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Today on my blog, I’m sharing all of the deets on finding plus size formal wear for adults – that don’t make it. look like you’re going to prom.
This post is inspired by one of my readers! Earlier today, one of my readers messaged me on Instagram. She wrote:
“Hey Brianne!
I am looking for a dress for a military ball, and I don’t know where to shop. I only have a few weeks, but I’d like to learn about PoC and LGBT-owned brands. Thanks!”
This blog post is all about where to buy plus size formal wear for adults!
[Note: This post was originally published on Oct 24, 2019. It was last updated on December 30, 2022. While I endeavor to keep my blog posts updated, brands do change things up! Be sure to check size charts, availability and pricing with the brans listed!]
While I endeavor to keep my blog posts updated, brands do change things up! Be sure to check size charts, availability and pricing with the brans listed
Where to Buy Plus Size Formal Wear for Adults
I love getting questions like this about plus size fashion, and I sent her a few brands. As we were chatting about where to get plus size formal gowns for adults, I realized, “Hey! This would be a great blog post!”
So here we are!
In this guide to plus size formal wear, I have included independently owned companies, as well as larger brands. You’ll easily be able to dress for a gala, black tie wedding or New Year’s party with these brands.
Still can’t find the plus size formal wear of your dreams? Send me an email to learn about my plus size stylist services!
Before we get started on where to buy plus size formal wear for adults, I want to share 3 of my BEST TIPS based on my experience shopping for plus size formal wear as an adult:
- Take your measurements: Seriously, people! Much of the plus size formal wear for adults is online, which means buying things without trying them on. Adding in long lead times means you may not have time to find something else!
- Check the size chart: Sizing for formal wear tends to run smaller than typical sizes. As always, there’s no set measurements for every size – you could be a size 24 in one brand and a size 30 in another! Check your measurements against the brand’s specific size chart.
- Have fun! Plus size formal wear for adults is basicaly like playing dress up! Own how awesome you and your body are, and dress to impress YOURSELF! Love ya!!
Alright, let’s get started!
Plus Size Formal Wear for Adults #1: David’s Bridal
Plus Size Formal Gown
First up on my guide to plus size formal wear for adults, we have David’s Bridal!
When I bring up David’s Bridal as a great option for plus size formal wear, I do get some confusing looks. “Aren’t they a wedding dress company…?” people ask me.
And, yes, David’s Bridal does offer some pretty rad plus size wedding gowns, and they also offer plus size formal wear for ADULTS. I recommend them all of the time to people, and I love that David’s Bridal designs for more busty folks!
- Sizing: Up to a size 24 in most plus size formal gowns, with a good number going up to a size 30.
David’s Bridal has great options for a plus size military ballgown, plus size gala dresses, plus size black tie options, etc!
Shop plus size formal wear for adults at David’s Bridal here!
Plus Size Formalwear
Plus Size Ballgown Here
Plus Size Formal Gown here
Plus Size Formal Gown here.
Plus Size Formal Gown Here
Plus Size Formal Wear for Adults #2: Amazon
When looking for plus size formal wear, it is worth it to check out Amazon! All of the size charts differ with each brand, so it’s important to check the size chart on the specific plus size formal gown or dress before purchasing.
Sizing: Varies, often stops at a size 20 or size 24.
Shop plus size formal wear on Amazon below!.
Plus Size Formal Wear for Adults #3: ASOS Curve
If you’re looking for plus size formal wear that is on trend and will stand out in a sea of formal wear, then you must check out ASOS!
ASOS has saved plus size babes MANY a time with their 2-day expedited shipping.
- Sizing: The brand carries up to a size US 24, but sizes do sellout – so be sure to adjust the filters for your specific size.
I often look for plus size gala gowns and plus size formal dresses for unique black tie events!
Shop plus size formal wear at ASOS here.
Plus Size Formal Wear Brand #4: 11 Honoré
If you’re attending an event were high end designers are de rigueur (or you want to be best dressed), 11 Honoré is a THE place to look.
The brand has pieces from couture and high end designers, such as Zac Posen, Marina Rinaldi, Jason Wu, and Sally Lapointe.
Shop high end plus size formal wear here.
Plus Size Formal Wear for Adults #5: City Chic USA
Next up on my guide to plus size formal wear for adults, we have City Chic! This is an Australian based brand that has a whole website dedicated to their US customers (be sure you’re shopping on the right website, as you can’t order from their Australian site)!
- Sizing: City Chic USA makes plus size formal gowns for adults in up to a size 24.
Shop plus size formal wear here!
