Brand · British plus-size label est. 1930

Evans

Plus-size womenswear since 1930 — the UK name that put size above 14 first.

Evans
Re-checked daily
Founded in 1930 by manufacturer Jack Green, Evans is a British women's retailer built around plus-size clothing, lingerie, wide-fit shoes and swimwear.

Evans introduced mail order in 1972, just as it grew past 77 branches nationwide, and by 1988 had become the UK market leader in womenswear above a size 14. Its campaigns made a point of representation — Crystal Renn fronted its first TV advertising in 2007, and collaborators including Dawn French (the 1647 range) and Beth Ditto put the brand in the cultural conversation.

After parent company Arcadia entered administration in 2020, the Evans brand and website passed to City Chic Collective, and in 2023 to AK Retail Holdings under Yours Clothing — which also owns Long Tall Sally and M&Co — where it trades today as an online retailer.

The Evans pieces worth knowing

Roxy Faux Fur Boots
Wide-fit bootie
Roxy Faux Fur Boots
Evans’ comfort shoe code in miniature: wide fit, soft trim and a flat everyday sole.
$64 at Next USA
Short Sleeve Notch Neck Top
Pleat-front essential
Short Sleeve Notch Neck Top
Evans turns a summer basic into a curve-friendly blouse with a soft notch neckline.
$58 at Next USA
Short Sleeve Slub Jersey Dress
Jersey dress
Short Sleeve Slub Jersey Dress
The simple throw-on dress that carries Evans comfort through colour and drape.
$72 at Next USA
Pleated Front Knee Length Dress
Knee-length day dress
Pleated Front Knee Length Dress
A neat knee-length dress with the kind of front shaping Evans returns to often.
$72 at Next USA
Premium Cotton Dress
Premium cotton
Premium Cotton Dress
The pocketed black dress that shows Evans at its most minimal and useful.
$72 at Next USA
Boho Top
Boho blouse
Boho Top
An airy printed top that gives Evans’ separates rail its softer, holiday-ready note.
$78 at Next USA
Border Print Shirt Dress
Linen shirt dress
Border Print Shirt Dress
A linen-viscose shirt dress that turns Evans’ fit-first language into a polished summer piece.
$86 at Next USA
Wide Leg Pull On Trousers
Pull-on wide leg
Wide Leg Pull On Trousers
The easy-waist trouser that makes Evans’ comfort brief look intentional.
$78 at Next USA
Wide Leg Premium Linen Trousers
Premium linen
Wide Leg Premium Linen Trousers
A breathable wide-leg linen trouser with enough finish to leave the beach edit behind.
$84 at Next USA
Premium Wide Leg Jeans
Wide-leg denim
Premium Wide Leg Jeans
Evans’ premium denim silhouette: high-waisted, broad through the leg and made for everyday rotation.
$96 at Next USA
Straight Leg Denim Jeans
Straight-leg denim
Straight Leg Denim Jeans
The classic straight jean that anchors Evans’ curve-fit denim offer.
$72 at Next USA
Cape Top
Cape silhouette
Cape Top
A dramatic cape-sleeve top that gives Evans’ everyday separates an evening option.
$84 at Next USA

Evans shopping FAQ

Is Evans plus-size clothing good quality and worth it?+

Evans is a British plus-size women's retailer, and shoppers generally praise the quality of its cotton and denim and rate it good value for the price. The main caveat is sizing consistency, with some tops and dresses running longer, shorter or smaller than expected. If you are happy to lean on the returns policy to dial in fit, it is a dependable everyday plus-size buy.

How does Evans sizing work, and does it run big or small?+

Evans caters exclusively to plus-size shoppers, with sizing that runs roughly from UK 14 upward. Its fit is cut with curves in mind, with extra room through the bust, tummy and hips, and tops and dresses are often generous, so some shoppers size down. Because fit varies by style, checking the specific item's reviews before buying is the safest approach.

How does Evans compare to Yours Clothing?+

They are now corporate siblings. Evans was sold in 2023 to AK Retail Holdings under Yours Clothing, which also owns Long Tall Sally and M&Co. Both are British plus-size specialists, with Evans leaning toward generous, curve-conscious cuts. Knowing they share a parent is useful context when comparing ranges and fit philosophies.

When and where was Evans founded?+

Evans was founded in 1930 by the manufacturer Jack Green in Britain. After 40 years as a limited company, the Burton Group, later the Arcadia Group, acquired it and made it a public company, and mail order was introduced in 1972 just after it had grown to over 77 branches nationwide. That long history makes it one of the established names in UK plus-size fashion.

Where can I buy Evans now?+

Today Evans operates as a British online women's clothing retailer run by Yours Clothing in the UK, selling plus-size clothing, lingerie, wide-fitting shoes, swimwear and accessories. When Arcadia entered administration in 2020 the brand and website were sold without the physical stores, so the modern business is online-led. Its own website is the primary place to shop the full range.

What made Evans a leader in plus-size fashion?+

In 1988 Evans became the market leader in womenswear above a UK size 14, a defining milestone. It was also an early digital mover, becoming the first Arcadia brand to start selling online in 1997, the same year it launched SeVen, a more fashion-led label for younger customers. That mix of scale and early innovation cemented its position.

What was the Beth Ditto collection at Evans?+

In 2009, Beth Ditto of the band the Gossip launched the Beth Ditto at Evans collection, exclusive to the retailer, in collaboration with head of design Lisa Marie Peacock. Ditto drew on her favourite vintage and charity-shop finds and on bands like Blondie, The Slits and Grace Jones, plus Art Deco influences. The Guardian called the follow-up collection an international success, and it remains one of the brand's most celebrated tie-ups.

Has Evans had other notable designer collaborations?+

Yes. In 1998 Helen Teague and comedian Dawn French launched the 1647 range exclusively for Evans, and in 2012 the British couture label Clements Ribeiro introduced the Swan range. The Swan collection proved popular after Adele wore a dress from it at a gig in Canada and reportedly bought the whole range. These partnerships show Evans's habit of bringing higher-fashion names to plus-size shoppers.

Who has been the face of Evans?+

In 2007, model Crystal Renn became the official face of Evans, appearing in the brand's first TV advertising campaign and all in-store merchandising. It marked a step up in the retailer's profile and visibility. That kind of high-profile campaign helped position Evans firmly in the mainstream plus-size conversation.

Does Evans ship internationally?+

Yes. Evans launched in the USA in 2011 and began providing delivery to over 100 countries, and it maintains a dedicated US website alongside its UK site. So shoppers outside Britain can access much of the range. Checking the regional site relevant to you will give the most accurate availability and delivery options.