(I’ll be keeping this post updated with new information as I discover new things with current brands listed and new brands to add to the list!)

Buying from stores that are not known to use plus size models or even sell plus size specific clothing can be a nerve wracking and anxiety filled experience. Not knowing you can actually fit into clothes at these shops can also leave you bummed thinking you can never wear anything you see there. Then on the other end of the spectrum, there are even some plus size stores that you may go “I am definitely NOT going to find anything goth or alt in there” that can surprise you if you know where to look!

This is a list of places that I shop from (some are already plus size focused) that I’ve found success in buying from and I hope will help you find success as well! I’ll give you a few tips and tricks on what and when to look for when shopping for goth/alt items from these stores. If you see a place that isn’t listed here, it’s probably because I may not know about it, or know about it, but may not necessarily have found things I like at that particular shop at this time.

Black Milk Clothing

**UPDATE: As of January 2021, beginning with the Moonchild collection, Black Milk now makes all of their clothing up to an XXL, not just unisex items! (Items purchased by me or gifted to me from this point on will be a XXL on items available in that size. Exceptions are things like kimono robes)**

You will more than likely see Black Milk Clothing popping up in my OOTDs on Instagram. I’ve been purchasing clothes from them for about 5-7 years now (I’ve lost count) and this is probably the brand I’m most asked about by other plus size followers because they tend to not use plus size or even thicker bodied models in their site catalog or in their look books. They do, on occasion, share plus size customers on their Facebook and Instagram feeds which is great!

YOU CAN WEAR BLACK MILK CLOTHING! I am a US size 22 (49-51 inch bust, 43-46 inch waist, 56-59 inch hip (I’m fluctuating right now)) and can fit into their size XL/XXL leggings, skirts, tops (not anything w/o stretch or with buttons. I don’t buy those because they won’t fit), pants, and dresses and buy XXL in boyfriend shirts and touchdowns. OSFA Bodysuits also fit as long as they are super stretchy like the A Sassy Nation bodysuit. They do go sheer though so keep that in mind.

If your measurements are larger than mine, sadly, this may not be the brand for you. If you’re smaller than me, you will be fine! You have to remember that spandex clothing stretches. Unfortunately if you’re smaller than me, I cannot offer you sizing advice as honestly we are not built the same and this is not a plus size brand or a brand who specializes in plus size.

(USE THE SIZE CHART! KNOW YOUR MEASUREMENTS! Please do not ask me to help you with sizing. Reach out to them if you’re not sure. I only know how things fit me and my body, not how things would fit you. Plus sizes come in all shapes and sizes!)

The measurements they show on their site is for an un-stretched garment (with the exception of items with no stretch). I find that the newer type of spandex (or nylon as they refer to it) they use can stretch at least 4-7 inches further and are a quite bit more comfortable now than in previous years.  The foiled fabric tends to stretch a lot as well, same with the wet look fabric and their new standard leggings fabric. But do note, that if you suffer from chub rub, this could rub the foil away from your inner thighs if you purchase a pair of foiled leggings. The velvet leggings are moderately comfortable, but don’t have as much stretch as the nylon (but are still stretchy), and the toasties (fleece lined leggings) don’t stretch as much as the nylon either if your bigger thighed like me. Also, if you have a larger stomach/waist, things may not work for you/fit you.

The things I tend to avoid are tight fitting long sleeve items, as those can be super tight if you have bigger biceps like I do (BM Fit, their new sizing for the past 1 or 2 years,  has made things way more comfortable, so I can wear some of the long sleeved items now!) and tops with buttons and no stretch . Look for loose flowy sleeves if it’s a sleeved item OR sometimes if it’s one of their bodysuits (I recommend the A Sassy Nation bodysuit as it’s VERY stretchy), depending on the type of spandex they use, you can even get away with those. If you have a large bust like mine, get the Long Torso (LT) option if it’s available for their skater dresses. It will allow you more room and not cut you off so short in the waist.

Also, if you opt to get one of their Touch Downs (the football jersey tops) and/or Boyfriend Tees, those go up to XXL and I usually buy that size for even more comfort even though an XL can also fit just fine. These are considered unisex items and therefore, are offered in XXL.

Killstar

Killstar is one of those brands that doesn’t really cater to the larger end of plus size (I’d say their 3XL and 4XL is more of a US 14/16 and US 18/20). Hopefully they will improve the fit of their plus selection in the future.

That being said, most plus sizes don’t realize they can shop from this brand. Four of the items above are from their plus size section (I wear their 4XL which is about a size 18. Depending on the cut and fabric, it can sometimes fit a size 20-22. I’m a size 22.), and one is from the straight size section (The moon sweater). The trick with buying their non plus size specific items, is to look for things described as unisex and oversized. Also look for batwinged tops! I buy those things in a 2XL/XXL if they don’t make the item in plus, as I have a better chance of it fitting.

