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AKIRA

4.3 ★★★★☆ 147 Google reviews · Plus size clothing in Chicago, Illinois

Bridal & formal

Women's fashion retail chain for designer dresses, knitwear & denim, plus shoes & accessories.

Plan your visit

  • Personal styling one-on-one styling help mentioned — ask about appointments if you want a whole-outfit session rather than a browse
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone (312) 346-3355
  • Website shopakira.com

Hours

Monday 10 AM–8 PM
Tuesday 10 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 10 AM–8 PM
Thursday 10 AM–8 PM
Friday 10 AM–8 PM
Saturday 10 AM–8 PM
Sunday 11 AM–6 PM

Hours can shift for holidays, trunk shows, and private appointments — worth a quick check before a special trip.

What's on the racks

Clothing categories at AKIRA, confirmed in shoppers' own reviews and the store's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

👗 Plus Size Dresses 3 mentions

“Kinda bummer because i was expecting to buy something 🙈 But i saw quite few maxi dresses that i like the style, just the pattern of snake skin that not suite my taste.”

All stores with plus size dresses →

👠 Wide-Width Shoes 3 mentions

“The shoes are especially fun and the selection in general is on point!”

All stores with wide-width shoes →

👚 Plus Size Tops & Blouses 4 mentions

“On top of that, he picked out items similar and the right size that I absolutely loved.”

All stores with plus size tops & blouses →

What shoppers say again and again

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 147 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🛍️ personal styling help 3 mentions

“We ended up having an amazing time working with Ua, our stylist, who made the experience fun, relaxed, and confidence-boosting.”

🚪 great fitting rooms 4 mentions

“I somehow left my phone in the dressing room and flew back home.”

From the reviews

Where was this store when I was in my 20’s!?! Such fun clothes. Such weird clothes and all reasonably priced with a staff eager to help and find more things for you. I love this place.

★★★★★ — Ninette, Dec 2023

The first time we walked into AKIRA on November2nd, 2025, we almost turned right back around. The mannequins in the front windows—styled like they belonged on downtown Chicago streets—felt a little too bold, a little too daring. We honestly thought, no way.

★★★★★ — Bill, Dec 2025

I made time to visit any akira branch in Chicago because staff in Texas branch told me their headquarters location has more options, thus i visited downtown 37. The store is surprisingly small compared to giant size in texas and i didn’t see any ‘fun’ section aka clearance / final sale.

★★★★☆ — Eli, Feb 2026

I don’t know if this is a normal shopping experience in Chicago- but as soon as I walked into the store I was approached by an associate named Nick. Very kind, super hospitable. Asked us what we were doing, where we were from, and even shook our hands. While I was shopping he loaded my picks into a dressing room.

★★★★★ — Olivia, Jan 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 147 reviews →

Plus size bridal & formal at AKIRA

AKIRA comes up for plus size bridal and formal wear — confirmed on their own site. Two things to know before the trip. First, bridal shopping is usually by appointment — book ahead, and when you call, ask what size range their try-on samples come in. A shop can order almost any gown in your size, but the sample sizes on the floor decide whether you actually get to see yourself in the dress, and the good plus bridal shops stock samples to try, not just to imagine. Second, plan the alterations timeline: gowns and formal dresses typically go through two or three fittings, so the comfortable window is starting your search around 8–10 months before the date and saying yes to a gown by 6.

Check appointment info on their site

Where to find AKIRA

108 N State St #188, Chicago, IL60602

Get directions Instagram · Facebook

Plus size stores near AKIRA

DXL Big + Tall

4.5 ★★★★★ 191 reviews

113 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL

Big & tall alterations on site

Retail chain for men's casualwear, brand-name suits & shoes in a wide selection of larger sizes.

under a mile away

Ms Catwalk

4.6 ★★★★★ 35 reviews

2311 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL

Women's clothing boutique offering gift wrapping.

2.3 miles away

Rainbow Shops

4.5 ★★★★★ 146 reviews

1250 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL

Sizes 14–20

Extended sizes 4X+ finds around $7 friendly staffgood value

Apparel chain offering fashionable clothing for women, men & kids, as well as shoes & accessories.

2.4 miles away

All plus size stores in Chicago, IL →

Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and shopper reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this store? Claim your listing — it's free.