J.Crew’s plus size inclusivity efforts have been a long time coming. The brand, once known for its exclusive preppy aesthetic, has recently expanded its size range to include plus size fashion. But is it truly committed to serving plus size shoppers, or is this just another temporary shift?
With a newly expanded size range reaching up to 3X, J.Crew is telling plus size shoppers, We see you.
But here’s the thing: Visibility isn’t the same as value. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that a bigger size range doesn’t always mean a brand is actually for plus size consumers.
J.Crew’s Plus Size Inclusivity: What Has Changed?
For most of its existence, J.Crew has felt like an exclusive club—one where plus size shoppers were left standing outside, checking the menu, realizing they weren’t on it. J.Crew was founded in 1983–not that long ago!
Though there has been a shift in plus size fashion over the years, they’ve maintained a hat for quality over fast fashion. When you think about their style, think “effortless cool”: striped boatneck tees, crisp button-downs, and the kind of chinos that looked amazing…on a certain kind of body.
That “certain kind of body” was not plus size.
According to CNN, 67% of American women wear a size 14 or above, yet for years, J.Crew simply ignored them. Meanwhile, fast-fashion brands like Forever 21 and mall staples like Target expanded their size offerings long before J.Crew ever considered it. Even luxury brands—typically the last to embrace inclusivity—have made strides faster than this.
J.Crew’s first real attempt at acknowledging plus size customers came in 2018. Reports from Racked state the collaboration was with Universal Standard, a brand known for its size-diverse approach. The 37-piece collection went up to 5X, and for a moment, it seemed like J.Crew was getting it right. But then? Silence. No follow-up. No expansion. Just another short-lived experiment with inclusivity.
Now, they’re back. And the question is: Did they learn anything?
J.Crew Plus Size Fashion: What’s Actually Available?
According to J.Crew’s official size chart, the brand now offers clothing up to 3X (roughly a size 24). That’s not groundbreaking, but it’s better than where they started. The extended sizing applies to a range of pieces, including denim, dresses, blazers, and knitwear.
But, as many plus size shoppers have come to expect, there’s a catch.
Not every item on the site is available in extended sizes. The denim collection, for example, is still limited, with fewer styles catering to curvier body types. So, the real elephant in the room? J.Crew has done almost nothing to actually market its plus size expansion.
Where Are the Plus Size Models?
One of the biggest red flags in J.Crew’s plus size rollout is its lack of representation in advertising. If a brand claims to serve plus size consumers but refuses to showcase them, are they really serving them at all?
Katrina Tijerina from The Mom Edit expressed her frustration with the lack of plus size models on J.Crew’s website, stating:
“They have zero plus size models on their website, so how are we supposed to see how the clothes fit on our bodies? It’s exhausting when brands don’t take that extra step.”
Even on social media, J.Crew hasn’t exactly been shouting about its new sizing. No dedicated campaigns. No major influencer partnerships. No real effort to tell plus size shoppers, “We want you here.”
And customers are noticing. A Reddit user summed it up best:
“Their sizing can be a little problematic… Cut matters almost as much as actual measurements. Just because something technically ‘fits’ doesn’t mean it’s flattering or wearable.”
A recent review of their “Curvy Kate Staright Leg Pant” by a customer got a two-star rating for the fit in the waist not being as accurate. See below:
For J.Crew’s expansion to resonate authentically, the brand must demonstrate a sustained commitment to inclusivity. Without true efforts, their extended sizing may not feel like much of a real change.
Final Thoughts: Is J.Crew Worth the Hype?
Would it be fair to say that the brand is finally inclusive? J. Crew’s expansion into plus sizes is a necessary step forward, but it’s not a guaranteed win. The plus size consumer base is loyal, but not naive—we’ve seen too many brands claim inclusivity, only to pull back when the going gets tough.
Other brands have figured it out. They don’t just offer larger sizes; they market them boldly. They use plus size models, showcase real bodies, and make inclusivity feel natural, not performative.
If J.Crew is serious about being a leader in fashion for all sizes, they’ll need to prove their commitment by ensuring their designs fit properly, keeping the collection in stores, and actually marketing to plus size consumers. Representation isn’t a trend—it’s a necessity.
J.Crew’s plus size inclusivity efforts are a step in the right direction, and the plus size community is paying attention. For now, we’ll be watching.
Will you be trying out J.Crew’s plus size line? Let us know in the comments!
