Quince plus-size clothing review: Comfortable basics you can wear with almost anything

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The three co-authors wearing plus size clothing from Quince.
We tried fifteen styles from Quince’s plus-size collection, from workwear

Our style editors have had mixed experiences with clothing from Quince, a direct-to-consumer brand that has gone viral for its a for its washable silk dresses and affordable cashmere. Over the years we’ve tested literally dozens of Quince’s clothing essentials, bags, and homewares, and while it’s not everything is a luxury good, we do feature Quince across our guides to the best cashmere sweaters, best women’s basics, and even the best linen sheets

Last year Quince finally launched a plus-size collection, and it felt like our prayers were finally answered. The first collection featured 21 styles, and today it totals 50.

I wear a size 3X or 24, and enlisted the help of my coworkers Jaclyn Turner, who shifts between 1X-2X or 18, and Kinsley Searles, who wears a size 3X or 28. The three of us tried on everything from washable silk skirts to super soft fleece sweats.

And guess what? We all loved nearly every clothing item. But there’s one major caveat: the brand charges more for plus sizes than it does for the same product in straight sizing. For example, you’ll pay $10 more for Quince’s cashmere crew neck sweater in a 1X than you will for the same product in an XL. We asked the company to explain, and you can read their reply in the FAQ section below.

There are also significantly fewer color options for plus size items (take this sweater, available in 15 colors for straight sizes, but just three for plus sizes). While we’re thrilled the brand now offers more extended size options, it’s obvious Quince still has much more work to do in making the pricing and options more inclusive. You can find several retailers that do so in our guide to the best plus-size clothing

Shop all plus-size clothing at Quince.

Our top 3 picks from Quince’s plus-size clothing collection:

Quince 100% Washable Silk Skirt
Three co-authors wearing silk skirts in gray, leopard, and burgundy.

Silk and I don’t get along very well; I’ve never really loved how it drapes on my curves. I decided to give this silk skirt a try anyway and I was pleasantly surprised with the fit, but still don’t feel 100% comfortable with how it lays against my hips. It also wrinkles easily.—Lauren Savoie, deputy editor

I was so intrigued by this piece — a plus-size silk skirt that’s washable? It seemed impossible! I’m happy to report that it’s everything I imagined and more. The thick silk feels premium and cascades beautifully. There’s no zipper — instead it pulls on and the elastic band sits firmly in place. But while the elastic waistband is flexible, it’s important to note that the silk itself is not stretchy.

The “100% washable” claim held up — I’ve washed this skirt multiple times and have only noticed minor pilling, and no shrinkage. I can see myself putting this skirt on anytime I want to elevate my favorite black sweater. —Kinsley Searles, home and sleep fellow

This is a piece I know I’ll keep wearing all season long. It can be styled so many ways, whether with an oversized sweater or a little tee. The burgundy color is going to be my new favorite neutral for fall. I’m between an XL and a 1X, and I appreciate the roominess of the 1X. I recommend sizing up if you want a smoother fit since the silk is quite clingy.

It arrived a little creased from being folded, so it’s not ideal right out of the bag. I suggest ironing it from the inside out to get rid of the wrinkles before wearing it out. —Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

Read more in our full Quince washable silk review.

Quince Italian Wool Cocoon Coat
Two photos showing the co-author wearing a camel colored Quince Italian Wool Cocoon Coat open and closed.

Quince’s Italian Wool Cocoon Coat has a very refined and elegant look, with even stitching and a warm, substantial feel. I chose the caramel, a rich camel shade, but it also comes in black and heather charcoal. I like that it has deep and roomy pockets, while the shawl collar can be worn both up or down.

As for the fit, I find Quince’s sizing runs small. This coat is roomy enough through the hips and bust, but my arms feel restricted when I have the coat buttoned. You’ll want to size up if you’ll be wearing lots of layers underneath.

Quince compares this coat to similar ones from Aritzia, Eileen Fisher, and Akris Punto, of which only Eileen Fisher offers plus sizes. Design wise, it is remarkably similar to Aritzia’s Cocoon Coat, which is also made with Italian wool and comes in a whopping five wool variations.

This Quince Wool Cocoon Coat sports a label from the Italian wool mill LANIFICIO NELLO GORI S.P.A.. According to the mill’s website, they specialize in carded wool, also known as recycled wool, and have previously worked with brands like Woolrich, J.Crew, and Gap.

Meanwhile, the clothing tag states that the outerwear is made of 80% virgin wool with 20% nylon and is made in China.

Contrastingly, Quince’s online product description notes that the jacket is Italian wool and made in Vietnam. While virgin wool can undergo a carded technique, the wool mill on the coat specifies its specialty as recycled wool, creating a bit of a discrepancy in product origins.

I still liked wearing this coat because it feels stylish and it comes at an unbeatable price, but it’s perhaps not up to the the luxury standard that Quince is trying to convince you it is.

