is an imperfect solution to a frustrating problem. Good luck – I hope your sweet girl enjoys going back to school!
This is way late but maybe it’ll help someone with the same issue. Goin through this very thing currently and just figured out that Walmart actually goes up to a size 18 in girls. They also have a plus size for each size.
Thank you for this article. This has been an issue for so long now with my 11 year old. She was confident until the last year or so, now she talks about being fat. And all of her friends are really thin and wear cropped tops, skinny jeans and bikinis and she wants to look like them. It’s so sad. I second that the only kid’s store that consistently fits her is Justice plus sizes (especially their jeans). But most of their options are online and their clothes are low quality and fall apart quickly. Plus, now my daughter doesn’t like most of their styles. It is definitely frustrating to be locked in to so few stores. We have turned to mostly shopping in women’s clothing. She can find more styles she likes, and luckily she is tall for her age (but still on the short side for the average woman) and of course the sizing is made for a developed woman. So it’s still a struggle (and more expensive), but she enjoys that shopping more, and there are women’s clothes everywhere so we often find something. The world is made for thin people with a certain type of build, and it effects our self esteem as adults, the effect it has on girls and teens is even more damaging. I don’t buy the clothing industry’s argument that it’s harder to make, it’s all about catering to the body type society says is acceptable and looks good on models. I have been thin my whole life and never thought about how limited plus size clothing is until I had a plus sized friend. And now it’s hitting home much harder with a plus sized daughter who I just want to feel confident in her body.
I’m so sorry to hear about your daughter’s experience with fashion. It’s very upsetting that the fashion industry doesn’t accommodate a range of body sizes, and I know that many kids feel frustrated and ashamed, which is terrible! I’m glad you have found a solution that works for you guys right now. I’ve heard from several women in larger bodies that learning basic alteration skills has been a huge asset for their ability to enjoy clothes. Thank you for supporting her. She is lucky to have a mom who loves her unconditionally.
Thank you so much for your article! My partner and I have just gotten custody of his 14-year-old daughter, who was not able to bring any clothing with her when she came to our house for good (and didn’t have anything appropriate to begin with anyway). She needs a bunch of new clothing, and I had no idea where to start. She has been bullied at school recently for her size, and for her ill-fitting clothing. I want to take her shopping and really appreciate these suggestions and the ideas about scouting in advance! Having always fit into standard/straight sizes without issue, some of these issues just never would have occurred to me. Your suggestions for how to approach the shopping, how to talk about sizing and her body so as never to make her feel her body is the problem are SO appreciated! I love this little girl, and she has been through some really difficult things lately; I just want to scoop her up and make her feel good about her beautiful self.
Oh my goodness! You are an inspiration! Thank you so much for doing your research. It means soooooo much to your little girl. She is so lucky to have you in her life!
This article has some great ideas. It is such a hard thing to take your three daughters shopping and only one not be able to fit into anything because the stores don’t carry her clothes to fit her. My girl went to camp this week and the weather turned at the last minute and we were scrambling for long sleeves to keep her warm. I have started using surveys as a means to communicate to stores that EVERY girl should be able to shop in a store and feel comfortable about herself.
I’m so glad the article was helpful, but I also wish that it was an unnecessary subject, since stores should carry clothes that fit more kids’ bodies! Thank you for the energy and effort you are putting into changing the system while simultaneously being compassionate towards your daughters who are not being served by current retail stores. I hope you were able to find long-sleeved shirts that fit her for camp!
Thank you for this information. And for allowing replies to be posted. It always helps to know you’re not alone 😊 after a frustrating shopping trip last night all this info will be helpful moving forward.
You are absolutely not alone! This is the most popular article on our website – and we have +350 articles! I hope future shopping trips will be easier for you. It takes patience and practice, and I always keep in mind the mantra “if the pants don’t fit, the pants are the problem – never the body.” xoxo
I almost want to cry after reading this. Thank you for tackling this helpful guide in such a positive forward way. I have a 9 year old daughter who used to wear straight sizes until 2 years ago and all of the sudden it’s tricker to find clothes to fit her I just realized plus sizes fit her so much better. Our girl is so amazing and we want her to feel amazing when choosing and wearing fabulous clothes. Thank you!
