Plus-size shopping guide to NYC
Our favorite shops that cater to larger ladies and gents.
Wed Apr 11 2012
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Avenue
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Courtney Washington
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Fashion to Figure
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Fashion to Figure
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Frank Bee Costume
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Frank Bee Costume
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Imparali Custom Tailors
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Lee Lee's Valise
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Lee Lee's Valise
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Marina Rinaldi silk blouse, $295
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Marina Rinaldi silk dress, $750
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Marina Rinaldi purple knitted jacket, $340
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Marina Rinaldi grey cardigan, $390
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Monif C.
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Monif C. Marilyn short convertible dress, $195
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Monif C. St. Tropez fringe swimsuit, $135
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Monif C. Espana one-shoulder ruffle swimsuit, $118
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Monif C. Ivana ruffle dress, $198
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Orchard Corset
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Rochester Big & Tall
RECOMMENDED: Best shops in NYC
Best one-stop shopping: Avenue
- Price band: 1/4
Though this women’s chain has been around for more than a decade, it’s often overshadowed by its Goliath competitor, Lane Bryant. But Avenue’s casual, trendy apparel in sizes 14 to 32 shouldn’t be overlooked, if only for the impressive selection of LBDs (short-sleeved, ruffled, empire waist; $25–$88). There’s also denim galore, and though a pair of jeans will run you just $20 to $60. Avenue aims to be a one-stop shopping spot and succeeds, stocking slimming swimsuits ($30–$78) that come with a built-in tummy-control panel and wide-width shoes up to size 13. There’s even a section for shape wear ($20–$49) and underwire bras ($27–$40), though only up to 48DDD.
- Various locations, visit avenue.com
Best for weekend gear: Courtney Washington
- Price band: 2/4
The breezy linen and signature pucker-fabric dresses ($140–$360) by this New York designer are perfect for a lazy Sunday—that is, if you spend your weekends sipping Bloody Marys in the Hamptons. Come here for casual wear that will make a stellar first impression on your significant other’s parents, like a green floral linen tunic ($80) or a black pucker-fabric floor-length frock ($140–$170). Though you can find Washington’s elegant designs in department stores, her Brooklyn boutique is the only place that carries such a wide range of sizes (4 to 24) and styles in one spot. Stock up on summer staples like white linen skirts and cotton tops ($83–$125) before fall’s boucle sweaters and jackets dominate the displays.
- 674 Fulton St, (South Elliot Pl), 11217
Best chain: Fashion to Figure
- Price band: 1/4
As the great-grandsons of Lena Bryant (founder of the ubiquitous plus-size chain Lane Bryant), owners Nick and Michael Kaplan had some big shoes to fill when he set out to create “an H&M or a Forever 21 for plus sizes.” By the looks of Fashion to Figure’s Bronx and Brooklyn locations, he’s succeeded pretty well. The stores stock the usual array of trendy gear typical of fast-fashion chains: cheetah-print T-shirts ($20), crochet cardigans ($20) and knit scarves with sequins ($9), and bangles, rings and necklaces ($8–$20) made to fit larger fingers and wrists. There are also plenty of bargain threads (starting at size 12) for those with more-grown-up tastes, including a floral button-down blouse ($28) and a print maxidress ($36–$40).
- Various locations, visit fashiontofigure.com
Best for Halloween costumes: Frank Bee Costume
- Price band: 2/4
This Bronx behemoth has been outfitting witches, ghosts and goblins since 1957, but the retailer’s expansive plus-size selection is a more recent addition to its shelves. With 10,000 costumes in stock, including accessories, wigs, hats and makeup, no wanna-be Lady Gaga or furry Chewbacca will go home empty-handed. Curvy correction officers and sexy French maids sizes 18 to 20 can pick up full packaged getups for $60 a pop, while dudes can scare the crap out of everyone in Freddy Krueger costumes in sizes 46 to 52 ($40).
- 3435 E Tremont Ave, (at Bruckner Blvd)
Best for denim: HotSexyFit
- Price band: 1/4
Home to the “Brazilian butt-lift” jeans, this tiny Harlem shop carries denim that works like a Miracle Bra for your rear. You’ll find them in a range of sizes (00 to 30) and shades, including gradations of blue, gray and black. Best of all, the store doesn’t charge extra for larger sizes, and with prices ranging from $20 to $100 per pair, the jeans are a flat-out bargain.
- 35 W 125th St, (between Fifth Ave and Malcolm X Blvd)
Best tailor: Imparali Custom Tailors
- Price band: 4/4
Providing impeccable service is par for the course with any respected New York tailor, but what really sets Imparali apart is the pricing: The midtown shop is one of the few tailors in town that doesn’t charge extra for larger suits (the custom-made creations are priced by type of material, not the amount used). Sure, the clothes don’t come cheap—suits start at $750—but with 10,000 fabrics from top names like Dormeuil, Holland & Sherry, Loro Piana and Zegna to choose from, girthy guys can feel comfortable in top-notch formal wear fine-tuned to fit their bodies. The shop also does alterations on both men’s and women’s garments ($20–$120). Word has spread about the store’s high-quality work: Owner Matt Harpalani estimates that now about 20 percent of his customers are plus-size.
