Plus size clothing is big business for many retailers, with sales estimated to reach $50 billion this year. Today shopping for trendy plus size clothes is easier than ever before. More national retail chains are beginning to carry a better selection of plus size clothing. Many plus size women are finding a unique collection of high-quality plus size clothes and accessories on the Internet.

E-commerce retailers offer a wide selection of plus size clothing and allow you the comfort of shopping from the privacy of your home. Regardless of where you choose to shop, the following tips can help you obtain the best plus size clothing deals.

Tip #1: Begin your shopping quest by creating a list. Know what you need and write it down. If you’re on a budget (like most of us are), a list can help you stay focused on your shopping needs.

Tip #2: Buy next year’s clothing at the end of the season. Retail seasons generally end 6-8 weeks before the calendar season ends. Not only will you save a great deal of money, you will have plenty of time to enjoy your new plus size clothing. If you wait until the very end of the season, you can catch things on clearance, oftentimes saving up to 90% off the original price.

Tip #3: Some of the best plus size clothing deals can be found at your local thrift shop. Keep in mind that the merchandise changes frequently at most thrift stores. If you find something you love, you better buy it because it probably won’t be there tomorrow. On the flip side, if you don’t find what you need, it may very well be there the next day. Frequent thrift store visits can yield great finds and deals.

Tip #4: Consignment shops are an excellent resource for gently used plus size clothing. If you’ve never shopped for plus size clothing in a consignment shop, you’re in for a nice surprise. Consignment shops generally offer some of the best deals on plus size clothing. You’ll oftentimes find expensive designer suits and dresses for a fraction of the cost.

Tip #5: Visit outlet malls. Brand name plus size stores at outlet malls often sell the same or similar clothes to those being sold at normal retail outlets, but at savings of up to 75 percent.

Tip #6: Shop the clearance racks of your favorite plus size clothing store. Keep an eye out in newspapers and on TV for store sales, clearances, close-outs, etc.

Tip #7: You can find exceptional plus size clothing deals online. Take advantage of free newsletter offers at your favorite plus size websites. Oftentimes subscribers are entitled to “Members Only” specials and private sales. Many internet websites offer one-of-a-kind designs that you won’t find elsewhere. They frequently offer free shipping and frequent buyer clubs.

Tip #8: Last, but not least, request catalogs from your favorite plus size stores and take advantage of year-round sales and discount deals.

If you keep these tips in mind while shopping for plus size clothing and accessories, you should be able to slash your clothing bill by 40 percent or more.