Affordable Dressing As A Plus-Size Person Is Hard. Here’s How I Do It

I’ve been plus size for as long as I can remember, which means I’ve always had to navigate shopping for my body in an industry that notoriously rejects size inclusivity. Growing up in a single-parent household where I relied on free school meals and uniform shopping vouchers, I learned how to scout out deals and shop the sale rail. Years later, the bargain-hunting shopping habits ingrained in me have remained. But even though I am armed with endless tips and hacks, it’s still not easy to shop on a budget when you’re a plus-size person. 

Amid the cost of living crisis, it seems impossible for anybody over a size 16 to 'budget dress' unless they’re buying fast fashion, which is sometimes the only option for plus-size shoppers. Vintage or secondhand clothing – by far the more ethical choice – can be incredibly hard to come by for plus-size shoppers concerned about their impact on the planet. Kirsten* tells Refinery29 that she accrued debt while shopping at one of the few plus-size retailers that offered her size range but whose pieces weren’t long-lasting. "It is difficult to clear [the debt] as I buy a few bits at the start of every season so I’m stuck in a cycle," she says. She recently went from a UK 24 to a UK 18 but finds it just as hard to buy clothing from more affordable shopping destinations despite being a smaller plus-size woman. "I feel like if you’re above a size 16, you’re penalised for it." 

Sizing aside, there is also the issue of the lack of affordable clothing for various body shapes. As a pear-shaped woman, I know firsthand how difficult it is to find jeans that go up over my butt and sit flush around my waist without gaping at the back. Plus-size shopper Bridie, 21, thinks that a lot of high street stores don't understand plus sizing. "I think they just make things bigger all around without considering shape or curves." Indeed, many brands extend sizing by grading up from a straight size rather than using a grade rule. 

As I mentioned, over the years I’ve developed some savvy shopping tips as a plus-size woman and now, having spoken to other curvy people, I’ve compiled a list of five top tips for plus-size budget shopping and dressing. Scroll on to discover how you can dress your curves in 2023 without breaking the bank.

Personally, I’ve found it helpful (and easier on my bank balance) to shop with longevity in mind. High-quality garments from slightly more expensive brands are likely to last longer than fast fashion pieces that might need replacing every season. Although it might seem a little pricey when you’re eyeing up a pair of trousers or a jumper that is nearing three figures, investing in long-lasting pieces will save you in the long run.

Commonly overlooked because of their matronly associations, curve ranges from high street stores shouldn’t be ruled out. "They tend to be more flatteringly shaped clothes than 'straight' sizes that are just made bigger but not adjusted to fit well," says Bridie. For example, New Look’s curve collection is often curated by plus-size style-setters and the pieces modelled on curvy figures. And above everything, all items are modestly priced. Other notable high street stores that stock on-trend curve ranges and staple pieces are River Island and H&M, and don't forget ASOS either.

Okay, so when you’re filling your trolley with groceries, you might not be thinking about clothes shopping. But honestly, don’t sleep on supermarkets’ clothing shelves. From Asda’s George collection to Sainsbury’s Tu range and Tesco’s F&F, there are fashionable garments to be had that are made well, affordable and size-inclusive.

Plus-size people have a notoriously hard time shopping secondhand. For years I searched and searched charity shops for fashionable finds but because the 'oversized' trend was in and everybody was snapping up the bigger sizes, it seemed impossible. But with the likes of Vinted, Depop, eBay and Facebook Marketplace, it’s never been easier to snag some stylish secondhand finds. Although, to be fair, it might take you a little longer than straight-size shoppers.

Previously, sales were a biannual occurrence but now there's a discounted event happening every month. Hold off buying an item until then, particularly if you’re looking to swoop in on some expensive pieces for longevity.