Forever 21’s even cheaper sister store carries plus-size — and I tried it

Plus-size women are still confused as to why we have so few brick-and-mortar shopping options. We are 67% of the US population! I should see my size 18s in every store I walk into. 

Forever 21 is one of the few brands where I can actually shop offline. But did you know that the brand has a secret sister store that's massively expanding across the US? 

It's true. F21 Red prices start at $2 and go up to $34. And the plus-size options are plenty! 

>>Related: I went to Forever 21's even cheaper sister store

Currently, there are only eight F21 Red stores in the country. But 40 more stores are opening across the US this year.

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Revelist/Jessica Torres

The one closest to me is in Brooklyn, New York. The store carries clothes for men, women, and children. The least expensive item available is $1.99 and the priciest is $34.

Find a F21 Red near you here.

When I walked in I was greeted by an army of thin mannequins. I thought for sure there would only be one pathetic plus-size rack.

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Revelist/ Jessica Torres

The store clerk then showed me their ample plus-size section and I was SHOOK.

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Curvy mannequins!

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Revelist/Jessica Torres

Tidy displays with lots of inventory!

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Revelist/Jessica Torres

Is this the Twilight Zone?

The options were endless and I actually got overwhelmed.

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Revelist/Jessica Torres

I never even thought that was possible.

I made a couple of sweeps through the plus-size section, which actually took up about a quarter of the store.

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Revelist/Jessica Torres

I tried on a bunch of stuff, made my purchases...

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Revelist/Jessica Torres

...and practically skipped back to the Revelist studio. I got 5 pieces for $100!

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The first item I tried on was this shirt dress in a 3X for $17.90

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Revelist/Jessica Torres

I actually wore this dress out but I felt too exposed whenever I had to bend over. 

  • Strappy T-shirt dress, $17.90*

I love this dress for its lace-up neckline and how perfect the sleeves fit on my thick arms.

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Revelist/Jessica Torres

Meanwhile, these shorts made me rethink shorts entirely (usually I'm not a fan), but the button-up had some drawbacks.

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Revelist/Jessica Torres

Pink woven top, $14.90; Star denim shorts, $22.90

I love a sheer button-up but this one was tight around my arms and gapped at my chest.

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Revelist/ Brittany Fowler

THE STRUGGLE.

The shorts were wide in the thighs, which gave me all the room I needed to bend, snap, twerk, whatever.

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Revelist/ Brittany Fowler

This next look is basic AF, but it fit great and every closet needs stylish basics.

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Revelist/ Brittany Fowler

I don't have the plumpest butt and these still made me feel like J.Lo. They hugged my bottom like no other jean before.

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Revelist/Brittany Fowler

Frayed mid-rise jeans, $29.90

The bodysuit top was made for a longer torso or rounder belly, praise Jesus.

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Revelist/ Brittany Fowler

I like that I have control over how much boob I want to peek out of my top. 

Henley bodysuit, $14.90

FINAL THOUGHTS

F21 Red has the biggest in-store display of any mixed-size store that I have EVER shopped in. It made me feel so welcome and considered, like they truly wanted me there. 

I just wish I didn't have to travel almost two hours to get a decent shopping experience. Hopefully, the big sister store, Forever 21, will expand its plus-size sections as well.