When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreSarah Chiwaya/Business InsiderShopping for chic workwear is never easy, but the difficulty seems to increase exponentially when it comes to shopping plus-size clothing. This is a category where the proper fit really matters, so winging it or just trying to squeeze into too-small options at the mall leads to nothing but disappointment. Fortunately, there are some great plus and size-inclusive workwear brands on the market now—you just have to know where to look!As a plus-size fashion expert and former corporate employee, this topic is right in my proverbial wheelhouse. What qualifies as the "best" workwear is subjective (we all have different budgets, styles, and office environments), so I'm sharing a wide range of favorites to help you find plus-size workwear to best suit your particular wants and needs — whether you need a suit or not!My top 5 places to buy plus-size workwearUniversal Standard offers well-made classic pieces in an inclusive size range, and they have a unique return program that accounts for size fluctuations.Laws of Motion is a size-inclusive label that uses AI technology and a bevy of micro-sizes to get looks that are tailor-made for you without the high custom price.H&M has expanded its size offering so that most of its core collection is available in sizes up to 4XL in many styles. It's a great place to find affordable workwear in modern cuts.Eloquii offers trend-forward pieces that look straight off the runway but are cut specifically for the plus-size figure.Lane Bryant is a plus-size staple for a reason, and their well-fitting separates are an affordable way to build up a great workwear wardrobe.Best overall: Universal StandardSarah Chiwaya/Business InsiderSharp staples in sizes 00-40, with an innovative program that allows you to exchange for free if your size changes. Sizing: Universal Standard offers numerical sizing that spans from 00-40, and bases their “Medium” on the actual median size (a US 18). One of the most size-inclusive brands on the market, Universal Standard offers well-made staples created with realistic bodies in mind. For example, their medium is based on the actual median size in the United States, an 18. And they understand that bodies fluctuate.One huge benefit of shopping at Universal Standard is that they have a ton of styles available through their Fit Liberty program, which allows no-fee size swaps within a year of purchase. Fit Liberty isn't available for everything, though, so if you want the option, just make sure to check for the "Fit Liberty eligible" marker on the product page.The brand also offers an extensive style selection, with options for everything from business casual to more buttoned-up workplaces. Universal Standard's designs are meant to be classic and timeless, so you can wear them for years to come. As someone who still has (and wears) pieces from their 2015 launch, I can personally attest to their longevity.I wore a coordinating vest and blazer from their Power of Style collection to speak at a conference recently, and felt sharp and pulled together thanks to thoughtful fit details like hidden snaps between the buttons to prevent gapping.Best affordable option: H&MSarah Chiwaya/Business InsiderAs their recent size expansion starts to hit the market, this affordable label's plus-size workwear options are getting better and better. Sizing: XXS-4XL (filter by size for best results) If you are trying to build up a workwear wardrobe on a budget, H&M is a great place to start. But it is important to know how to shop when it comes to the best finds in plus sizes. If you just go to their Plus Size section on the site, you might be a little underwhelmed. The selection there is mostly neutral basics (great for the office, but not the most exciting).Fortunately, thanks to the size expansion they announced in 2023, H&M's core collection is now available in sizes up to 4XL in many styles. Given how fast some of their pieces sell out, I always recommend filtering by your size to get the best picture of what is available for you when shopping on their site.Doing so is how I found some excellent deals for the office, including these slacks and a seasonless lightweight knit tee (pictured above), each under $20 at full price! This statement knit is a fun take on the lady jacket trend that works beautifully for work and is less than half the price I've seen similar versions elsewhere.Best trendy: EloquiiEloquiiThis trend-forward brand offers of-the-moment suiting and office-ready dresses and separates. Sizing: A plus-specific brand with sizes 14-32 Eloquii has come a long way since it first launched as a plus-size sister label to The Limited in 2011. A couple of acquisitions later, it is now a plus-size fashionista favorite, with runway-fresh trends and styles, all cut specific
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