Thank you so much – I’m so glad that the article is helpful for you! xoxo
My 18 year granddaughter is,quite big ,she is not a fancy dresser ,she is happy in her horse riding pants ,and loose tops ,she is going to iitaly .with her school this .year ,and would like to get .some long sleeve .,cotton shirts or tops ,could you let us know .where we can get some ,she seems to think the men’s sizes fit better across her shoulders ,I would appreciate some suggestions, she is a beautiful girl thanks ,
For adult sizes, I like Old Navy, Kohls, JC Penney, LL Bean, and stores like that. They all have a great selection of affordable plus-sized clothing.
I have to add Torrid for adult sizes. Yes, they are more expensive than some of the other options, but the clothes are well made and they really know how to design for the plus size female body. Jeans and pants come in short sizes and jeans even have an extra short. They do have sales often, but honestly, a few key pieces from Torrid will really help an older teen or adult build a really flattering, comfortable, and well-fitting wardrobe base. (And no, I don’t work for Torrid or any retailer, I just know the store was an absolute life-saver for my plus size daughters.)
Great suggestion! Thank you! xoxo
I am a single mom trying to raise a plus sized 6 yr old. I can’t afford new clothes that fit her all the time. Are there any online sites that sell used plus size clothes- or any moms that would like to resale some? Currently in a 7-8 plus
That’s a great idea! I’m not sure of all the options, but you could check ThredUp https://www.thredup.com/products/girls/tops?department_tags=girls&search_tags=girls-tops&sort=Recently%20Discounted
Hello there! If you’re still looking for plus size girls clothes, I have from 8 to about 14. They’re in excellent condition since my daughter outgrew pretty fast. You can find my closet on Poshmark, @dhoops. Hope this is helpful.
Land’s End also carries plus size for girls. I would love to see a new business pop up that offers stylish and more generously cut clothing for our daughters.
I’ve added Land’s End to the list – thank you! I totally agree that more fashion options are definitely needed for our girls!
Hi Ginny. Thanks for this great post. I’ve been plus size my entire life and now have a plus size 12-year-old. It’s a great list — includes the retailers that I frequent.
We’ve struggled to find clothing — specifically athletic wear and dance wear — so much that I decided to start my own brand of athletic wear for plus size kids and teens. I’m developing a 5-piece collection to launch Summer/Fall 2021.
I just want to say hang in there everyone. You’re not alone and help is on the way!
That’s sooooo exciting! Please let me know when you launch and send me the information and details about where to buy!
Thank you for your help and advice. I have a lovely g’daughter that’s outgrown sizes 14 and size 16 is so hard to find in girls sizes.. She’s only a second grader and very intelligent and smart. Other kids can be so mean at times and hurts her feelings often. Your advice means the world to me and as soon as the lockdown ends, will venture out. Can’t thank you enough for you help, sincerely, Jean
Thank you so much for your kind words! Your g’daughter is lucky to have someone who is so accepting and thoughtful. I hope you enjoy many wonderful hours shopping together once lockdown ends!
This just what I needed today! So well stated. I can’t wait to go school shopping in the fall with my daughter!
Thanks for letting me know! That’s so exciting!
My daughter is 11. She wears a size 24 at justice because she is all tummy right now. The problem is she is narrow in the shoulders, so if we go to Women’s sizes it’s too big in the shoulders/breasts. Justice is the only place I can find clothes that semi fit and her size sells out so fast. I wish other stores would realize that not everyone is straight up and down.
I’m glad Justice works, but I agree that we really need more options!
[…] 8. Work harder to find age-appropriate, cute clothing. Work a little harder to help her have fun with fashion. Do your research and make sure that stores carry her size before taking her shopping. Read More: How to shop for clothes when your daughter wears plus size. […]
What about bras? My 10 year old granddaughter is starting to need one, but all the regular training bras and sports bras are too tight – even size 38. Do you know a source for larger sizes without cup sizes?
That is a really good question. I don’t have an immediate answer, but I will do some research and update the article if I can!
Not that I was ready to shop at Victoria Secret’s PINK for my 10 year old, but they do carry large and extra large sports bras that are soft and comfortable. We ordered ours online – the store only had large in stock. Good luck!
That’s good to know – thank you!
Hi Maggie – Justice used to carry 40″ bands on their cami bras. But they’ve gone dark and I’m not sure what they’ll carry if they come back online. My daughter is 12 and needs a 42″ band. I found these on Amazon:https://amzn.to/3mE8LQm
The straps were a smidge long, But, a hot water wash and cycle through the dryer gave us just enough shrink that the straps worked. In case the straps are still too long, could also try a set of strap clips like these: https://amzn.to/3t8Y5eS
We use the strap clips on my daughter’s dance leotards. Work great! Good luck.