Quince 100% Organic Cotton Boyfriend Crew Sweater
The co-author wearing a white cotton sweater.

I love this sweater so much that I’ve influenced my mom to buy one. I have several sweaters from Quince, but this all-cotton one feels so breathable and durable. It’s slightly oversized, especially in the sleeves, but looks really cute cuffed. I’m definitely considering buying this in other colors. — Lauren Savoie, deputy editor

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Polo Sweater
The co-author wearing a white cashmere polo knit sweater.

I’d heard about Quince’s cashmere sweaters on a podcast ad years ago, and they never really left my mind. Thankfully, it lived up to the hype. The sweater has a comfortable, relaxed fit with a look that can easily be dressed up or down. I was worried that the fabric would be itchy, but that’s not the case at all — instead, it feels like I’m cocooned inside of my favorite blanket. My one gripe: since it’s cashmere, it’s hand-wash only. —Kinsley Searles, home and sleep fellow

Quince Tencel Jersey Fit & Flare Dress
The co-author in a brown Quince dress with black knee high boots and a sweater draped over her shoulders.

I love a dress that can be equally for at home, at work, or at play, and this one fits that bill. It’s flowy and breezy, but can easily be layered with a sweater and leggings on colder days. I think this is the perfect dress to carry me through shoulder season. —Lauren Savoie, deputy editor

Quince SuperSoft Fleece Cropped Wide Leg Pants
The co-author wearing black capri sweatpants and a white polo sweater.

These sweats have been an essential in my WFH wardrobe. The interior is fleece, but the wide leg capri length makes them breathable so I don’t overheat. They’re super comfy, and look a little more elevated than your standard sweatpants. I also appreciate the roomy front and back pockets.

I have however noticed that the black color has started to fade (just like the Wrap Dress, as you’ll see below). Also, I have an apron belly, and it’s pretty prominent when I wear these. I don’t mind having my belly on display, but if you want pants that hold you in, these aren’t it.—Kinsley Searles, home and sleep fellow

Quince 100% Organic Cotton Fisherman Sweater
a plus size woman taking a mirror selfie while wearing a white quince fisherman's sweater

This just might be my favorite piece of everything I tried on. On the model, this style looked boxy, but it’s actually quite nicely fitted through the waist and hips. The arms have a little bit of extra length, lending a “boyfriend” look to the fit. The all-over ribbed detailing made me feel like I was just a pair of boat shoes and a Grosgrain belt away from fitting in with the early summer crowd on Nantucket. I’ll be wearing this sweater heavily throughout the colder season. My only complaint is that I’d love to buy it in more colors, but right now only three colors are offered in plus size, compared to the 15 available in straight sizes.

Update after a year of wear: My one complaint about my old Quince Fisherman sweater was that the bright white color was impossible to maintain. This cream-colored option is a little more forgiving, and I like the thick knitted fabric and oversized look. —Lauren Savoie, deputy editor

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
two women wearing the quince plus size sweater

Every sweater I’ve tried from Quince has been a hit, including this Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck. It’s a straightforward wardrobe staple, but it fits great and has an excellent price. Right now the plus option only comes in six colors, while the straight-size version is available in 21, so I hope Quince considers expanding options soon. I’d especially like to see some brighter colors offered, instead of just neutrals and darks. —Lauren Savoie, deputy editor

This is one of the original items I purchased last holiday season from Quince. I was curious about the straight sizing versus the plus. I tried both the XL and the 1X, and while the XL fit, it was snug, the 1X fit in all the right spots, with extra fabric in the arms and chest. It’s soft, well-made, and an absolute closet essential. — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Boyfriend Cardigan Sweater
a side by side image of two woemn wearing the quince button up sweater in black

This is another fave. It can be really hard to find a decent oversized fit when you’re typically the largest size in the size range (as I am for Quince), so I’m really happy that this sweater has a loose, “boyfriend” style without being shapeless or overly baggy. It’s super soft and very versatile — I can see myself wearing this buttoned-up on its own or open with a cute tank or crop top underneath. —Lauren Savoie, deputy editor

I think this cardigan was one of my favorites in the order. It’s so soft and luxurious. At $150, it’s definitely on Quince’s pricier end, but I view this as an investment piece I’ll be wearing for years to come. It’s generously sized, with a bit of a boxy fit.  — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

Quince 100% Washable Silk Slip Dress
side by side of a woman in a silk slip dress
Jaclyn wears a 1X on the left, and a 2X on the right of the Washable Silk Slip Dress.

I love a gorgeous slip dress, perfect for dressing up or down, depending on my mood. Make it washable, and I’m in love. This silk dress has a nice bias cut down the side seam with extra room in the hips, showing that it was designed with curvier bodies in mind. It hits right below the knee. Adjustable straps helped me position the dress comfortably across my chest. Being in between sizes, I preferred the slightly roomier fit of the 2X to the 1X. The 1X felt too tight and pulled in the back, while the 2X was a little large under the armpits but nothing too noticeable. I’m not wearing a shapewear bodysuit in either photo. — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

Read more in our full Quince silk slip dress review.

