It has taken a while, but online clothing retailers are finally offering more selection to plus-size shoppers – because fashionable clothing shouldn’t stop at a size 14. This makes finding plus-size clothing online in South Africa a whole lot easier.
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All women deserve gorgeous clothes that fit and flatter, no matter what size or shape you are. We applaud the brands below for being size-inclusive and catering to fuller figures – and we’re sure you will, too.
Here’s our pick of the best plus-size clothing that can all be bought online – including some second-hand finds.
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Top 13 online stores for plus-size clothing in South Africa
No longer limited to brick-and-mortar stores, finding some fire plus-size fits is no longer the challenge it used to be.
That said, here are our choices for the best online shops in South Africa.
LeeBex
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LeeBex is clothing made for women size 34 to 50 who love their curves and have the confidence to show them off. Browse the online shop, and you’ll find mesh bodysuits, tiered dresses, bodycon dresses, pencil skirts, and much, much more. Expect fabulous prints, flattering tailoring, and ultra-comfy loungewear.
Why we love it: Everything is designed by a curvy woman – so she clearly knows what she’s doing!
HOT TIP: Shop LeeBex plus size clothing here.
Mango Violeta
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The Violeta range by Mango offers all the on-trend styles the brand is known for, just in extended sizes (European 42 to 54 – the equivalent of a South African 16 to 26). Choose from tailored suits, dresses, fun tees, jeans, and accessories to match it all.
Why we love it: Here’s a brand that knows that there’s no size limit on style – this is a one-stop plus-size clothing shop for all things gorgeous. Plus, you can now buy it online from Superbalist.
Isabel de Villiers
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Designer Isabel de Villiers started her clothing brand when she identified a need for a fashionable range of clothing that catered to all shapes and sizes – and that’s exactly what she has achieved. There’s no frumpy ‘plus size range’ here – all the available designs come in sizes 32 to 48.
Why we love it: The best bit? Each item is photographed on two different body shapes so you can see how it will fit on slimmer and fuller figures. Genius!
Love My Body
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We’ve found it: a second-hand and preloved plus-size clothing store. Love My Body founder and owner Stacey started her online store selling new and pre-loved plus-size and curve-friendly clothing.
Looking for a designer dress at a discount? You may just find it here, but there are plenty of basics to choose from, too.
So, if you’re sick of walking into a shop and having to sift through a small rail of plus-size options, go online instead, and you’re guaranteed clothing in the sizes you’re looking for. Plus, you’ll get the BabyYumYum stamp of approval for shopping sustainably, too.
Why we love it: Want to sell your gently worn clothing? You can. But there are very strict criteria for what’s accepted to make sure everything is in great condition for its next owner.
Plus Fab
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Plus-Fab owner Ouma Tema says she used to find shopping a nightmare. Whenever she found something she liked, it wasn’t available in her size – and the items that were in her size looked like something a ‘grandma’ would wear.
So she started her own plus-size fashion line, initially selling from the boot of her car, and now her creations are sold online.
Why we love it: Her impressive list of celebrity clients includes Noeleen Maholowna-Sanqu, Rosie Motene, and Anele Mdoda, and that’s all the endorsement we need to check this designer out.
Forever New Curve
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A relatively new addition to the local plus-size shopping options, Forever New introduced its Curve range to South Africa in 2020. It caters to sizes 16 to 22, and you can expect to find the brand’s trademark feminine silhouettes and pastel colour palettes.
Why we love it: Looking for something for a special occasion? You’ll definitely find it here.
Cotton On Curve
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Made to fit and flatter women ranging in size from 16 to 24, the Cotton On Curve collection is everything you love about Cotton On, with more inclusive sizes. This is the place to go if you’re looking for comfort and an effortless, laid-back style.
Why we love it: You’re spoilt for choice with the available selection of jeans, and you’ll be treated to fabulous clothes, swimwear, and activewear as seen in their original range, but for fuller figures.
Roze Collection
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Tired of seeing plus-size shoppers forced to choose between unflattering baggy tops and outdated flowing floral dresses? Fortunately, dynamic duo Sue and Claire (both curvy gals themselves) founded the Roze Collection.