We have the same issue with finding a bra for my 12 year old.
Thank you so much for this article! I’ve been in a panic about buying my 8 year old daughter clothes for school next week. She has grown out of all the sizes at the children’s clothing stores..she spends the summers with her dad which makes it even more difficult to find the right sized clothes, or monkey around with ordering them online when im clueless to what size she would wear without measuring! I hadn’t even thought about trying junior sizes. I really appreciate you writing about not praising the kids for being in a smaller size and that “sizing is crazy”. Thanks for thr great advice, we’re going shopping tomorrow and im so glad i read this first.
Yay! I’m so glad to hear it was helpful, and I hope the shopping trip goes well!
I know this article was created a few years ago, but I would like to add that very little progress has been made. I have struggled with my 8 year old daughter for most of her life. She currently wears a 14/16 Plus, but I have been having a hard time with pants being way to long. I tend to buy cropped lengths if I can find them or have to cut them off myself. Also shirts are always too short. We started buying girls plus clothes at The Children’s Place and Old Navy. We have moved on to Justice and So brand from Kohls. But I am thinking of just buying women’s clothing in a Medium or Large. Maybe they will fit her longer. I have yet to find her one pair of jeans that she likes and fit.
I’m so sorry that nothing has changed yet. It’s incredibly frustrating. I hear from parents every day about how difficult this is. Thank you for doing your best to find clothes that fit your daughter. I wish there were better options!
I just found this article from my search on google looking for flattering styles and brands that make sizes for plus size girls. Your comment was like reading something I would have written myself! My daughter is starting a new school and doesn’t know anyone- and- is plus sized. I want her to feel confident with a some basic pieces and would love to find her something that could actually boost her confidence… plus size women’s clothing has been evolving- the same should be happening for plus size girls…
You’re so right about the expense of over shopping.. that’s not a reality for my house.
I’m glad the article was helpful! I’m sorry that overordering such an imperfect solution. I really wish there were another way!
Thank you so much for this article. My daughter is also plus size and already struggles with body image issues (she’s only 8). It is heartbreaking that anyone, especially a little girl, feels their worth is attached to how they look. I remind her that her body is strong and healthy; her legs and arms might be bigger but they help her to run fast and give the best hugs.
I didn’t see it mentioned anywhere but JCPenney online has a decent plus size selection, with some styles available in a 22.5 plus. According to the fit guide, the measurements given for a size 3x (22.5) are waist 39 inches and hip/seat 43 inches. Hopefully this is helpful for other mamas out there. Our girls are amazing!
Thanks so much for writing! I’ve added JC Penney – I can’t believe I left them off! Thank you for caring for your daughter at any size. I wish we lived in a society in which that wasn’t unusual. xoxo
I’m not sure how I found this blog, but I’m so glad I did 💜 Thank you Ginny!!
Same here. Have this battle every year! 😭
Poor baby. My daughter is 8 and shirts aren’t a huge deal. Jc pennys has great plus sizes for girls. But she still hates all pants and most shorts. She wears them under her belly. And cannot stand it if they feel even a little snug. I don’t know what to do for her.
Lots of girls struggle with pants. It’s frustrating. I’ve had some luck shopping for pants in the boys’ section at this age since they are constructed more for fit and function than fashion. Best of luck!
My daughter has this same issue. In 1st grade her “best” friend told her that it was “about time” she wore something “cute” because of her weight! I was fuming! I went in a mission and found some very nice boutique clothing that was considerably inexpensive, but flattered her very body size and style! Shoes became the issue because we had to buy soooooo many, but she was thrilled! Now, she’s in 4th grade, taller, but still same body type, 14/16 in the waist and 10 in length. She no longer likes the “fancy” outfits as she called them, but it taught us how to find flattering sets! It also inspired us to open our very own boutique! Opening soon right here in small town USA ! I hope this helps you to continue chasing her style! Each girl is unique and needs to know that her style is her own, and the world just doesn’t keep up with her 💜
How exciting that you’re opening your own boutique! Will you let me know when it opens? Maybe we can share your story and some photos and information about your shop here on More-Love.org! xoxo
Thank you for this article. My daughter is 10 and wears a 22 at Justice. I have been so discourage as they are one of the last stores to still offer tween plus sizes. My daughter still likes cute things that aren’t grown up looking. They are age appropriate. I never have to worry about it being skimpy. But lately they haven’t been carrying the larger sizes, and most of the stores have clothes. I sat down tonight and wrote a lengthy email to them. This is a a huge market for the fashion industry, I don’t know why no one has tapped into it. Modest, Age appropriate Tween Plus clothes.