The biggest issue they have with the plus line is that they do not size up accordingly in the bust and biceps (even the short sleeve items are too small and need to be lengthened and widened) and also making everything too high waisted (everything with a defined waist seam looks like a babydoll/empire waist cut on me). They are designing for a smaller chested plus size, which means I stay away from form fitted chiffon items and button ups. They don’t fit me and sadly I’ve had to make some returns. Stick with the loose items, the jersey knits and stretch velvets if you are bustier or have bigger arms

Foxblood

Foxblood is an indie goth/alt brand based here in Los Angeles. They’ve shared my photos on their Instagram feed to also let other plus sizes know this is a place they can shop from and look amazing in. If you need black work/play/party/lounging clothes, this is where you go.

They currently go up to a true sized 4XL. In their brand I’m a 3XL or 4XL (it depends on the item) (about a size 22) which does fit me perfectly. I haven’t tried their jeans, and don’t really like wearing jeans in general, so I don’t have an opinion on them. Everything looks amazing on, is amazing quality, and will make you feel amazing. I can honestly say that I don’t get nervous ordering my usual size from them as 9 times out of 10 it fits perfectly and comfortably and feels like a true plus size item. And their signature Foxblood stretch jersey knit is soft as silk, feels high quality, and feels sooo good on your body. It’s a medium weight fabric and is my favorite fabric to wear from them so definitely look at their Foxblood Signature section. I also want to say, Lindsay, the owner, is INCREDIBLY aware of the plus struggle and has often asked me how things fit to see if she needs to make adjustments for current and new designs she has planned. That really means a lot and she really does care about plus sizes and making sure her clothes will fit us and be comfortable.

La Femme En Noir

La Femme En Noir is the place you want to go for your elevated/classy goth and vampy styles. Owned by Micheline Pitt and Lynh Haaga, it caters to sizes XS-4X. I wear a 4X in 99% of the items from this shop and am a US 22 (I will state otherwise if an item is a different size). It’s also the sister store of Vixen by Micheline Pitt (write up coming soon!). I highly recommend paying attention to each item’s size chart as they are dedicated to each particular item’s sizing and fit and not a blanket size chart for the whole site. The items here are extremely well made, high quality fabrics and are priced for those with a higher budget (Definitely a case of you get what you pay for!). They’re very good investment pieces that will last you for years. They also partner with movie studios and have licensed collections that are exclusive to them (Beetlejuice, Alien, Sleepy Hallow, and The Corpse Bride are examples of past and current collections they offer.). I will say they are plus friendly only if you sit under a size 22. Unfortunately if you are larger, you won’t have much luck with the clothes here, but you can buy their amazing accessories that are non sized like sunglasses, brooches, headbands, bags, etc.

Sugar Stitch Clothing

Sugar Stich Clothing is a new woman owned small business that specializes in goth and vintage designs. The size range is XS-4X and is generous in fit. Make sure to read item descriptions about fabric stretch and pay attention to each item’s size chart as they are specific to that item. I wear a 4X comfortably in this brand. The 4X fits me perfectly and comfortably. The quality in construction and fabric is top notch and with that comes a bit of a higher price tag, but you definitely get what you pay for. These are items that will last you years to come with proper care. USE CODE STYGIAN10 TO SAVE 10%!

Hot Topic

Hot Topic is the granddaddy of goth/alt stores. They’re still a place I go to when I’m looking for some goth clothes because I don’t have to try very hard to find things. My only gripe with them is that they only sell plus sizes online and do not carry them in store.

They have a decent size plus section on their site that offers a lot of the same items that they carry in straight sizes.

If I go through all the plus stuff and don’t find anything I don’t already have or anything I really like, then I tend to go look for men’s band tees for goth band/pop culture shirts I like. I stay away from the straight sizes for women because they’re all juniors, and therefore, are small and won’t fit. BUT, you do need to also watch out with the plus size items as sometimes Hot Topic can work with vendors who create items that run VERY small (there was a short sleeve long side slitted fishnet and a sheer black top top I got in my normal size 3 and they wouldn’t even fit. I had to exchange both for a 5 for them to fit me the way it should have in the 3. So definitely be mindful of that.). Hot Topic still occasionally sell TRIPP NYC/Royal Bones and I find that brand to have always fit me correctly and been true to size with only 1 exception over the years. (I wear a size 3 at Hot Topic and sometimes get a 4 depending on the item. Read the reviews if they’re available to determine the fit and size you need! This is SO important!)

City Chic

City Chic is one of those brands that is a mix of Torrid like items, and something a little more edgy and current. The dress, and two tops above are all City Chic (tops paired with Black Milk  regular leggings and velvet leggings).

I think I found this brand completely by accident via Nordstrom (I look for plus size black clothes everywhere haha!) and then discovered they had their own online shop and mall shops as well. They can get some KILLER sales on their online store ($50 tops for under $20 most times, yes please!) and so all three of the items above I did NOT pay full price for and got each for under $20 each when they were all at least $40-$60 originally. That being said, they are a plus size brand and sell nothing but plus size. (I wear a size L and sometimes XL on their brand.) They have hidden gems that you can definitely goth up, so definitely keep a watch there!

Make sure to pay attention to their size chart because most things run a size or two bigger.

I hope this guide helped you out and if you have any other questions for me, definitely leave a comment and let me know!

-Siryn