Why we love it: From tux jackets, harem, and cigar pants to bodycon dresses and maxis in sizes 38 to 48, you’ll really find it all here. There’s even sleepwear.
Lonzi & Bean plus-size maternity
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Looking for plus-size maternity clothing? We’ve fallen in love with the Curvy Mum Plus Size Maternity Range from Lonzi & Bean, which includes dresses, leggings, and more up to a size 22/46.
When the founders of Lonzi & Bean were expecting themselves, they were disappointed in the range of comfortable and stylish maternity wear available locally. And what started out as just a few scribbles in a notebook have become a beloved South African brand.
Why we love it: There are many reasons, but the top of our list is that they’re catering to an often neglected market of plus-size pregnant moms – thank you, Lonzi & Bean. We also love that all their garments, and 95% of their fabric, are made in South Africa, supporting local communities.
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Maya Prass
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Since launching her business in 2000, designer Maya Prass has become synonymous with vibrant, feminine prints and figure-flattering silhouettes, catering to women up to a size 46. We also love that the company keeps as much of the creation process – from design to printing and manufacturing – in Cape Town, South Africa.
Why we love it: Can you imagine how many fabric off-cuts the design house has collected over the past 20 years? Saying that they’re too beautiful to be thrown away but too small to be made into garments, Maya Prass started the No Waste Project, which turns these pretty swatches into one-of-a-kind scrunchies, purses, and coin pouches.
Miladys
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Have you heard about Miladys’ WonderFit technology? Really, the question should be: who hasn’t heard about it? The built-in tech (which includes power mesh) slims, lifts, and supports you where you need it most – and you’ll find it in the store’s range of jeans, swimwear, and even shoes. They cater for women up to a size 50.
Why we love it: The swimwear selection is almost unmatched. Choose from tankinis, full costumes, swim shorts, or skirts – and there are kaftans to match.
Foschini x Donna
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Remember when Donna was a standalone store? Well, when it rebranded a few years ago (it used to be called Donna Claire), the clothing selection was revamped to make it far more appealing to a trendier customer.
And the store-within-a-store (they’re now located in selected Foschini stores nationwide) gets the stamp of approval from us. From lingerie to workwear and the accessories to match – you’ll find it all here.
Why we love it: We love the range of lingerie on offer for well-endowed women, and that their advertising campaigns are some of the most size and shape-inclusive we’ve seen.
HOT TIP: Shop Foshini’s entire clothing range on Bash.
FitCurves Activewear
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At last, comfortable activewear is available in plus sizes – because everyone deserves to be able to work out in attractive clothing. The founder describes herself as a ‘larger lady’ and says that “there is nothing more off-putting than building up the courage and motivation to exercise and then not being able to find any clothing suitable to do it in.”
Why we love it: You’ll find more than just the usual black and grey gear here. Think fun prints, stretchy fabric, and everything available up to a size 4XL. You’ll find it all on the FitCurves store, from racerback and high-waisted pants sets to tights.
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Tips for buying plus-size clothes in SA:
Now that you know where to shop, try out these clever tips on purchasing plus-size clothing.
- Choose the right fabrics: In plus-size fashion, the stretchier the material, the better. So look for fabrics like Spandex and elastane, offering more stretch and comfort.
- Take your measurements and use size charts: Jot down all your measurements before you even start to shop online. Since sizing varies between brands, it’s good to utilize size charts along with your measurements to ensure you pick the right size.
- Read customer reviews: Still not sure if it’ll be a good fit? Read what others before you had to say. If many agree that an item is ill-fitting, then rather avoid it, and the opposite is true for positive reviews.
FAQs
Find out more about shopping for plus-size clothing with the following common questions.
Who sells cheap plus-size clothing in South Africa?
Most of the brands mentioned above are pretty affordable, but keep an eye on these online shops for any seasonal or monthly specials if you want to save.
Where to buy plus-size clothing in Cape Town?
Maya Prass is based in Cape Town, but you’ll also find some of the chain stores, such as Miladys, Foschini, Forever New, and Cotton On, in the city.
At what size are you considered plus-size?
“Plus size” generally refers to clothing labeled size 14 and up in the U.S. This may vary between brands and typically may start anywhere from 12-18. For the UK (and South Africa), it’s generally size 16 and up and starts at 44 in Europe.
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