It is a huge market, and it’s disheartening that brands don’t meet the demand for plus-sized kids’ clothes. Thank you for sending the email – I hope it will make an impact!
I loved this article. Thank you so much for putting this info together.
You’re very welcome! I’m so glad it was helpful!
I am so happy (near tears) that I found this article. My 10 ye old daughter is amazingly talented, smart, beautiful – inside & out, and wears an 18 plus. Like many others, her shopping spree experiences have been less than stellar because often her size isn’t available. I appreciate your tips, body-tivity, and responsivesness. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!
I’m so glad it was helpful, and I can tell your daughter will benefit from your care. Thank you!
My 11 year old daughter and I shopped today – we both had tears in our eyes at different times. Justice is going out of business…………That was heart breaking for both of us – that was the only place she could find things she liked to wear. So today we tried American Eagle and Target. She tried to like the junior sized clothes in Target but just couldn’t do it. If you’re not a standard size or don’t wish to dress like Mila Kunis while on That 70’s Show, there are not many options for girls. I’ll try Kohl’s online (thank you!) and let her fill the cart up and we’ll hope for the best.
I’m so sorry to hear about Justice 🙁 It’s great that you tried your best. Thank you for making sure she knows that the problem is the clothes (and the fashion industry), not her body!
I’m happy to have found this article. My 13 year old is super short (4’10”) and pretty much fully grown. Until recently, she could wear straight sizes. She was always tiny. Now that puberty has happened, nothing fits as it used to. The boob fairy spent some extra time with her, and she’s not pleased. I have no experience with this – the fairy nearly skipped me. Our body types are very different. It’s incredibly difficult to find kid sized clothes for an adult body. Often, ladies petites assume you’re petite everywhere. She has big boobs and hips, and thanks to quarantine, she’s a little fluffier than normal. She’s fine with sweatpants and tshirts, but she needs something dressier that isn’t a dress, but is the equivalent of one. I’ve been going through the list, but these are mostly casual clothes or dresses. Any ideas about where to find comfy, dressy pants and tops for super short and curvy young teens?
I’m so glad you enjoyed the article! I wish I had an answer beyond what I’ve listed in this article, but if you find a good source, please let me know!
Hi there! Dollar General believe it or not has some cute and comfy casual clothes for a pretty inexpensive price point. Button down shirts, cardigans, some nice leggings even denim ones, different style bras and sizes and even levels of support to choose from (that way you’re not spending an arm and a leg figuring out which ones she doesn’t like), casual shoes and sandals. Now it’s a good time to go. And one Dollar General is definitely not like the other even tho similar. I used to think it was for quick stops but they have such a good inventory now. Check them out! You might be surprised!
That’s great advice, thank you!
Hello! So glad to see this community! Made the order at an online retailer prior to Christmas, and two packages were lost! We were so bummed. The over sold product I think. It happens. I noticed the list is online retailers that carry plus size girls and juniors clothing, so you have a list of in- store retailers that carry plus sizes as well for the girls to juniors transition? I have a 10 year old that is in the description you provided in the first paragraph, and everything is just too long but needs to fit her belly and be comfortable for her. She prefers elastic waistbands only because other materials dig in to her. We’ve returned our exchange so much just to go back to leggings that are too long and/or shrink. Any retailers we can go to in-person to try on would be great! We live in a very small town, the closest mall or store in 45 minutes away.
I’m glad you found us, too! I’m sorry to hear about the packages being lost. What a pain! It’s so frustrating that kids’ clothing isn’t made to fit different bodies. Some of the retailers we listed do have plus-sized clothing on the floor, but it really depends. So it’s best to call ahead and ask them before you make the drive.
My daughter is only 8 and it’s so hard to find cute clothing for her in her size…so far I’m only finding clothing for older teens or women’s in her size…I want her to feel confident and beautiful…and have clothes that “fit in” w her age range and other girls her age…this list helps so I wanted to say thank you
It’s absolutely unacceptable that it’s so hard to find clothes for larger kids! I’m really glad the article was helpful!