Quince 100% European Linen Pants and Top
side by side of a woman wearing a navy linen top and pants
Jaclyn wears the European Linen Short Sleeve Shirt and European Linen Pants in a 1x. The pieces can be worn as a set, or separately.

Whether styled together or as separates, the 100% European Linen Short Sleeve Shirt and Pants (no longer available), will become a summer staple. I love the modern, cropped cut of the top, and it earns bonus points for not pulling at my chest. The flax linen fabric feels sturdy and breathable. It’s not scratchy either. The pants were fine in a 1X, though I’d also be curious as to having a little extra room in the next size up. The pants have a boxy style, which is not something I typically gravitate toward, but the pull-on style is loose-fitting and comfortable. Also due to the nature of linen, I can definitely see these pants getting pretty wrinkled after extended sitting. Luckily, the dark navy color I chose should hide that.  —Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

Quince Tencel Rib Knit Maxi Dress
a side by side showing a woman taking two mirror selfies. in the first she's wearing the quince maxi dress and in the second she's added a blazer

This piece was the one that was most outside of my comfort zone, so I was surprised that I ended up really liking this style. Silhouette-wise, it’s a dead ringer for the viral Skims Long Slip Dress, but priced about $20 cheaper. It’s super soft and stretchy, made from a mix of ribbed Tencel and Spandex, and it felt very breathable. This piece has great day-to-night potential — I could see wearing it out to a summer dinner on its own, but I really liked how it looked when paired with a blazer for work. I’m 5’11”, and this dress hit me right around the ankles with shoes on. The adjustable straps help adjust the length a bit, but I’d say if you’re shorter than 5’7″, you may need to wear heels with this dress or consider getting it hemmed. —Lauren Savoie, deputy editor

Quince Tencel Jersey Midi Wrap Dress
The co-author in a black wrap dress.

I’m torn about this wrap dress. On one hand, I loved the way it felt and fit — the TENCEL fabric was silky smooth on my skin, and the wrap hugged my body just right. After washing it three or four times, though, I’ve noticed significant color fading and pilling. The true black has now faded into almost dark gray, especially around the neckline. It’s possible that this is a problem just with the black dress, but I worry about its durability nonetheless. It’s a shame, because otherwise, this is a nearly perfect wrap dress. —Kinsley Searles, home and sleep fellow

Quince Washable Stretch Silk Notch Collar Blouse
side by the side of a woman wearing a white silk blouse tucked and untucked
Jaclyn wears a 2x of the Washable Stretch Silk Notch Collar Blouse

I’m forever on the hunt for a good button down and I wanted to love the Washable Stretch Silk Blouse. I typically size up in button-down blouses because I have a large chest. Sadly, the silk blouse in a 2X pulled at my chest and around my middle, making me feel a little too self-conscious. The ivory color was also quite sheer, and the slight stretch of the fabric only accentuated the parts that I didn’t want to show off more. Ironically, the model in the product photo wears the bottom half of the shirt unbuttoned, as a foreshadowing of my experience, while another model wearing the blouse in wine appears to be swimming in it.   If the shirt would fit me right, I think it looks very classy and sophisticated and a great workwear, or day-to-night piece; just the sizing is off, in my opinion.  — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Tee and Washable Silk Tank
side by side showing a plus size woman wearing two styles from quince while taking a mirror selfie

These two pieces were my “skips” out of everything I tried. The Mongolian Cashmere Tee is supersoft and quite cute as a basic, but it’s a bit sheer. I don’t think I’d buy it in this color, but I’d certainly consider it in a gray or black (both of which Quince offers). 

The Washable Silk Tank was fitted at the bust and hips, but loose through the waist, which I thought gave me a boxier shape. Looking at the straight-sized customer photos, this style seems to fit best on people who have small chests and slim hips. That said, I think this piece still has potential in my wardrobe as a layering staple and would be a great base under some suiting for work. —Lauren Savoie, deputy editor

FAQs

Why does Quince charge more for plus sizes?

According to a company representative, “Given Quince’s manufacturer-to-consumer business model, our margins are tighter than most traditional retailers. Quince’s straight sizes are graded based on a size small and produced in the same production run, so the cost is averaged out across the entire size offering, including material and freight costs. Quince’s new extended sizes are made with a separate fit block, form, and live model based on size 2X/18 to offer the best fit for the customer. Since Extended Sizes uses a separate fit and grade rule based on size 2X with a separate production run, the extended sizes are priced separately, which has resulted in a price difference.”

However, most retailers, even small businesses, are able to offer plus sizes and straight sizes at the same cost to customers. We think that if Quince is truly committed to inclusivity, the brand should provide a consistent price for both plus and straight-size items.

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