The 10 Best Plus Size Alternative Clothing Brands I’ve Tried

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Shopping for clothing as a plus-size individual is also an adventure.

And by “adventure” I mean that it typically sucks.

Finding clothes that cover my body is one thing. Finding clothes that are flattering is quite another.

But what if your desire for clothing goes even further. What if I wanted to dress, dare I say it, fashionable.

Finding plus-size clothing that fits my personal motif (alternative/goth) can be a challenge of epic proportions. And people wonder why fat people abdicate their fashion choices to the Leggings & Sweats Gods.

However, there are a few ways to find alternative clothing in plus sizes.

If you’re in the market, here are 7 plus-size alternative clothing brands that I have had success with.

Related: What Size Is Considered To Be Plus-Size?

10 Best Plus Size Alternative Clothing Brands

I’ve tried to stick to brands that offer clothing for both men and women but some of these will inevitably default towards women’s clothing in goth/punk styles as that is what I’m more familiar with.

If you’re just looking for plus-size men’s jeans or clothing you can probably have luck on just about any clothing site.

So let’s do our best to branch out and find some alternative clothing brands in places you might not have heard of or considered.

1. Hot Topic

I know you’ve never heard of Hot Topic. Oh, wait…you have? And so has everyone else in the world? Okay, cool.

Including Hot Topic on a list of alternative clothing brands for plus-size people might feel like a bit of a cop-out but I legitimately feel like it’s a great option for most people.

They have branched out in both styles and sizes lately so nearly any plus size alternative or goth style can be found on their racks (or on their website which is easier and searchable by size).

If your style tends more towards alternative rather than goth you may want to give Hot Topic a pass as they can tilt toward costume at times. However, there’s nothing wrong with looking!

2. AKUMI INK

Akumi Ink is a perfect fit for you if you’re the type that wants to wear the cutest of skulls and goth-style character shirts.

Akumi was started by a couple in Canada (that has since moved to the U.S. and then Denmark) that form the perfect duo of illustrator & business acumen.

The creator of the designs was once an illustrator for children’s books so the style is fun and quirky (with a dash of macabre).

Their prices are much more reasonable than most others in this space with screen-printed shirts running about $24.

Their shirts are available in unisex sizing up to 5XL making them one of the most inclusive goth/punk alternative brands for plus-size people. Check them out and you’ll love them as much as I do!

3. OtherWorld Fashion

OtherWorld fashion is a great alternative brand if your style borders on costumey (I don’t mean that as a bad thing…) or cosplay/steampunk.

The styles are, in my opinion, a bit much for casual wear but they are pretty inclusive for plus-size people so I had to include them here!

4. Sourpuss Clothing

If you’re more of the bats and creepy stuff type then Sourpuss is a great option for you (witches, anyone?) Sourpuss offers not only clothing but everything from shower curtains to shot glasses.

The size range of their clothing depends on the specific item with most options being available in sizes up to 3XL.

5. Killstar Clothing

Killstar, like Sourpuss is way more than just an alternative clothing brand. They offer lifestyle goods such as luggage, pet supplies, phone cases, etc.

Men’s sizes are available in sizes up to 2XL (which is perfect for plus-size girls, ya know?)

6. Gloomth & the Cult of Melancholy

If you haven’t looked for plus-size alternative or goth clothing on Etsy, you’re missing out on a treasure trove of goodness.

Gloomth & the Cult of Melancholy creates custom-patterned pieces so, even though their prices are a bit rich, you better jump on their incredibly cute styles when you have the chance!

Most of their dresses and items are available in sizes up to 5XL and they have a bunch of reviews from plus-size customers who rave about their purchases.

7. Forever 21

Okay, hear me out. When you’re wearing clothing, no one will know that it came from Forever 21. They have a great line of basics that work well for plus-size customers.

If you’re looking for alternative designs in t-shirts, leggings, etc then your budget will go much further at Forever 21 than most other specialty shops (and they are quite size-inclusive).

Do yourself a favor and check out their site with an open mind!

Other Plus Size Fashion Options

If none of the above options were quite your cup of tea when it comes to alternative plus-size fashion brands, we’ll have to get creative.

here are some other options that you can employ to get a great wardrobe.

Buying Clothing Used

Buying used clothing on eBay, Poshmark, or thrift stores is a great way to score unique clothing. Because you’re able to peruse thousands of brands a once you can easily collect a wide array of pieces for a great price.

This also allows you to look for brands that had a much more alternative style before going more mainstream (such as Torrid). However, most brands have become more size-inclusive as time has gone on which leaves most of us with only newer options.

Buying Custom Clothing

If there is something specific that you want (or your pockets are deep) then you can find great clothing designers to make clothing that is custom fit for your body shape/size.

For example, there are some great alternative/goth shops on Etsy that take custom orders.

Simply find someone whose design aesthetics you like and reach out to see if they’re open to making you something unique.

Making Your Own Clothing

If you are talented you can just cut out the middle man (Etsy) and make your own clothing. Many plus-size designers have gotten their starts when they couldn’t find what they wanted off the rack.

While I don’t have the design chops to offer advice here, I’m all for you doing this if you have the time!

Find Goth Or Alternative Styles At Regular Stores

Goth and alternative styles are available at more stores than ever before. If you’re looking for alternative styles, simply go to a site and store by size and color. You can find awesome pieces in velvet or with lace and mesh without paying the prices demanded by specialty stores.

For some idea of what to look for, check out one of my favorites, @alternativecurves on Instagram.

Gothify Regular Clothes

If you want to express your inner weirdness (or darkness…) you can choose some accessories that will make any outfit more to your liking. If you can find your size at any shop, go for items that fit everyone, regardless of size.

Think of:

• Hair coloring
• Makeup
• Earrings
• Hats
• Watches
• Rings

The more creative you get, the more alternative you can be!

Conclusion

At the end of the day, alternative plus-size fashion has gotten more mainstream and will probably continue to do so. The brands above are a good place to start but there are literally hundreds of options if you’re good at searching.

Whether you’re alternative, pastel goth, “normal” goth, etc. you’ll find something that will work just right for you. Good luck!