- 608 Fifth Ave, Suite 310, (between 48th and 49th Sts)
Best for accessories: Lee Lee's Valise
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
This women’s boutique boasts the What Not to Wear seal of approval (it has been featured on the TLC show 18 times). Owner Lisa Dolan has built an international following for her fashion-forward designs. Though she stocks everything from formal dresses ($168–$400) to swimsuits ($88–$150) in sizes 10 to 28, where Dolan really excels is at creating handmade accessories, including retro-looking belts ($160) and chic matching clutches ($68–348). Near the counter, look for 18k gold bangles (one for $40), cubic zirconia bracelets ($78) and lots more of bling in bigger sizes, such as size 11 bejeweled rings—perfect for women who struggle to find pretty jewelry that fits. We’re digging the store’s embossed-leather Obi belt ($170)—Dolan’s interpretation of the sashes made popular in a Louis Vuitton collection. “All I want to do is see what’s on the runway and translate it to plus-size,” she explains.
- 368 Court St, (at President St)
Best for work wear: Marina Rinaldi
- Price band: 4/4
This upscale Italian brand, part of the MaxMara Fashion Group, is the ideal place to invest in crisp women’s work suits ($350–$1,000) and buttery cashmere cardigans ($400–$700). The store is chock-full of luxe fabrics, soft knits and high-end items in sizes 10 to 24, like sweater sets ($350) or cashmere blend vests ($350). Loyal customers go nuts for the designer’s wool coats ($895) and leather boots ($900–$1,000) that come in five different calf widths. A lot of the dresses come with detachable sleeves, so you can decide whether or not you want to show your arms, but if you do choose to bare your beautiful biceps, don’t miss Mr. Elegante sleeveless lace dresses ($1,200) that will take you from the cubicle to cocktails in style.
- 13 E 69th St, (between Madison and Fifth Aves)
Best for evening: Monif C. Plus Sizes
- Price band: 4/4
- Critics choice
Designer Monif Clarke began her plus-size women’s line because she wanted to wear fashionable clothes but couldn’t find anything that fit. “I think I came out of the womb a size 18,” she jokes. Her bright, breezy designs were originally sold online only, but she kept hearing pleas from her Manhattan clients to set up racks in her showroom. Today, her tiny Hell’s Kitchen shop attracts visitors from across the country, who flock there for her printed maxidresses ($235), flattering short, convertible dresses ($195) and edgy swimsuits ($148–$165). For all-purpose going-out attire, we love the designer’s signature Marilyn Convertible dress ($235). The flowing jersey dress can be worn an astounding 22 different ways—including with or without sleeves and as a halter dress—which more than justifies the price tag.
- 325 W 38th St, suite 207, (between Eighth and Ninth Aves)
Best for lingerie: Orchard Corset
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
Cardboard boxes line the walls at this no-frills bra shop, but don’t be deterred by the cluttered appearance. “No one comes here for the beautiful store,” admits owner Ralph Berk. “They come here for the fit.” That’s because this Lower East Side staple for bras, corsets, bustiers and shape wear has a secret weapon: Peggy Berk, who has been fitting women for more than 30 years and can size up her customers in a single glance. With corsets in everything from leather ($99–$109) to satin ($67–$109) and affordable bras by Le Mystre, Dominique and Goddess ($25–$50), Orchard Corset offers a surprising variety and the largest sizes—up to 56M in bras and 54 in girdles—we’ve seen in the city.
- 157 Orchard St, (between Rivington and Stanton Sts)
Best for men: Rochester Big & Tall
- Price band: 2/4
With 13,000 square feet of retail space spread over three floors, this Manhattan king of the Big & Tall franchise stocks everything from Michael Kors pullovers ($145) to Calvin Klein suit separates ($398) in sizes up to 60XL. On the ground level, stock up on preppy casual wear, including Polo shirts ($80–$330) and Jack Victor seersucker jackets ($225–$598). If you’re spending the weekend somewhere other than Nantucket, head to the ground floor for the store’s super-soft Lacoste T-shirts by Agave ($110). In the basement, pick up a pair of Converse sneakers ($55–$110), Cole Haan dress shoes ($160–$200) and even golf shoes ($160–$250) in sizes up to 16. Though there are splurges aplenty (custom suits by Coppley, Hickey Freeman and Jack Victor start at $995), big men on a budget can still score in the clearance area on the second floor, where you’ll find merchandise at 25 to 75 percent off year-round.
- 1301 Sixth Ave, (at 52nd St)
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