Today is #BlackOutTuesday. This is a day designed to promote, shop and show love to . By investing your dollars into the Black creative community, you are helping small businesses to grow and thrive. This practice of shopping from Black-Owned Businesses is a habit to get into not just on #BlackOutTuesday but also every time we hit “add to cart.”
As a plus size woman who started as a designer, I completely owe my own success in plus size fashion both as a designer and an influencer to Black plus size women. Blogger and model was the first major influencer to support Ready to Stare back in 2014. Marie Denee of hired me to write for her site back in 2015. This was one of the ways that I helped to establish myself as an expert in the plus size fashion space. One of my most meaningful pieces was , that I first wrote in 2016.
Black plus size women are truly the foundation of plus size fashion as a community and as a movement for wide societal acceptance. The reason that we see plus size models in mainstream campaigns or plus size clothing is featured at major retailers now is due to the work of Black plus size women like Marie Denee, Essie Golden, , Liris Crosse, and so many more.
I could go on and on but you’re here to shop so let’s get to that! This list specifically features Black-Owned businesses that either make plus size clothing and Black creatives who are plus size that sell art, jewelry and accessories.
Christian Omeshun is an Atlanta-based designer that specializes in designing timeless pieces in plus sizes. Her gowns are particularly lust-worthy but don't sleep on her custom pieces like petite trousers, face masks and tees! Founded in 2014, Courtney Noelle utilizes bold prints, glamorous silhouettes and lots of sequins to show that curves are not a limitation to style. I own the Kat Duster and it's one of my most prized pieces but you really can't go wrong with anything CN! Custom styles are available as well. Smash Shoes creates stylish and fashion-forward shoes in sizes 10-14. Although I cannot personally fit into Smash Shoes, I am SO glad they exist as plus size women often wear size 10+ in shoes and are not given as many stylish options. Smash Shoes IS the solution. Hanifa broke the internet back in May 2020 when they launched their new Pink Label Congo with a virtual Instagram live fashion show featuring 3-D models. They currently offer some pieces up to a 3X and most up to 2X (20). Zelie For She produces limited-run collections of stylish plus size clothing in Los Angeles. Whether it be about friendship, travel, women or self empowerment, designer Elann Zelie uses each collection to tell a story. Blogging powerhouse Maui Bigelow has been writing since 2008 and the tees in her Phat Girl Bouteeque collection speak just as loudly as her words. Expect to find tees with an unapologetic message available up to a 4X. Oyemwen is the brand that turns your fashion dreams into reality AND makes them up to a size 5X. Their custom ready to wear designs often feature extravagant tulle designs in bold colors. Their new Candy Rainbow collection is truly stand-out. KIN by Kristine is the brainchild of plus size blogger, Kristine Thompson. She is known for her trendy silhouettes. Her designs are classic styles made for curves. JIBRI is an icon in the plus size fashion space. Designer Jasmine Elder released JIBRI's first collection in 2009 and truly paved the way for plus size fashion to break out of its matronly mold and embrace fashion-forward styles. Feminine Funk crafts witty and unapologetic tees that celebrate curves, Black culture and self love. Designer Nicole Brier wanted to create tees that celebrated women like herself who refused to be defined by society's narrow beauty standard. Crafted in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, it's clear that the Wendy S Collection takes inspiration from their surroundings. Their beachy resort-ready styles are available up to a 4X (28). You probably know Fat Mermaids for their iconic "IDGAF About Your Diet Karen" and that is just one of their many styles they have celebrating fat bodies. Many styles are available up to a 5XL. From face masks and mugs to tees and pillows, KashmirVIII features the artwork of Kashmir Thompson. She is known for her 90s nostalgic artowork paying tribute to Black cultural icons throughout the years. I wanted to include Ch0ked on this list because this is the jewelry designer that I got my wedding earrings from. They make statement earrings like no one else. Ch0ked truly understands designing for those of us who love earrings and think - the bigger, the better! Offering sizes 2-34, Richee' Luxe makes one of the widest size ranges on this list. From swimsuits and coverups to crystal-encrusted body suits, Richee' Luxe will have you looking totally glam at any size! You may know Ramona O. from our Dope At Any Height collab. She has her own clothing line just for tall plus size babes featuring leggings, tees and hoodies. Get into it!
Christian Omeshun
Courtney Noelle
Smash Shoes
Hanifa
ZELIE FOR SHE
Phat Girl Bouteeque
Oyemwen
KIN by Kristine
JIBRI
Feminine Funk
The Wendy S Collection
Fat Mermaids
KashmirVIII
Ch0ked
Richee' Luxe
Tall & Dope
Please keep in mind that many of these brands are handcrafted small businesses. This means that shipping may take longer than you are used to and that prices may be higher than fast fashion brands. Please practice patience and recognize that supporting a small business means understanding how their process works. Check through FAQs on the site for specific processing and shipping times.
Did I miss your favorite Black-Owned Business for plus size clothing and accessories? Let me know in the comments below!