The story of the best known and first-ever plus size clothing retailer, RedCats USA, known until 2004 as Brylane, is the story of a young Lithuanian immigrant, Lena Bryant, who in 1901 started the firm. Bryant's husband died leaving her financially destitute. From money acquired with the sale of her diamond earrings, Bryant bought a sewing machine and started her dressing making business. Her plus size clothing beginnings was in the design and creation of wedding gowns. They she had an inspiration that resulted in her much lauded "number five" maternity tea dress. This instant success was the start of the biggest plus size catalog firm in the industry.

Lane Bryant is the flagship brand of the Redcats USA plus size clothing empire. It is noted for comfortable sportswear reasonably priced. The Limited Inc. bought Lane Bryant in 1981, relaunching the catalog division as Brylane, which in 2004 was renamed Redcats USA.

In 1907 Lerner Shops premiered its plus size clothing shops on Manhattan's 7th Avenue, focusing on clothing that plus size women could wear to the office and then out on the town at night. In 1985 Lerner became part of the Limited Inc. and the plus size clothing catalog division of Lerner shops debuted. One of the most popular Lerner shop plus size clothing types are suits and dresses with style and flair.

Roaman's plus size clothing was founded in 1932. This retail chain, centered on women who wanted to look great in spite of obesity, began on Manhattan's fifth avenue right across the street from Lord & Taylor. The success of this plus size clothing line was so popular that its expansion finally totaled 50 stores. Redcats USA acquired this second most popular plus size clothing catalog in 1982.

Catherine's offers plus size clothing at moderate prices in various U.S. retail locations and from its online and print catalog. Its styles focus on classic lines for both casual and career clothing needs of plus size women. Catherines Stores Corporation owns in excess of 400 stores in the United States in all but 6 of the contiguous states. Not only does the Catherine's line of plus size clothing provide fashionable items in sizes 16 to 24, but it also offers petite lengths as well in sizes up to 26.

Catherine's clothing for women struggling with obesity began in Memphis Tennessee in 1960. This single store was owned by Catherine Weaver, who struggled with obesity herself. As her concept showed a profit she opened numerous stores throughout the Southeastern part of the United States. Investors purchased Catherine's shortly afterwards, calling the retail locations Stout Shoppes. Catherine's Inc. debuted at the same time.

By 1980 this plus size clothing manufacturer had a grand opening for its 100th store. In 1991 the firm went public as Catherines Stores Corporation. In 2000 Catherines became part of Charming Shoppes Inc.

Catherines Stores Corporation is a plus size clothing company that takes pride in saying it is for women and managed by women. It is noted for its superb customer service and its comfy retail environment.

Just this June the first Catherine's outlet store for plus size clothing opened in the Franklin Mills outlet center in Philadelphia. One week later three additional Catherine's stores premiered. They are located in Colorado Mills Mall in Lakewood Colorado; The Shops at Las Americas in San Ysidro California and Gurnee Mills outlet mall in Gurnee Mills Illinois.