River Island quietly pulled its plus-size range from UK stores in late 2018, but the collection didn’t disappear entirely — it moved online. Here’s what actually happened, why the decision sparked debate, and where you can still find River Island plus-size clothing today.
RI Plus range launched: 2016 ·
Removed from UK stores: Late 2018 ·
RI Plus sizes: 18–28 ·
Online sales share: 85–90%
Quick snapshot
- River Island removed RI Plus (sizes 18–28) from all UK stores in late 2018 (The Independent (UK lifestyle news))
- RI Plus remains available online at riverisland.com and via ASOS (Fashion United (retail industry publication))
- Irish stores closing in 2025, but online plus-size range remains active on River Island Ireland site (River Island IE (official brand site))
- US website continues to offer plus-size clothing online (River Island US (official brand site))
- Whether the online-only plus-size range will eventually be discontinued entirely
- Exact timeline for all Irish store closures and whether plus-size stock will remain in those stores until closure
- 2016: RI Plus launched as a dedicated plus-size collection in stores and online
- Late 2018: Removed from all UK stores, moved online-only
- 2025: Irish store closures announced; online plus-size remains active
- Irish shoppers will need to rely on riverisland.com for plus-size after store closures
- UK shoppers can still find RI Plus on ASOS and River Island’s own site
Four key facts, one pattern: River Island’s plus-size strategy shifted from omnichannel to online-only while keeping the range alive — a decision that split customer opinion but aligned with wider retail trends.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| In-store plus-size discontinued | UK stores no longer carry plus-size as of late 2018 |
| Online plus-size available | Yes, at riverisland.com and ASOS |
| Irish store closures | Confirmed, including Wicklow locations |
| XL sizing | Typically fits UK size 14–16; plus-size range starts at 16–18 (Curve) |
The table shows that while physical access has narrowed, online channels remain open across multiple markets.
What happened to River Island plus size?
River Island stops selling plus-size ranges in physical stores
River Island launched its plus-size range RI Plus in 2016 with sizes 18–28, stocking it in both stores and online (The Independent (UK lifestyle news)). But after just 18 months, the brand pulled RI Plus from all UK physical stores in late 2018, making it online-only. A River Island spokesperson told Fashion United (retail industry publication) that the move gave “freedom to stock more lines” and deliver “more of what she wants faster.”
At the time of the announcement, RI Plus had 256 items available online (The Independent (UK lifestyle news)). The brand noted that 85–90% of RI Plus sales were already happening online, aligning with a broader shift of plus-size shopping to digital channels.
Online-only freed up store space for faster-moving lines but alienated in-store shoppers who preferred to try before buying. Plus-size customers lost the ability to feel fabrics or check fit in person — a key concern for a size range where sizing consistency matters most.
Plus-size collection remains available online
Despite the in-store pullout, River Island’s plus-size range — now often called “Curve” — is still live on riverisland.com. The UK site offers plus-size tops, dresses, jeans, and loungewear (River Island (official brand site)). ASOS also continues to list River Island plus-size items, giving shoppers a second online retail option.
The online-only shift meant the brand could stock a wider variety of styles and sizes without the space constraints of physical stores. But for customers who relied on in-store browsing, the change made plus-size shopping less accessible.
Why is River Island closing in Ireland?
Retail challenges cited for Irish store closures
In March 2025, River Island announced it would close its stores in the Republic of Ireland, including locations in Dublin and Wicklow. The company cited challenging retail conditions on the high street as the primary factor. The closures have sparked debate about the future of affected shopping centres, particularly in Wicklow where the store was a major anchor tenant.
Impact on Wicklow shopping centre
Local business leaders in Wicklow have expressed concern that the departure of River Island could reduce foot traffic for neighbouring retailers. While no official timeline for all closures has been confirmed, the move raises questions about the viability of physical plus-size shopping options in Ireland.
The implication: Irish plus-size customers who previously bought River Island in-store will need to shift entirely to online ordering. The River Island Ireland site still offers plus-size going-out clothes and loungewear online (River Island IE (official brand site)), but delivery times and return logistics remain considerations.
The pattern: Irish shoppers face a complete transition to digital purchasing for this brand, with no physical alternative remaining.
What size is XL in River Island?
River Island size chart for XL
River Island’s XL typically fits a UK size 14–16, though this can vary by garment type and cut. The brand’s standard sizing runs from XS to 2XL, with plus-size — labelled “Curve” or “Plus” — starting at size 16–18. For the RI Plus range (sizes 18–28), a 2XL generally corresponds to a UK 18–20.
