Lane Bryant is a clothing retailer that specializes in plus-size clothing for women

Lane Bryant carries women's clothing in sizes 14 through 28, along with extended cup sizes in bras and swimwear. The store operates both physical locations and an online shop at lanebryant.com. You can browse, order, and return items through either channel, though return policies and timelines differ between in-store and mail returns.

The company is owned by Ascena Retail Group and has been operating since 1967. Lane Bryant is not a discount outlet — prices reflect standard retail markup for the plus-size market. Sales and promotions run regularly, particularly around major holidays and seasonal transitions.

Key Takeaways

  • Lane Bryant sizes run from 14 to 28, and the fit tends to be generous in the waist and hip compared to standard retail sizing.
  • Bras and swimwear come in extended cup sizes that are harder to find elsewhere, which is a primary reason many shoppers choose the brand.
  • Online orders can be returned by mail within 60 days, while in-store purchases have a 30-day return window if you keep your receipt.
  • The store runs frequent sales and email promotions, so signing up for their mailing list can alert you to discounts before they appear in-store.

How Lane Bryant Sizing Compares to Other Retailers

Lane Bryant sizes are cut for plus-size bodies specifically, not scaled up from smaller sizes. This means the proportions — shoulder width, armhole depth, and waist-to-hip ratio — are engineered for the body shapes their target customer wears. In practice, this often means a Lane Bryant 18 will fit differently than an 18 from a mass-market retailer that carries extended sizes.

The fit tends to be roomier in the waist and hip than brands like Old Navy or Target's plus-size lines, and the garments are generally cut longer in the torso. If you have shopped at other plus-size retailers, you may find you need a different size at Lane Bryant — trying items on or ordering multiple sizes to compare is common practice.

Lane Bryant does not publish a detailed size chart on their website, so the best way to understand fit is to read customer reviews on specific items or to visit a store location if one is near you. Many shoppers keep notes on which styles and categories fit them best after their first purchase.

Bra and Swimwear Sizing in Extended Cups

Lane Bryant's bra selection includes cup sizes up to H, and many styles come in band sizes 36 through 50. This range is difficult to find at mainstream retailers, which is why many customers shop there specifically for undergarments. The brand carries both everyday bras and specialty styles like nursing bras and minimizer bras.

Swimwear also extends to larger cup sizes and includes one-piece and two-piece options. The brand offers swim styles designed for different body types — high-waist bottoms, underwire support, and adjustable straps are common features. Prices for bras and swimwear typically range from $40 to $80 per item, though sales can reduce this significantly.

Lane Bryant offers a bra-fitting service in many physical stores. If you visit in person, staff can measure you and recommend sizes and styles. This service is free and does not require a purchase, though many customers buy after being fitted.

How to Return Items and Understand the Return Window

Returns work differently depending on where you made your purchase. If you bought in a Lane Bryant store and kept your receipt, you have 30 days to return the item for a refund or exchange. Items must have tags attached and show no signs of wear.

Online purchases have a longer window: 60 days from the order date. You can return items by mail using a prepaid shipping label that Lane Bryant provides, or you can return them to a physical store location if one is nearby. Mail returns typically take 5 to 10 business days to process once the company receives them.

Final sale items — marked clearly on the product page or receipt — cannot be returned. Clearance and sale sections often contain final sale merchandise, so check the item description before checkout. Swimwear and intimates that have been worn or washed cannot be returned for hygiene reasons.

Finding Sales and Using Promotions

Lane Bryant runs sales throughout the year, with the deepest discounts typically occurring during holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday) and at the end of each season. Email subscribers often receive early-access codes or exclusive discounts before sales go live in stores or online.

The company also offers a rewards program called VIP Rewards, which gives points on purchases that can be redeemed for discounts. Enrollment is free, and you can sign up in-store or online. Points accumulate at a rate that varies by promotion, so the value depends on how frequently you shop.

Clearance sections online and in stores are updated regularly as new inventory arrives. Clearance items are typically 40 to 70 percent off original prices, though selection is limited and sizes sell out quickly. Checking the clearance section weekly, particularly after new seasonal items arrive, can yield significant savings.

Shopping Online Versus In-Store

Online shopping at lanebryant.com allows you to browse the full inventory and order from home. Shipping costs vary by order total and delivery speed — standard shipping is typically $7 to $10 for orders under $50, and free for orders over a certain threshold that changes with promotions. Delivery usually takes 5 to 10 business days.

In-store shopping lets you try items on when ready and see the fit before paying. Physical stores also carry some styles and sizes that may not be available online, and staff can answer questions about fit and care. Store locations are concentrated in certain regions, so not all areas have a nearby Lane Bryant.

Many shoppers use both channels: they order online to try multiple sizes, then return what does not fit by mail, or they visit a store to try on and purchase items they know fit. This approach reduces the guesswork around sizing, though it requires time and patience.

What to Know About Fabric and Care

Lane Bryant carries a mix of natural and synthetic fabrics. Cotton blends, polyester, and spandex are common, and each requires different care. The care tag on each garment specifies whether to machine wash, hand wash, or dry clean, and whether the item can go in the dryer.

Many Lane Bryant items are machine-washable and dryer-safe, which makes them practical for everyday wear. However, some specialty items like structured dresses or items with embellishments require hand washing or dry cleaning. Reading the care tag before purchase helps you decide whether the maintenance fits your routine.

Spandex content — listed on the tag as a percentage — affects how stretchy and durable an item is. Higher spandex content (8 to 10 percent) provides more stretch and recovery, while lower content (2 to 5 percent) offers less give. This matters for fit, particularly in pants and fitted tops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Lane Bryant sizes run small or large?

Lane Bryant sizes tend to run generous in the waist and hip, so many shoppers find they can size down compared to other plus-size brands. However, fit varies by style and category — tops may fit differently than dresses or pants. Reading reviews for the specific item you are considering is the most reliable way to predict fit.

Can I exchange an item for a different size without returning it first?

In-store exchanges are usually when ready if the store has your size in stock. Online, you typically need to initiate a return first, then place a new order for the different size. Some customer service representatives may process an exchange without a return, so calling 1-888-LANEBRYANT to ask is worth trying.

What is the difference between Lane Bryant and Lane Bryant Outlet?

Lane Bryant Outlet stores carry overstock, clearance, and previous-season items at lower prices than regular Lane Bryant locations. Outlet inventory changes frequently and varies by location. If you have an outlet store nearby, it is worth visiting to check for deals, though selection is unpredictable.

Does Lane Bryant offer plus-size clothing for men or children?

Lane Bryant focuses exclusively on women's clothing and does not carry men's or children's sizes. For plus-size options in other categories, you would need to shop at different retailers.

How do I know if an item will fit before I order online?

Read customer reviews on the product page — shoppers often mention fit, whether they sized up or down, and how the item compares to other brands. Ordering two sizes and returning one is a common strategy. Some items have fit videos or detailed photos showing how the garment looks on different body types.