I’m have the exact same problem with my 10 year old. And my 14 year old seems to only be able to find what she calls old people clothes.
I’m so sorry to hear that! I hope some of the ideas in this article help!
My daughters kids plus size 18/20 are getting to tight how do I determine what size in juniors Jean’s she will be without having to take her to try a bunch one?
I love all these comments. I too have a plus size daughter. Trying to find clothes that look cute and to make her feel beautiful is a challenge. I have shopped the stores mentioned in the article and have found some success. I do know how to sew a bit and that helps. My daughter is tall and fuller in the midsection. She looks really cute in dress tops with leggings. That being said, I head to the my local consignment store with a measuring tape. I have found some really cute things for her. The good thing is, I love to shop, the bad thing is, this takes a lot of time with trial and error. Good luck mammas with beautiful girls.
How great that you’re able to find a creative way to support your daughter! Your daughter is lucky to have you. xoxo
[…] Photo Credit: Ginny Jones, https://more-love.org/2017/10/25/how-to-shop-for-clothes-when-your-daughter-wears-plus-size/ […]
this was very helpful, thank you. Now–I need advice on wear to get cute girl’s shoes in a wide size. My daughter has sneakers from New Balance and Crocs, but I cannot find other things to fit her.
Thank you for raising this question! I will do what I can to find some resources. Please let me know if you find any good ones!
Hi Rachel,
I’m not sure what age you’re looking for, but Stride Rite has wide width: https://www.striderite.com/en/wide-widths/
We bought them until my baby girl sized out. Some how I now have a 12 year old!
Good luck!
Lots of options for wide shoes online. Amazon and Zappos both allow you to put in size and width to narrow down the options that area available. While my daughter doesn’t have a wide foot, I do, my son does, and my sister does. My sister’s feet are small but super wide. She has a lot of luck online. If you don’t mind spending some money, Nordstrom also has a decent selection of wide width. Occasionally I’ll even find some at Nordstrom Rack. Another place to look in person is Clark’s.
It’s really a headache to choose the right pair of shoes for children. You can take a look at K komform’s latest sandals and sneakers. Maybe there will be shoes for your children
https://www.komformeshoes.com/
Hi
Can we talk about swimsuits. My daughter just turned 9. She is budding in the chest area but still has that delicious baby girl chubbiness. Justice was always my go to for swimsuits but they have closed. Kohl’s has size 16 1/2 and 18 1/2 but they seem to be sold out always. And of course juniors is not going to be appropriate by any means. Any ideas ?
I found some kids plus bathing suits at Wal mart- and they were only $10! Also Lands End has cute plus suits.
that’s great – thanks!
Wow, thank you for this. Once puberty hit, I gained weight and developed early and the same is happening with my 10 year old. Plus COVID meant she couldn’t play her normal sports and then went through a huge growth spurt. I measured her today because Justice is really the only store that had plus size options and they did reopen luckily. She can fit the 16/18P there but she’s got hips and booty. It’s like the girls sizes are too narrow but she’s curvy and women’s are too long. I don’t want her to feel self conscious but she does. I always explain to her that everyone grows differently and that it’s okay.
It’s very frustrating that girls’ clothing is so limited in terms of sizing. I hope we see positive change in the future!
Omg….start with the biggest size and work your way DOWN instead of up…..genius ! Ty so much!
Ginny, I wanted to thank you so much for this amazing article! It was very easy to understand & broken down into parts nicely. My teenage daughter is 16 yrs old & even the thought of shopping gives her a lot of anxiety (and me too). You provided a lot of helpful information & advice not only for myself but some I can share with my daughter. I look forward to reading more articles from you on your site.
Thanks again, Kimberley
I’m so glad it was helpful! Thank you for showing so much care for your daughter! xoxo
These are great tips and so helpful! My challenge is finding age appropriate clothes for my 11 year old daughter who, at 5’7″, is the size of many adult women! I’m not ready for her to look like a 17 year old! Any advice?
Thanks, but I am kind of in between all sizes. I am only 5’4 but I need longer tops. To the point where xl tall tops from old navy are still short. I’m out of Childs’ sizes but have been shopping in women’s’ and junior’s. I’m also a bit curvy, 34″ at waist and 39″ at hip. Any tips for finding clothes that fit and don’t look too mature? I’m 14 for reference.