XL versus size 16-18 conversion
One common point of confusion: XL in standard ranges is not the same as plus-size. In most UK high street brands, including River Island, plus-size begins at size 16. An XL in standard sizing often fits a size 14–16, whereas plus-size 1X or Curve 1 fits sizes 16–18. Always check the individual garment’s size guide, as cuts vary between collections.
XL = UK 14–16 (standard range). Curve/Plus 1 = UK 16–18. RI Plus = sizes 18–28 (online only).
Is plus size the same as XL?
Difference between plus size and XL
No — plus size and XL are not interchangeable terms. In UK retail, plus-size typically starts at size 16, while XL often fits a size 14–16 depending on the brand. XL can appear in both standard and plus-size ranges, but it is not a consistent marker. For example, River Island’s standard XL fits differently from its Curve 1XL, which is cut for a fuller figure.
Standard sizing vs plus-size categories
River Island’s plus-size collection is labelled “Curve” or “Plus” and starts at size 16–18. Standard sizing (XS to 2XL) is designed for straight sizes. The distinction matters for fit: plus-size garments are graded differently, with more room through the bust, waist, and hips. Shoppers who wear a standard XL might find Curve 1 fits similarly, but those at the top of standard sizing should size up.
The pattern: sizing labels vary wildly between brands, and River Island is no exception. The safest move for any plus-size shopper is to check the specific garment’s measurements rather than relying on letter sizing.
Timeline: River Island plus-size changes
- 2016: RI Plus launched in stores and online — sizes 18–28
- Late 2018: RI Plus removed from UK stores, moved online-only; 256 items available online (The Independent (UK lifestyle news))
- 2025: Irish store closures announced; plus-size remains on riverisland.com and ASOS
Why this matters: the 2018 decision set a precedent that other UK retailers have since followed. Moving plus-size online allows brands to offer more variety without the cost of in-store floor space, but it also means plus-size shoppers lose the instant gratification and tactile experience of in-store shopping.
What customers say
“The removal of plus-size from stores is a step backwards for inclusivity on the high street. Shoppers who can’t or don’t want to buy online are left with fewer options.”
— River Island customer, quoted in The Independent (UK lifestyle news)
“Moving online gives us the freedom to stock more lines and deliver more of what she wants, faster.”
— River Island spokesperson, quoted in Fashion United (retail industry publication)
The trade-off: River Island’s rationale — more choice, faster stock turnover — is operationally sound. But for customers who preferred in-store shopping, the move felt like a withdrawal of commitment to plus-size audiences.
The shift in plus-size availability comes alongside broader changes for the brand, including the River Island store closures that are reshaping its high-street footprint.
Frequently asked questions
Does River Island still sell plus-size clothes?
Yes. River Island’s plus-size range (sizes 18–28) is available online at riverisland.com and through ASOS. It is no longer sold in UK or Irish physical stores.
Where can I buy River Island plus-size online?
You can buy directly from River Island’s website or through ASOS, which continues to stock the brand’s plus-size collection.
What size is a 2XL in River Island?
In River Island’s standard range, 2XL typically fits UK size 18–20. In the Curve/Plus range, 2XL corresponds to size 20–22. Always check the specific garment’s size guide.
Are River Island plus-size dresses true to size?
Customer reviews suggest that River Island plus-size dresses generally fit true to the size chart, but some styles run small in the bust. Checking the garment measurements is recommended.
Why did River Island remove plus-size from stores?
River Island said the move allowed it to stock more lines and deliver new styles faster. With 85–90% of RI Plus sales already online, the brand deemed physical store space better used for other categories.
Will River Island plus-size come back to stores?
Not currently. River Island has not announced any plans to reintroduce plus-size to physical stores. The range remains online-only and active as of 2025.
What is the River Island Curve range?
The Curve range is River Island’s name for its plus-size collection, offering sizes 16–28 for women. It includes dresses, tops, jeans, loungewear, and going-out styles, available only online.
Related reading
For UK plus-size shoppers, the choice is clear: order online from riverisland.com or ASOS, or miss out. For Irish shoppers facing store closures, the only option is digital — and the sooner that shift is made, the smoother the transition will be.
Jack Henry Morgan Howard is the Founding Editor and a staff writer at DailyBrief UK, covering UK news, politics and business. He works to the newsroom's sourcing and fact-checking standards under Editor-in-Chief Eleanor Whitcombe, so that every briefing is concise, accurate and clearly attributed.