by CaCee Walsh

Created on: August 10, 2007   Last Updated: August 19, 2010

Tip number one for plus size shopping online is the tape measure.

Tip number two for  plus size shopping online is  the sizing charts.

Last but not least, know your body shape and which styles typically flatter your figure.

These are the essentials every full figured woman needs when shopping online for clothing. After that, it's a matter of knowing where to shop, two of the best sites are

www.lanebryant.com  and www.avenue.com. Each has clothes that are both fashionable and well made as opposed to  many other sites that continue to dress full figured women with poorly manufactured flowers, kitties and animal prints.

The most important thing when you shop for plus size clothes is to get the correct size. Unfortunately, not all clothing is made equal, therefore when you might be a size 26 at one site, you're a 24 on another, or a 28 on yet another. That's where your measuring tape and size charts come in. Almost every website that sells clothing offers a sizing chart with instructions as to which parts of your body to measure\, which should correspond to the size charts. Follow these charts as directed, they  are there for a reason and you will be much happier with the fit of your clothing.

Some of my favorite sites to buy plus size clothing are Lane Bryant and The Avenue. Lane Bryant sells fashionable clothing from sizes 14 to 28 and The Avenue carries sizes 14 to 32. The clothing and accessories sold on these sites are up to the minute, stylish and well made. While there are a number of other sites  that sells plus size clothing, not all of them sell quality clothes and quite a few of them sell rather dated clothing.

Being full figured does not mean you are doomed to wearing stretch pants and t-shirts with kittens and flowers on them, or covering yourself from head to toe in leopard print. Unfortunately the fashion industry hasn't quite caught up with the big and beautiful, yet your pickings can be slim. A few other sites that carry nice quality plus sizes are www.eddiebauer.co, www.jcpenny.com, www.torrid.com, www.oldnavy.com, and of course if you don't mind used clothing or bargain shopping there is always www.eBay.com. There are many more sites that sell plus size clothing. All it takes is a little patience and a few searches on the Internet.

The last thing a woman wants to keep in mind when shopping for clothes on the internet is what looks good on her. You can't try this stuff on before you buy so you'll want a good sense of what works and what doesn't. Know your body shape and the styles that compliment it. If you're unsure what might flatter your frame, there are a number of "dress for your body" sites that will give you the advice you need with respect to shapes, cuts and fabrics that will best suit you. Have fun and remember the key to looking good is feeling good.

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