Chicago's plus scene runs the full spectrum: dedicated boutiques on the North and South Sides, the big chains anchoring the malls, and one of the country's better plus consignment circuits. The city's fashion culture means trend turnover is real — boutiques here restock fast and follow the denim brands seriously. Winter shopping tip: the January sales on coats in extended sizes are the best in the Midwest.
4.2 ★★★★☆ 1,635 reviews
Full-service studio for tween & teen special-occasion dresses plus shoes & accessories.
4.6 ★★★★★ 386 reviews
Store selling urban fashion (from streetwear to suits) for bigger-than-average men & women.
4.4 ★★★★☆ 289 reviews
Women's fashion retail chain for designer dresses, knitwear & denim, plus shoes & accessories.
4.5 ★★★★★ 191 reviews
Retail chain for men's casualwear, brand-name suits & shoes in a wide selection of larger sizes.
4.7 ★★★★★ 160 reviews
Streetwise modern fashions for women, including plus sizes, plus trendy footwear, since 1991.
3.8 ★★★★☆ 196 reviews
Apparel chain offering fashionable clothing for women, men & kids, as well as shoes & accessories.
These stores carry bridal and formal in plus sizes: Peaches Boutique LLC, AKIRA, Rainbow Shops, Ashley Stewart, Rainbow Shops, AKIRA. Read our bridal shopping guide before you book — order 6–9 months out, alterations take 2–3, and always call ahead to ask what sample sizes a shop actually stocks. The full national list lives in the bridal & formal directory.
For the men's side, these stores carry big & tall: Big & Tall Century Fashions, DXL Big + Tall, Illustrious Glam Boutique. Our big & tall guide decodes 2XL vs 2XLT and why suits get measured, never guessed — or browse the full big & tall directory.
The independent boutiques where somebody actually curated the racks: Peaches Boutique LLC, Bronzeville Boutique by Lady Mocha, Essential Elements-Chicago, Ltd., Sew Bridal Boutique, DSC Vision Corner, Luvsick. Our boutique vs chain guide covers when the boutique wins (curation, trends, styling help) and when the chain does, and the boutique directory has the full state-by-state list.
Maria was very patient, listened to my likes and dislikes, great costumer service, and very attentive to all my needs. She made sure the dress I picked was really the one I loved. She helped narrow down my options to the dress I wanted.
I came because my husband shops here and I wanted to find him some outfits for Christmas. They greet you when you come in, everyone is so eager to help you. The guy that was helping me was so nice and he understood the assignment. He found 2 outfits so quick I couldn't believe it.
My daughter and I were out and about and came upon this store while out walking. They had a lot of items on sale outside on racks that caught our eye. We went in and were welcomed right away by many of the staff. They were not overwhelming but friendly and helpful which we appreciated.
