By That Girl Whitney Team
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Black Friday falls on November 27 this year, and the deals are already rolling in. For plus size shoppers, the biggest sale weekend of the year can feel like a race. The best pieces in extended sizes sell out first, the “deals” aren’t always real, and it’s easy to end up with a cart full of things you didn’t need.
A little planning changes everything. When you know what you want and how to spot a true discount, Black Friday becomes a chance to stock up on wardrobe staples and gifts for less.
This guide covers how to build your list before the sales start, where plus size deals tend to show up, how to tell a real deal from a fake one, and why return policies matter more than ever this time of year. Grab your coffee and your phone, and let’s make a plan.
Make a List Before the Sales Start
The best Black Friday shoppers decide what they want before they see a single ad.
Start by looking at your closet. What do you reach for every week that’s wearing out? Jeans, leggings, bras, and winter coats are great Black Friday buys because you’ll wear them constantly.
Then think about gaps. Maybe you need boots that zip over your calves or a dressy outfit for holiday parties. Write it down.
Add sizes to your list. Note your size in each brand you love, since plus sizes vary so much between labels. When a sale goes live, you’ll be ready to check out fast.
Set a budget for the weekend and stick to it. A deal on something you don’t need isn’t a deal.
Finally, save items to your cart or wishlist ahead of time on the sites you plan to shop. Many retailers let you see when a saved item drops in price.
Shop Whitney’s storefront: plus size wardrobe staples on Amazon
Where Plus Size Deals Show Up
Most big retailers run Black Friday sales, but a few are especially worth watching for plus sizes.
Walmart runs Black Friday events with deals on clothing, including its plus size store brands like Terra & Sky. Whitney’s Walmart haul is a good place to start your list, and pieces from it may drop in price.
Amazon has deals across thousands of plus size items, often as limited-time offers. Use the size filter and check reviews before you buy.
Plus size specialty brands like Torrid and Eloquii typically run big holiday promotions. Sign up for their emails a week before Black Friday so you see early access offers. Our Eloquii review roundup explains that brand’s sizing and returns.
Old Navy carries many styles in extended sizes and runs holiday sales in the U.S. and Canada.
Canadian readers will find many of the same retailers running Black Friday sales on their Canadian sites, though deals and stock differ.
How to Tell a Real Deal
Not every sale sign means a great price. These habits help you spot the real thing.
Check the price history. Browser extensions and price tracking tools show what an item has cost over the past few months. If it was the same price in October, it’s not a Black Friday deal.
Compare the final price. A percentage off sounds big, but compare the actual price to similar items at other stores.
Watch for shipping costs. A small discount disappears if shipping costs extra. Look for free shipping thresholds and in-store pickup.
Read the reviews anyway. A cheap jacket with bad reviews is still a bad jacket. Check comments about fit and quality, especially from plus size shoppers.
Stack when you can. Some retailers allow a sale price plus a coupon or a rewards discount. Check the fine print.
Why Return Policies Matter This Time of Year
Holiday shopping means buying gifts and ordering sizes you’ve never worn. That makes return policies extra important.
Many retailers extend their return windows for holiday purchases, but the details vary. Check each store’s policy before you buy, especially for final sale items, which usually can’t be returned.
Keep tags on and receipts handy. Try clothes on as soon as they arrive, so you have time to exchange a size before popular items sell out.
Watch for return fees. Some brands charge a fee for mail returns or offer free returns only as store credit. Factor that into whether a deal is worth it.
Keep your receipts and order confirmations in one folder or email label so you can find them quickly if something doesn’t fit. Holiday return windows are often extended, but they still end, so set a reminder.
Shop Smart This Black Friday
Black Friday can be a great time to stock up, as long as you shop with a plan. Make a list of what you actually need and watch the retailers that carry your size. Check price history before you buy and know each store’s return policy. You’ll come out of the weekend with pieces you love and a budget that’s still intact.
Follow @thatgirlwhitney on Instagram for Whitney’s favorite deals this week, and shop her picks on her Amazon storefront.