In Full Swing is wonderful store for plus size women to shop in. Sharon has excellent taste, and has a really great selection of clothing ranging from formal or date level to business to casual. Sharon and her staff are friendly, kind and thoughtful. Let me give you an example. I was out of town this weekend when I learned that I needed an all black outfit for a funeral out of town this next weekend. i called Sharon, who remembered me, and pulled aside a variety of dresses for me to select from. They were the right size they were my style, she made my quick shopping trip easy. If you are plus size woman, you should be shopping there. read more

Love this cozy but extremely well-stocked boutique. I saw a gorgeous jacket in the window and with the help of the lovely woman manager I wound up buying 2 beautiful Habitat jackets! Large selection of stellar brands. Perfect for curvy women as well as plus size- it's ALL-SIZE!! Great shop. read more

Sharon was such an amazing help. We spent over an hour picking out clothes that were the perfect style from a large selection of very cute clothing, all in the right size range. I loved that there were pieces in all price ranges, and I left with a selection of both basics and more elevated pieces I was really excited about. Can't wait to come back! read more

If you're looking for high-end quality plus size clothes for women, you can look no further. If you're needing help finding the right clothes for you and getting an unbiased opinion, whether something looks good on you or not, you can look further than here. Sharon, the owner, helped me pick out the nicest clothes. She pulled a pair of blue jeans for me to try on. I never wear blue jeans. I put them on and they were great. She knows her clothes and she knows what looks good on you and she hires people that are very helpful as well. It's not cheap, but the clothes are fine clothes that will last for years and I always get compliments when I wear them out, which isn't an easy thing when you're a plus size woman so she makes you look real good. Go to Sharon's place In full swing, you will not be disappointed! read more

In full swing is by far my favorite store but also one of my favorite places just to come hang out in the east bay. Sharon is extremely welcoming and kind, and there are always so many fun people trying on clothes and asking each others opinions. It's just a welcoming sweet place. Not only is it fun to visit, but I have started dressing so much better since shopping here. My clothes fit better so they are more comfortable and they look better than they used to. The clothes in stock are all really high quality and have held up well over the years I've been shopping at this store. It makes it easier to spend more than fast fashion prices because you know the pieces have longevity. I hope other plus sized people in the Bay Area find this place, it's really a gem. I feel more confident and comfortable than I have in years due to shopping here. read more

Wonderful helping sales ladies. The old fashioned helpful person picking things out for you to try while you wait in the changing room. Very pleasant experience. read more

I absolutely love In Full Swing! Sharon (and the entire team) are delightful and have your best interests in mind as you try on the chic, fashionable clothing. They are honest about what looks good - there is never a hard sale. The dressing rooms are large with good mirrors so you can really see how you look. The customer service is outstanding! If you are looking for clothing that will make you look and feel good I highly recommend In Full Swing. read more

Very helpful ladies. Had some items i could not find in other stores. I was looking for the old fashioned loose fitting underwear shorts,silky material. Had em behind the counter read more

In Full Swing is an exceptional clothing boutique run by women for women in the heart of Oakland's Rockridge neighborhood. It's a convenient, comfortable way for plus size gals to shop for a variety of clothing that will not only fit correctly but be stunning as well. Sharon and her crew are experts at providing each shopper with a personal touch whether that be a hands-on or hands-off experience, or somewhere in between. And Sharon has her store chalk-full of possibilities that fit any budget, from designer fashion to consignment. I adore shopping at In Full Swing and truly believe you most likely will too! read more

In Full Swing is my go-to shop for its extensive collection of high quality clothing. The staff are warm and friendly; parking is convienent and free. Highly recommended! read more

Relax...you have found the perfect place to shop for plus sizes. Everyone who works here is kind, friendly and so very helpful. Not only do I never feel self conscious of my size when I shop here,but the choices are fabulous. Plus, there's always a sale rack! You cannot go wrong shopping at 'In Full Swing' in Oakland. If you are not able to get there, they provide an online shopping experience with a flexible return policy. Definitely add this store to your shopping list! You will not be sorry!! read more

I have been shopping here since our kids were at UC Berkeley. I always was able to find stylish clothes there. Since we now live quite a distance away, I look at their weekly emails instead of browsing in the store. I have found many tops that I've ordered. The tops arrive promptly after I order them. They wrap it in soft tissue paper and it arrives wrinkle free. All of their products are of high quality and I get many compliments. read more

I love In Full Swing - one of my favorite places to shop! The clothing is gorgeous, ranging from casual to elegant, simple to sumptuous. Sharon and the staff are always gracious, warm, welcoming, very knowledgeable about the various lines of clothing, and they make it a pleasure to shop there. Highly recommended! read more

In Full Swing is the absolute best place to buy plus size clothing in the Bay Area! Sharon and her team make clothes shopping, which I usually hate, actually joyful! The individual attention, honest input, and focus on your individual style is unprecedented. And their clothing is gorgeous and fabrics divine! read more

