Trust me, jeans are a blessing and a curse. We have all had that moment – picture it with me. You’re lying flat on your back on your bed and you’ve sucked in your tummy. It’s just you and this new pair of jeans, and you’ve almost got them on. Maybe if you suck in your belly and hold in your breathe until your face turns blue, shimmy them on, and zip, they will fit. Maybe, just maybe. But what if, you found jeans that actually fit?

It took me a long time to realize that fitting into jeans didn’t have to be a struggle, no matter your body size. There are brands and companies out there that were specifically committed to fitting plus size bodies well. Ever since I’ve made this discovery, it has been such a relief for me, and what used to be one of my dreaded items to shop, has now become one of my favourites thanks to these plus size jean stores. Real talk! 

Here are 8 of the best stores to shop at for plus size jeans!

Universal Standard

Sizes: 00-40
Price: $109 – $164

On my last visit to New York City, I went to the Universal Standard showroom and decided to try on a pair of its jeans in a dark denim wash in a 30” inseam. Can I just say that these jeans are the best I’ve ever had, never wearing out against my thighs or losing their colour? Brilliant.

Levi’s

Sizes: 14-24
Price: $98 – $108

After seeing everyone in a popular Facebook community I was a part of recommend jeans from Levi’s, I decided perhaps it was time to take the plunge. The skinny jean style is inherently more snug than other cuts on this list, and I had to size up from an 18 to a 22, but they fit like they were made to measure, and they make me feel stylish as heck.

Torrid

Sizes: 10-28
Price: $74 – $78

For a long time, everyone has been telling me that their go-to jeans have been from Torrid. While I have not tried them out myself, Torrid pride itself on being well-designed and offering premium stretch. Torrid denim come in three different designs: bootcut, flare, and skinny. So no matter what kind of denim your heart desires there should be one out there for you.

ASOS

Sizes: 14-24
Price: $67 – 70

One of the very first high-waisted jeans I ever purchased was from ASOS Curve. The jeans, designed in the London office, offer petite ranges in its plus offerings. These jeans have so much stretch in them, are super sleek, and stylish. I would absolutely order them again in a heartbeat.

Addition Elle

Sizes: select styles available in sizes 10-32
Prices: $59 – $119

One of my go-to spots for jeans has always been Addition Elle. Recently, the retailer hired a new designer, Andy Thê-Anh, who is offering even more curve-friendly jean designs. While you’ll still find old favourites like the skinny, flare, and straight leg, you’re going to see some variations that are more playful and sophisticated. Plus, the denim is soft and really gentle on the skin.

Good American

Sizes: 12-24
Prices: $250-$265

All over the internet, I have been reading about how amazing Good American jeans are. While the price tag on them is hefty, it seems like the quality and styles are worth it. According to Instagramers and plus-bloggers everywhere, these jeans hug every single curve, and come up high enough and don’t fall down. Plus, Good American seem committed to the plus community by having a big appearance at Curvy Con this year.

Lane Bryant

Sizes: 12-28
Prices: $103-$148

When it comes to jeans, so many of my American friends say Lane Bryant is the best for plus size jeans. The best part: the brand finally started shipping to Canada, so we can finally enjoy the wonder that are its jeans! For example: in its high-rise skinny, there’s a waistband that stretches and molds to your waist, eliminating the dreaded waistband gap. Um, how cool is that? How many times how you found yourself complaining about jeans that have stretched out. It might be worth looking into these!

LOFT

Sizes: 14-26
Prices: $96-$110

Loft’s denim is known for its high-quality and different washes. While I haven’t personally tried these on, the selections available are nice, crisp and perfect for dressing either up or down.

Since the demise of Target in Canada, it’s obvious that the retail landscape here is a bit tricky to navigate for US brands (let alone for struggling Canadian retailers). The difficulty lies in creating unique retail experiences, understanding the customer and entering the market with ease (a la Nordstrom).

Canadian shoppers are hungry for popular American brands with store experiences and product selections that would save us from making shopping trips across the border. From beauty to apparel to food, keep reading for the top five retailers we want to open in Canada (like right now).

ULTA Beauty

Every Canadian beauty lover craves the HUGE selection of cosmetics, skincare and haircare brands available at ULTA Beauty stores. As Canadians, if we have to watch another YouTube beauty vlogger dump out a shopping bag full of ULTA products that we can’t purchase here, we may just scream! Luckily we can shop the beauty mecca online, but ULTA Beauty stores need to come to Canada ASAP. 

Image: Cristina Avila

Lane Bryant

Every curvy girl will tell you that the selection of plus size apparel brands in Canada is few and far between. Lane Bryant’s selection of plus size fashions for women (sizes 14 to 28,) is desperately needed in Canada! Not only do we admire Lane Bryant for her amazing fit, but the selection of trendy ladies apparel from activewear to intimidates surpasses the selection Canadians are used to. But until (and if,) it opens in Canada, you can shop the beloved retailer online. 

Eataly

You don’t know Eataly until you’ve experienced it. Period. This retailer/restaurant is a mecca for Italian cuisine, offering an indescribable experience for the senses. Venture throughout an Eataly location to pick up fresh produce in one corner and a sit down gourmet meal in another. Wine? Dessert? Pots and Pans? Eataly has it all. Fortunately, this restaurant/retailer is confirmed to be opening in Toronto in 2019 and we can’t wait!

Inside Eataly (Image: Cristina Avila)

Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s is like no other grocery store experience (they had us at the tiki displays and Hawaiian shirts). Canadians long to experience the joy that is walking into a Trader Joe’s store to discover new, bizarre (but genius,) products that are tempting AF with catchy names and packaging. Please Trader Joe’s, on behalf of all Canadians, set-up shop here so that we can enjoy your unique products too!

Dylan’s Candy Bar

Canadians are craving a trip to Dylan’s Candy Bar, literally. A Dylan’s Candy Bar experience is like a visit to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory with the largest selection of candy and candy-related gifts ever! Dylan’s Candy Bar is filled with every nostalgic brand of candy, candy inspired merchandise and limited edition flavours from your favourite brands.

Which retailers do you wish would open up shop in Canada? Leave a comment down below.

Featured Image: Cristina Avila 

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