Apparel Search fashion industry directory
Women's Clothing Stores Fashion Photo by ML taken at Chicos in Ridgewood, NJ Oct. 2006
Women's clothing stores fashion photo, Ridgewood, NJ.

Women's Clothing Store Retailer Directory

Find ladies fashion boutiques, department stores and mass merchants by clothing category, and learn how to shop and size with confidence.

Whether you are refreshing a work wardrobe, shopping for a wedding, or looking for the right fit in petite, plus or maternity sizes, the fastest way to start is by choosing a clothing category. Each link below leads to a directory of women's clothing stores that sell that type of garment, so you can compare retailers instead of searching one store at a time.

Women's clothing retail is one of the largest and most varied parts of the fashion industry. Shoppers can choose among department stores, specialty chains, independent boutiques, off-price retailers and online shops, and many brands sell through several of these at once. Apparel Search organizes them by what they sell, so a search for jeans, outerwear or lingerie takes you to the right place.

Retailers and boutique owners are welcome to add their stores to the directory. Shoppers can read the guides below to learn about fabrics, fits and sizing before they buy.

Shop Women's Clothing by Category

Welcome to the women's clothing store section of the Apparel Search retailer directory. These links guide you to women's clothing stores selling the garment category you are searching for: ladies fashion boutiques, department stores and mass merchants selling dresses, outerwear, underwear, shoes, handbags, trendy fashion accessories and more.

Dresses, Bridal & Occasion

Tops, Knits & Shirts

Bottoms & Suiting

Outerwear & Furs

Intimates, Sleepwear & Swim

Activewear

Shoes, Bags & Accessories

Sizes & Special Fits

Style & Community

Don't forget to visit our new consumer section.

Browse Women's Clothing Guides

Learn about each garment type, then find stores that sell it.

Looking for Accessories?

If you have not found the women's fashion category you are searching for, do not forget to view the fashion accessory section. In the women's fashion accessories area you will find a directory of fashion jewelry stores, purse retailers, scarf stores and much more.

Types of Women's Clothing Retailers

Retailer typeWhat it offersGood to know
Department storesMany brands and categories under one roof, from clothing and shoes to handbags and beauty.Good for one-stop shopping and in-store services such as fittings.
Specialty storesFocus on one segment, such as petite, plus sizes, maternity, bridal or activewear.Staff and inventory are tuned to a specific customer.
BoutiquesSmaller stores with a curated, often local or independent point of view.Great for unique pieces and personal service.
Mass merchantsLarge chains selling apparel along with other goods at lower prices.Value-focused; strong for basics.
Off-price and outletDiscounted brand-name or overstock merchandise.Selection changes often; check fit and condition.
Online and direct-to-consumerShopping by website or app, from large marketplaces to single-brand shops.Check size charts and return policies before you buy.

A Beginner's Guide to Women's Clothing Categories

Women's clothing spans many categories, and it helps to know the vocabulary when you shop or when you sell. Common groupings include:

Sizing: Misses, Juniors, Petite, Plus & Maternity

Size groupGeneral idea
MissesStandard women's sizing for an average adult height and proportions.
JuniorsA younger, slimmer cut with its own sizing, often odd-numbered (1, 3, 5).
PetiteProportioned for women under roughly 5'4" with shorter sleeves, inseams and rises.
Plus sizeDesigned for fuller figures with adjusted proportions, not just larger fabric.
MaternityPieces made to stretch and support during pregnancy and sometimes after.

Sizes vary from brand to brand and country to country, so always compare the brand's size chart with your measurements.

Smart Shopping Tips

  • Check fabric and care labels. Fiber content affects comfort, durability and how you must wash the garment.
  • Know your measurements and use size charts, especially online.
  • Review return policies before buying, including who pays for return shipping.
  • Build around basics. A few well-fitting staples make seasonal trend pieces easier to wear.
  • Compare prices across stores and look for end-of-season sales.

Shop Online

Shop for women's clothing in this section of our retail store directory.

Buying to Resell?

Are you searching to purchase discount women's clothing to sell at retail auction sites? You can learn about women's clothing auctions from our apparel auction section.

Women's Fashion Resources

More retail directories

Fashion Boutique in Ridgewood, NJ

Women's Clothing Stores Fashion Photo by ML taken at Chicos in Ridgewood, NJ Oct. 2006
Fashion photo by ML taken at Chico's in Ridgewood, NJ, October 2006.

For Store Owners

If you own or manage a women's clothing retail store or fashion boutique that sells women's fashions, let us know the details. It will be our pleasure to add your store to our women's retail clothing store directory. Also create a listing at the Clothing Industry Directory website. Add your company.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a women's clothing store for a specific item?

Choose a category above, such as dresses, jeans, handbags or maternity, to see retailers selling that type of clothing.

What is the difference between a boutique and a department store?

A department store carries many brands and categories in a large format. A boutique is usually smaller, with a curated selection and personal service.

What do juniors, misses and petite sizes mean?

They are different sizing groups. Misses is standard, juniors is a younger and slimmer cut, and petite is proportioned for shorter heights. Always check the brand's size chart.

How can my store be listed in the directory?

Use the Add Your Company page or contact Apparel Search with your store details.