This is a gem of a shop for those of us who are larger in size. It has been my go to shop for 20 years. The variety of clothing, in both style, fabric, and occasion, is amazing. The owner and staff are friendly and helpful but not pushy in trying to make one buy something. If you haven't yet visited In Full Swing or if it has been a while since you have I suggest you do. Have fun! read more

I love, love shopping at In Full Swing. They have beautiful clothes and I can always find something to make me feel special. The service and attention I receive each time I visit is extraordinary. They are my "go to" place for both casual and special day events. read more

Gosh, such a great experience I cannot praise them enough. They really understand the shopper and curate the selection and tailor their suggestions that are such a good fit. I felt seen, cared for and left the shop with a treasure trove and now shop online from afar as their buying is killer. Love love love read more

For fabulous fashions and outstanding customer service, In Full Swing is absolutely the place to go. Selection is great. Sharon and all the wonderful staff are helpful without being intrusive. Clothing and accessories are top quality and great value. This is the place to shop either in-person or online. Stop by! You'll feel and look great. read more

The service and help you get at the store is fantastic I have been going there for 2 years after a friend recommended it to me. They have an expansive selection of brands that are unusual and not found in the Mall stores. The products are well priced and they wash and wear well. Since I have switched to buying their clothes, more people notice and pass comment on how great I look , which is a total added benefit. LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. read more

I was invited to officiate my dear friends' wedding and had not purchased any clothes appropriate for such an occasion in at least a decade. I had nothing that would fit me, nothing that was comfortable, and nothing that felt worthy of this opportunity in my wardrobe. I was a bit anxious about setting out to find an outfit which would meet these seemingly simple criteria, especially since I have never enjoyed shopping for clothes at any time in my life, even when finding sizes that fit me was significantly easier to do. I did a bit of research and decided to start my search at In Full Swing. I screenshot pieces I found on the In Full Swing website which I thought I might like to try on, noted that they were listed as in stock at the shop, and headed over to see if anything would look decent on me. I believe the person who assisted me is named Linda, and she was tremendously encouraging and helpful. I had no idea what sizes to try on, since I have been living in yoga pants and t-shirts for the past seven years, but Linda got me sorted right away. Within fifteen (yes 15) minutes, I had found the perfect outfit and felt overwhelming joy and relief. I thought I'd be starting my search at In Full Swing, but in fact I had started AND ended my search there. I wore the outfit to officiate my friends' wedding, and they said it was absolutely perfect -- even more aligned with their vision of their magical day than they ever could have imagined. And the pieces are so well made that I can see myself wearing them on many joyous occasions for years to come. THANK YOU, Linda and In Full Swing. I'll be back! read more

In Full Swing is a very rare store. Cool fabrics, beautiful vibrant colors, innovative designs and generally cute clothes, all for plus size women. The sales people are knowledgeable and helpful without being intrusive. They carry both well known brands like Citron, Danskin, Champion and Vikki Vi as well as boutique designers I haven't seen other places. They have a range of prices from their awesome sale racks to special occasion, fancy schmancy clothing. They have stuff for going to work and for working out. If you need an outfit for something and you wear size 14 or above, they got you covered. This is the kind of store that makes you wish you had a bigger closet and "What Not to Wear" budget. I look forward to going back soon. read more

I went into the store looking for a pair of pants and quickly became overwhelmed by so many choices, but the staff couldn't have been nicer or more helpful. They kept bringing me things that I hadn't seen when browsing, and brought me an absolutely perfect pair of pants, which I bought on the spot. This is the kind of store which has largely disappeared from the retail market. They HELP you find what you are looking for and are always just so perfectly nice about it. This kind of service just doesn't happen in big-box retail stores. I'll be back again and again. Three cheers for the staff!! read more

The Good: Are you Sylvia Browne? Do you need a wardrobe full of enormous gauzy blouses that give no hint of your actual anatomical shape? Do you coordinate your outfits to look like a 50+ white civil servant with no interest in fashion, only in matching? This is the place for you. I realize this is snarky, but this place was a massive letdown. Other reviews describe this place as fashion-forward, full of interesting pieces and beautiful styles. These are very misleading. What I found redeeming about this place may appeal to you: the help is very friendly, forthcoming and available without being at all pushy. I was greeted and made to feel welcome. The shop is small, but they have a ton of stock and a lot to look through. They do a good job with the space that they have and the store is very clean and well-presented. The Bad: Although there is a great deal of stock, selection, and sizing, it couldn't be less interesting. "Fashion forward" is cruelly incorrect. Everything is shapeless, boxy, and crafted to make sure you feel old and matronly. A-line everything. Enormous, tent-tailored shirts with patterns to distract you from your own size. There is a revolution happening in plus-size fashion. It's about shedding the shame and fatkinis and dressing to express yourself rather than to hide. This place is so far behind all of that, it made me sad to see the displays in the window. More than Catherine's or Dressbarn, In Full Swing reinforces that fat women are styleless, shapeless, and sexless. Nothing here is "fashion-forward," or innovative. Additionally, the $$ rating is woefully incorrect. This is a $$$ place and I hope the reviews begin to reflect that reality. We're talking $90 t-shirts. I found a rack of dresses in burlap brown, without any structure or embellishment for over $300! Even skipping sweatshop labor, avoiding synthetic fabric, and not sacrificing color or style, I could buy three dresses for that much money. Many plus-size shoppers are savvy about our choices, constantly showrooming and comparison shopping to get the best deals on the prettiest clothes. IFS cannot compete in pricing, look, or quality. There's almost nowhere for a woman over a size 14 to shop in Berkeley or Oakland. Vintage, thrift, and consignment exist where Ross fails and LB and Torrid hide out in far-flung malls. I had high hopes that IFS would fill in the gap and I was sorely disappointed. Overall: If you're an older plus-size woman in a conservative job and you need professional attire that hides your curves, you may find what you're looking for at IFS. If you're at all youthful, fashionable, proud of yourself, sexual, or unwilling to pay $$$ to feel bad about yourself, you probably won't. They're nice people and they try really hard, but please be advised that other reviews are misleading. read more

