Review: Ordering Torrid Plus Size Clothing While in Japan
Torrid is a popular American shop that carries a wide range of trendy plus-size clothing, shoes, and accessories. With affordable prices, many sales, and reasonable international shipping costs, Torrid pieces can really add some flare to your wardrobe.
Torrid has sales almost every week of the year, ranging from BOGO to 30% to 50% off, and up to 70% off of clearance items!
I have ordered from Torrid countless times since moving to Japan. On average, my packages arrive 2-4 weeks after making my purchase, costing about $65USD to ship ~$500 worth of items.
Once or twice a year, Torrid offers free international shipping along with huge discounts. This is the best time to buy!
Pieces I love:
Twill Skirts: I live for Torrid's skirts, and the twill fabric items have a beautiful flow. I think I've purchased almost every color of twill mini skirts (hits above the knee) from the past 6 seasons. The fabric and cut is flattering, and it's light weight so it's great for summer in Japan.
Skater Skirts and Dresses: My FAVORITE cut of skirt and dress, they create an A-Line shape that always make me feel beautiful.
Wide Width Boots: I've yet to buy a boot from Torrid that I don't like. It can be difficult to find knee-high or ankle boots that fit comfortably when you have thick legs. Fortunately, Torrid offers Wide shoes that accommodate wide feet and your plus-size stems.
Bombshell Skinny Jeans: These jeans are comfortable and tailored just right for my body type. Skinny Jeans in general are being phased out, and tight-fitting pants are a rare find in Japan. However, as a Millenial and creature of habit, I'm weak for body Hugging denim. There's a wide variety of lengths and styles, and on average I found each pair (at U.S $75) lasting about a year or 2 of wear. Because of the fabric type, these jeans have a bit of stretch, but unlike other plus-sized jean brands, these don't lose their structure after a few hours of wear. And no pilling between the thighs!
Pieces I'm not a fan of:
V-neck and low cut tops: Including their popular styles "Harper Tunic Blouse" "Favorite Tunic", I found that many of their lower cut tops are too risque for my wardrobe in Japan.
"Super Soft" fabric: Many of Torrid's shirts, dresses and skirts are made from this clingy, jersey material. It's totally a preference thing; I find the Super Soft fabrics to be unflattering and too casual to match my vibe. Not to mention, a lot of the shirt designs that use this fabric resemble underclothes that you'll find in Japan (clothing meant to be worn under other items). For casual Torrid tops, I opt for "Heritage Tees" that use a blend that's more cotton than jersey, so you'll get that casual look without that clingy feel. For dresses and skirts, I find that Super Soft fabrics don't create the smooth silhouette I like, so when I avoid anything Super Soft.
Final Verdict: ★★★★☆
If you catch a sale, the shipping price to Japan is worth it for large hauls. They offer a lot of great basic pieces that are tailored for a curvy body, as well as a ton of statement pieces that pop. Decent quality for the price, moderate shipping times.
