Yes, it may be January, but if you want options, peace of mind, and a dress that truly fits, now is exactly the time to start shopping for plus size prom dresses. Early planning opens the door to custom options, better sizing availability, and less pressure as prom season approaches.
Image via Christian Omeshun
Prom season can feel exciting and overwhelming all at once. Between tight timelines, limited size options, and the pressure to get everything just right, shopping for plus size prom dresses often becomes more stressful than celebratory. And when your teen is plus size, that stress can multiply quickly.
So, instead of guessing, settling, or scrambling, we went straight to the source.
We spoke with Ashontay Hubbard, the designer behind Christian Omeshun, who specializes in custom, confidence-centered designs for plus size bodies. Her advice is grounded, affirming, and incredibly helpful for both teens and the parents supporting them.
Before Ashontay talks about silhouettes, fabric, or sparkle, she starts with one essential question.
“How do you want to feel when you walk into the room?”
That question reframes the entire experience.
“Prom isn’t just about a dress. It’s about confidence, presence, and memory-making.”
For parents, this is an important reminder. Searching for and the experience around plus size prom dresses is not just a purchase. It is tied to how your teen will remember this milestone moment.
Image via Christian Omeshun
“When we design from emotion first, the dress becomes a tool for self-expression instead of something meant to hide the body.”
That emotional starting point is often what gets lost when shopping becomes rushed or stressful.
In prom shopping, especially for plus size teens, the word flattering shows up everywhere. Ashontay encourages families to pause before chasing it.
“I encourage plus size shoppers to focus on fit, comfort, and movement rather than chasing the word flattering.”
She explains why.
“That term is often code for shrinking or disguising the body.”
Instead, she emphasizes support over fear.
“A well-fit dress that supports you properly will always look better than something chosen out of fear.”
For teens still building confidence, this shift can be powerful. Comfort is not settling. Comfort allows confidence to show up fully.
Image via Christian Omeshun
The Most Common Plus Size Prom Dress Mistakes
Every year, Ashontay sees the same challenges around plus size prom dresses come up.
“The biggest mistakes I see are buying too small for motivation, waiting too long to shop, and choosing trends that don’t align with personal style.”
These mistakes are not about effort. They are about pressure.
Her advice is straightforward.
“Buy the size that fits now, start early, and choose a dress that reflects you, not just what’s popular online.”
Prom is not a deadline for body change. It is a celebration of who your teen already is.
Fabric and Structure Matter More Than You Think
Image via Christian Omeshun
Many off-the-rack prom dresses are designed using straight-size patterns that are simply scaled up. That often means less support and less comfort for plus size bodies.
Ashontay explains why construction matters so much.
“Fabric and structure change everything for a plus size body.”
She points to what really makes a difference.
“Heavier fabrics, proper boning, lining, and built-in support create shape and comfort without relying on discomfort.”
Her advice for the fitting room applies to teens and parents alike.
“Pay attention to bust support, waist stability, and whether the dress holds its structure when you move, not just when standing still.”
If the dress only works for photos but not for dancing, sitting or walking it is not the right fit.
Prom spending in the U.S. regularly reaches into the billions each year, with families often spending several hundred dollars on attire alone. Yet plus size students consistently face fewer options and longer wait times for alterations or reorders.
That is why Ashontay stresses planning ahead.
“Ideally plus-size students should start shopping four to six months in advance; earlier if going custom.”
Waiting too long limits options quickly.
“Waiting too long limits options increases stress and often leads to settling.”
Custom design or early alterations allow for better fit fewer compromises and a calmer experience overall. For parents this often means fewer last-minute expenses and less emotional stress for everyone involved.
If Custom Is Not an Option
Image via Christian Omeshun
Not every family can go fully custom when shopping for their plus-size prom dresses and Ashontay is clear that off-the-rack can still work beautifully with the right approach.
“Strategic alterations make the biggest impact.”
She highlights what matters most.
“Proper hemming bust adjustments waist shaping and adding support.”
Those changes can transform a dress completely.
“Even small changes can turn an off-the-rack dress into something that feels intentional and personal.”
Prom Is The Time To Be Bold
Prom Is Not The Moment To Disappear.
“Prom Is One Of The Few Times In Life Where Fashion Can Be Unapologetically Bold.”
Ashontay encourages plus-size teens to explore safely.
“I help them experiment safely. Maybe a dramatic slit a bold color or statement sleeves while still honoring their comfort level.”
She also names the reason many hesitate.
“Playing it safe Is Often Something They’ve Been Taught Not Something They Truly Want.”
For parents supporting bold choices for their plus-size prom dresses can be a powerful form of affirmation.
Image via Christian Omeshun
The Emotional Truth Worth Remembering
Prom shopping Is Emotional Especially For Plus Size Teens Navigating Body Image In A Fashion World That Still Underrepresents Them Even Though More Than Sixty-Seven Percent Of Women In The U.S. Wear A Size Fourteen Or Above.
Ashontay’s Words Cut Through That Noise.
“Your Body Is Not The Problem The Dress Just Hasn’t Met You Yet.”
And She Reminds Teens Of What They Deserve.
“You Deserve To Take Up Space Be Photographed And Be Celebrated Without Shrinking Yourself.”
Ashontay’s One Non-Negotiable Rule
If There Is One Rule That Guides Everything She Does It Is This.
“Never Buy A Dress That Requires You To Change Your Body.”
She Is Clear.
“The Dress Should Work For You Not The Other Way Around.”
Sarah Parker is a research analyst and content contributor with a strong interest in business strategy, organizational behavior, and social development. With a background in sociology and public policy, she focuses on exploring the intersection between research and real-world application. Sarah regularly contributes articles that bridge academic insights and practical relevance, aiming to foster critical thinking and innovation across sectors.
Image via Christian Omeshun 
