By That Girl Whitney Team
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There’s a reason sweatshirts become everyone’s uniform once the weather cools. They’re soft, warm, easy to throw on, and somehow appropriate for almost everything from school pickup to a pumpkin patch. A good sweatshirt might be the most worn piece in your fall and winter closet.
For plus size women, the right sweatshirt feels cozy without looking sloppy. It has enough room through the bust and arms, a length that covers what you want covered, and a fabric that stays soft after many washes.
This guide covers what makes a great plus size sweatshirt, the styles worth owning, how to style sweatshirts so they look intentional, and how to keep them soft. Get ready for your coziest season yet.
What Makes a Great Plus Size Sweatshirt
These details separate a favorite sweatshirt from one that ends up in the back of the drawer.
Soft fabric. Brushed fleece and French terry feel soft against your skin. Fleece is warmer, while French terry is lighter and better for in-between weather.
Room through the bust and arms. You should be able to move your arms freely without the sweatshirt pulling across the chest.
The right length. A sweatshirt that hits at the hip works with leggings and jeans. Cropped styles pair best with high-waisted bottoms.
Ribbed cuffs and hem. These help the sweatshirt hold its shape and keep warm air in.
Pre-shrunk cotton or blends. Cotton fleece can shrink, so look for pre-shrunk fabric or a cotton-poly blend.
Check reviews for comments about pilling and shrinking, which are the most common sweatshirt complaints.
When you shop online, check the length measurement in the size chart rather than relying on the photos. Models are often shown with a sweatshirt half-tucked or pushed up, which can hide how long it really is.
Sweatshirt Styles Worth Owning
These styles cover every cozy occasion.
The classic crewneck is the most versatile. Wear it with jeans or over a collared shirt.
The hoodie adds extra warmth and a casual vibe. A zip-up hoodie layers easily.
The oversized sweatshirt looks relaxed and cozy. A half-tuck keeps it from swallowing you.
The graphic sweatshirt shows off your personality and makes a fun gift. Holiday graphics are especially popular. Our plus size Christmas outfits post has festive picks.
The half-zip pullover looks a little more polished and works for casual offices.
The sweatshirt dress is a cozy one-piece outfit. Wear it with leggings and sneakers on weekends, or with tights and ankle boots for a more styled look.
Start with a neutral like gray or black, then add a color or a graphic you love.
Shop Whitney’s storefront: plus size crewneck sweatshirt or plus size half-zip pullover
Styling Sweatshirts So They Look Intentional
A sweatshirt can look stylish with a few simple tricks.
Layer a collared shirt underneath. Let the collar and cuffs peek out for a preppy look.
Half-tuck into high-waisted jeans. Tucking just the front shows your waist and makes the outfit look styled. Our guide to plus size wide leg jeans has pairs that look great with sweatshirts.
Add a structured layer. A long coat or a shacket over a sweatshirt looks polished.
Upgrade your shoes. Chunky sneakers or ankle boots make a sweatshirt outfit look more put together.
Accessorize. Gold hoops or a crossbody bag finish the look.
Try a skirt. A sweatshirt with a satin or pleated midi skirt is a fun mix of casual and dressy. Tuck the front or knot it at the side to show your waist.
Fit is what keeps a sweatshirt looking intentional. A sweatshirt that’s a little roomy looks relaxed, while one that’s several sizes too big can swallow your frame. If you love an oversized look, go up just one size rather than several.
Shop Whitney’s storefront: plus size oversized hoodie
Keeping Sweatshirts Soft
A little care keeps your favorite sweatshirt cozy for years.
Wash inside out. This protects the outside from pilling and keeps graphics from cracking.
Use cold water. Cold water prevents shrinking and fading.
Dry on low or air dry. High heat shrinks cotton and breaks down fleece.
Skip fabric softener on fleece. It can make fleece feel flat over time.
De-pill as needed. A fabric shaver keeps sweatshirts looking new.
Wash with similar fabrics. Washing fleece with towels or jeans adds friction, which leads to more pilling. Group sweatshirts with other soft knits instead.
Store sweatshirts folded instead of hanging them. Heavy fleece can stretch out at the shoulders on a hanger, and folding keeps the shape intact.
Your Cozy Season Uniform
A great plus size sweatshirt is soft and easy to style. Look for brushed fleece or French terry with enough room through the bust and arms, build a small collection of crewnecks, hoodies, and graphics, and style them with a half-tuck and great shoes. Care for them gently, and you’ll be living in them all season.
Shop Whitney’s favorite cozy finds on her Amazon storefront, and follow @thatgirlwhitney on Instagram for more plus size outfit ideas.