Look for tunic style tops, the empire style where the gather under the bust a bit and ( not tight) a d flow down. Some covering even past the hips. I would recommend some nice quality leggings . The Rockstar curvy.skinny Jean’s in short are very comfy. The shirts definitely need to be tunics. 🙂 hope that helps a little. Good luck honey!
Thank you. I wish shopping for my girls now 15& 16 was super easy. My daughter with my new husband from previous relationship, has proved to be exhausting. While trying to be up beat and trying Ross and Burlington , to the mix. The perfect Jean’s for our 9 year old daughter are around 39 to 49$ but the rockstar short skinny style is perfect. Shes a womens size 8 to 10! I’m a 16 but I’m a woman. The rockstar Jean’s are a basic staple. our daughter was able to get a black black and stonewashed pair. Only 2 but can mix & match all the tops she picked out. Thank you. For this article. I thought the Jean’s would be helpful for some.
Thank you for thos article! But sadly you can remove Justice from your list 😞 It’s a shame… It is getting more and more difficult to find plus sized clothing for my daughter. Even the stores that still do offer plus size has a tiny selection.
Justice still has online options, so I’ll keep it on the list for now, but I do wish they still had plus sizes in-store. xoxo
[…] Read more: How to shop for clothes when your daughter wears plus size […]
Thanks for the great advice. I shop Justice 16 plus leggings/ sweats and up to 18 regular tops for my 4 ‘ 5 “ 115 pd. 7 year old. Also walmart 16 plus leggings . The wonder nation comes in sets of four for like 15$ . They get pilly in the crotch but they way she grows they are well worth it. I love Walmarts Athletic Works brand in plus. Tops always fit. The pants I last bought that went with sweatshirt were big in waist but I kept knowing they’ll eventually fit and we loved sweatshirt and price was right. I find in you go down sale rabbit hole of walmart online you’ll find a lot. But I don’t recommend 3rd party seller one bit as returning is all but impossible. Stick with walmart products. Walmart now sells justice as well. This way I can return at store. My one pet peeve is no receipt in mail order it’s all on phone and I print it all up as I get little help at service desk. I find that tunic lenthgh peplum tops are very flattering on my girl ( I’m raising my granddaughter) . Now that we are reaching the size 18 mark I am panicking as I don’t see my granddaughter fitting in some skinny junior size. She just started taking horse back riding lessons and this is a whole new nightmare of scrawny skinny tight pants. Wasted $. Cut off legs of beautiful jodhpurs. It’s depressing. I know if she continues in this horse adventure I’ll have to have pants altered for her but for now we’ll make do the way she’s growing. And don’t even get me going on jeans. Are there any jeans out there that are truly stretchy and comfortable enough for these kids? My girl can’t even stand to wear underwear. Everything is uncomfortable for her. I’ll order on Amazon if returnable as they are easy to return but I hate the hassle of returning my mail. Especially if I have to pay shipping. Some of the Amazon Brand clothes have worked out and they last ok. Hanna Anderson runs very large if you have smaller children. Especially dresses. I wouldn’t buy pants.
I so appreciate this article and found it very helpful. I’ve been struggling with how to keep the clothes shopping experience positive for my daughter as she is hitting the top of the in-store girls’ sizes and too short/young for juniors sizes. I will definitely be using these tips going forward. And on top of that, it feels amazing to have some commiseration on our experiences!
Thank you so much for this article! I wasn’t sure how to shop with my plus sized daughter, as I experienced the opposite problem growing up. This will help me immensely to not fracture her self confidence. I am forever grateful.
You’re so welcome! Thank you for thinking so carefully about her self confidence xoxo
Do you have names of any sewing pattern companies that make good plus sized patterns for girls? I’m a costumer for a youth theater, make costumes for beautiful little girls of all shapes and sizes, and am finding that pattern companies also lack plus size options for kids.
I wish I did! But thank you so much for caring so much. I hope you find some good options! xoxo
My 11 year old beautiful daughter has always been taller and bigger than other kids her age. It’s so hard to find age appropriate clothing that will fit her so we started our own store ! Glory Gloss Children’s Boutique. We carry up to 19/20P in most sizes. We are working to add more styles to our store 😉
That’s wonderful! xoxo