Plus Size Formal Wear for Adults #6: Hannah Caroline Couture
Next up on your list of plus size formal wear options, I wanted to be sure to include a plus size independent designer! Hannah Caroline Couture is founded and led by fashion designer, Hannah Nodskov, and all pieces are made in the USA.
You may remember Hannah Caroline Couture as the designer who created the black wedding gowns for my fall editorial shoot, but Hannah can also create other plus size formal wear!
Hannah has a variety of ballgowns, column Grecian formal dresses – as well as plus size formal jumpsuits in VELVET! All pieces can be customized, and you can even work with Hannah to design a plus size formal gown to your exact specifications, including color, fabrics, style lines, silhouette, etc!
- Sizing: Hannah Caroline Couture can make any size (yes, any), and you can shop the brand here.
Shop plus size formal wear for adults here!
Plus Size Formal Wear for Adults #7: AZAZIE
Next up on my list of plus size formal wear adults for fully grown adults is AZAZIE! I can’t *quite* vouch for this brand quite yet, but watch out for a review soon (hopefully)!
- Sizing: This plus size formal wear brand goes up to a size 30
Shop plus size formal wear here!
Plus Size Formal Wear for Adults #8: Christian Omeshun
It’s time for another indie designer who makes plus size formal wear for adults!
Christian Omeshun is a brand owned by A’Shontay Hubbard, a woman of color (roundup of black owned plus brands here), and she offers curve hugging gowns for curvy women.
- Sizing: Up to a size 32
Shop plus size formal wear here.
Plus Size Formal Wear Brand #9: Unique Vintage
Next up my list of brands that specialize in plus size formal wear for adults, we have Unique Vintage! I didn’t include this brand in the first few years of updating this guide, as a lot of their pieces were LOVELY and so FUN, but they were more semi-formal or for fun plus size costume parties.
But in the last while, Unique Vintage has really expanded their offering, and now they carry plus size formal wear! Love it!
- Sizing: Unique Vintage goes up to a size 26, which corresponds to a waist measurement of 51 inches. Many of their plus size formal wear gowns stop at a size 20.
Shop plus size formal wear for adults at Unique Vintage here!
Plus Size Formal Wear Brand #10: JIBRI
Another plus size indie brand! I’ve covered JIBRI in a few posts, and they’re one of my favorite brand. They create unique plus size gowns and jumpsuits that are just *chef’s kiss*.
- Sizing: Up to a 3X
Shop plus size formal wear here.
Plus Size Formal Wear for Adults #11: eShakti
Speaking of custom plus size formal wear options, eShakti is also a well-known brand for plus size babes going to formal events!
- Sizing: The formal wear brand goes up to a 6X, with their size chart going beyond popular plus size brands.
Shop plus size formal wear here.
Plus Size Formal Wear Brand #12: Eloquii
Continuing down the list of plus size formal wear options, we have Eloquii!
Ahhh, Eloquii! It’s the go-to brand for taller plus size babes (and they also have a petite section). Currently, most of Eloquii’s plus size formal wear options would be great for a daytime event or soiree – there aren’t a lot of black tie type options!
They have quite the assortment of statement pieces, and I’m really digging the dress below as a potential gown for New Year’s Eve!
- Sizing: Up to a size 28
Eloquii offers up to a size 30, and you can shop plus size formal wear here.
Plus Size Formal Wear Brand #13: ModCloth
We all love ModCloth’s cheeky designs. The brand has been a go-to for plus size workwear and cute swing dresses for years!
In addition to darling sweaters with darling foxes on them, ModCloth also offers plus size maxi gowns perfect for a wedding in Napa or a cocktail dress for an evening event. ModCloth doesn’t ALWAYS have plus size formal wear onhand, but I definitely check their site periodically to see what’s popped up!
- Sizing: ModCloth goes up to a 4X
Shop plus size formal wear here.
This blog post was all about where to buy plus size formal wear for adults!
What to Read Next —>
Looking for more rad plus size fashion guides? I got you! Check out these posts below (or use the search box in the upper righthand corner if you’re looking for something specific!)
- Where to Shop for Plus Size Cocktail Dresses
- Miss America – Plus Size Fashion Editorial
- Unique Plus Size Wedding Gowns
- Plus Size Fall Wedding Guest Dress Ideas
Recommended Plus Size Gowns
There’s the roundup! Did you find what you’re looking for? Did I miss a brand you love? Let me know in the comments!
Be sure to join me on Instagram, where I regularly share reviews of high end plus size brands!
[FTC Notice: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase a product through my link. Affiliates help me write more great content, and I only endorse products I truly love.]
