Ok, so I was asking a friend where she found a specific shirt since I'd seen a similar one at Target, and she replied Forever 21. And since I'm trying to find shirts with more feminine cuts (the one I saw is a men's shirt, hers is a women's), I thought I'd check out their website. Now never having stepped into that store under the assumption that they don't cater to my size, I was a little excited to see they carry plus sizes. So I mentioned to her that I might check them out in person the next time I'm at the mall, and she warned me that they don't make anything in XL.

Disappointing, but not surprising. So I'm guessing that the plus-sized selections are probably an online-only option for them, like Old Navy? All I know is that I've spent years being afraid to venture into certain stores because I've already experienced enough stares and ignorant remarks for daring to browse beyond my comfort zone of Lane Bryant, Torrid, and the anchors. I'm sort of on the border now, typically ranging between an 18 and 22 in jeans and XL to 2X in shirts. I've only recently been able to shop at Old Navy and the "regular" section of Target so I'm just starting to get comfortable with the idea of checking out other stores. But I'm still a little afraid of approaching a situation like I went through several years back when I got an Old Navy gift card.

While I don't expect to be able to fit in all XL's or even 2X's (sizes vary wildly), I'd like to at least have an idea of what shops carry them. Any help here?

Hey some Forever 21s stores do carry the plus sizes, I shop there all the time. I believe you can use forever 21's store Locator option to Filter for plus sizes.

also, H&M has a few stores with plus sizes (Again, you have to check their website and filter to see which stores actually carry the plus sizes).

Finally, the local malls I go to usually have those little "Boutiques" that have bigger sizes, so may be that can be an option?

I say be blunt. Go in to whatever store you want to and if someone makes a rude comment tell them they're rude and they have no right to say anything about you and demand to speak to their manager and get their corporate/regional number.

There's no reason to ever be rude to anyone like that. I'm all for being rude back when someone starts it but I give everyone the benefit of the doubt which is saying something because I'm generally a misanthrope. If I can do it, they can too.

Besides, even if they only go up to size 6 and you're obviously NOT a size 6, who says you're shopping for you and not a friend, mother, brother, sister, etc.? Last time I checked money was money. If you pay for it, it doesn't matter what you do with whatever you buy afterwards.

You may be very surprised by the stuff you can fit it. I range from an XL in tops to 3X. Yeah... lovely. Just go start trying stuff on. If someone wrinkles their nose when you walk in the door, ask them if anyone has ever told them they look like Miss Piggy.

F21's plus size line is really nice, but different from their regular line. I've seen XL tops in the plus size line. Some stores don't have a plus section though.

Are there any Dots near you? Most Dots have plus and regular sizes and the clothes are pretty much the same in both...and they're nice!

I've found tons of cute things in TJMaxx and Ross, which aren't exactly "mall" stores - they aren't in my mall anyway. You have to dig in these types of stores (everything is everywhere), but I've going so many cute things there. Mostly dresses and tops, I haven't found any pants that would fit me yet and look good.

Sears and JCpenny are in my mall, and they have some nice things. I don't know if they have a "plus size" section, usually I just see certain tops I like and they usually have a L-LX on the rack next to the. S-Ms. I usually end up getting jeans from Sears, they have a decent selection in large sizes. Nice cloth capris and stuff as well. And they are usually 15-30, so not TOO pricey, ESP if you find one marked down !

Other stores I like are Maurices, I love them but they're pretty darn expensive. Belk is nice as well, which can be expensive but I've found lots of things marked way down ! One my my favorite shirts I bought about 2 months ago from Belk, originally $40 marked down to $15. I'm sad because it was an XXL and it's way too big on me now.

I don't know where you're from, but I second the Belk motion, and I'm not just saying that because I work there, haha. If you're looking for younger clothes, their junior plus section usually has some pretty cute stuff; sometimes it makes me wish I was still plus sized so I could wear it! But also, the clearance sections can be ridiculously cheap, especially when we're in Red Dot for 50% off (That is, 50% off the original price, then another 50% off the mark-down). I've seen people buy a ton of cute stuff and have their most expensive item be only 10 or 15 dollars. Even if you don't shop clearance, the sizing in the New Directions and Madison lines are pretty true to size and have really cute stuff, and they go up to an XL. Try it!

And if you don't have a Belk, seriously try your mall's department stores. They tend to cater to everyone of all ages, so you'd have a better selection of clothing, sizes, and prices.

Do you have an Avenue near you ? I used to get some pretty good XL clothing there. Also Fashion Bug but it depends on the store can be good or trashy.

Nordstrom & Macy's