Long overdue review for this fabulous shop to find trendy and classic full size fashions. Sharon provides a comfortable place to choose beautiful and stylish clothing and accessories. Brands including Eileen Fisher, Citrone, Flax, Jess and Jane are available. Robes, undergarments, swimsuits, earrings and beautiful scarves are also here for purchase. Sharon, Ann and Sharon are very helpful and offer wonderful suggestions to assist you with options. You won't be disappointed when you shop at In Full Swing"! Ask to sign up for the weekly newsletter to see what's new in the store. read more

I regret having to write this review, because I like supporting small, local businesses, but my experience was so bad I cannot help but tell you about it. Nota Bene: I am not a plus size woman and In Full Swing is primarily for plus size women. My review exclusively pertains to the nursing bra situation at this store. In Full Swing was recommended to me as a place to go get fitted for a nursing bra. Now please realize that pregnancy and maternity open a woman up to a world of consumerism, much of which is artificially price-inflated. "Nothing but the best for you and your baby!" Still I was unprepared for the prices of the bras nursing women are expected to buy. $50 is not an amount I have ever paid for a bra in my life. Another Nota Bene: I am a small-chested woman, petite overall, and usually wear sports bras. Your miles will vary of course. Since it was recommended, I went to IFS for a bra fitting. The saleswoman was very nice of course (salespeople are). She "fitted" me for 3 bras, two of which seem specialized, the third was a "bamboo bra" with no real structure to it, yet it also cost almost $50. The other 2 bras had the usual nursing snaps that enable you to free one breast for feeding, so I told myself the added complexity of the bra was the reason for the price. I told myself that again when I found the same brands on the internet for the same price. However, I stopped telling myself that when I found bras with the same features at Target for $20. Glad I only bought 3 at IFS. Wish I'd gone to Target in the first place. At IFS I bought the structureless bamboo bra, a nursing tank and a third bra. The bamboo bra is nothing special. The tank I exchanged because the first time I tried it on I couldn't get it over my torso. The third bra also didn't fit around my torso and I ended up buying a special bra extender at Jo Anne Fabrics to get it to fit. This was the result of my "bra fitting." The store was nice enough to allow me to exchange the tank for a larger size, and without a receipt, so I am giving 2 stars instead of 1. By the time I realized the 3rd bra also didn't fit, I didn't want to go back to the store yet a 3rd time. Now I still wear that bra, but with the extender in it, and other aspects of it still don't fit. What a clusterf**k. So sorry I ever went there. As I said, your miles will certainly vary from mine. If you are a plus size woman in search of lovely clothes, you may do fine at this store. But stay far away from the nursing bra fittings. In my opinion, it's a scam. read more

Over the years I have found incredible treasures at In Full Swing including one of my most highly noticed and complimented appliqué skirts, beautiful work wear with unique features like shoulder cut outs and unusual hemlines, and sexy skirts. Because the store has a small footprint, they have a lot packed into a small space. This means that a fashionista needs to be patient, taking the time to really look through the many choices. If at first you see an oversized shirt that hides curves you'd rather show off, look and look some more. I shop at many stores, but In Full Swing is where I always look first. Through them, I have built up an incredibly beautiful clothing collection that fits my fashion-forward reputation. Because many of the brands carried are high end, there are definitely expensive items, on the other hand, if you have a way to swing it, they are well tailored, use fabulous fabrics and are built to last. That said, In Full Swing often has great sales, and always has a cram-packed sales rack in the back hallway. I love this store, I love the salespeople and I'm so glad I'm local enough to be able to check in often since they are always getting new shipments. Dedicated to fashion? Take your time at this store and you will come away with some amazing finds and high quality basics with a twist. I have clothing confidence and it's in no small part due to In Full Swing. read more

Just an update to my 2007 review: yes, this place is still fabulous! Not sure how many years I've been shopping here, but it's been a long time. I appreciate the combination of fashion-forwardness and reality available in the store. I can find work clothes that are fun and interesting but not overly funky, and I can find "fun" stuff for other times. The staff are particularly helpful in letting me know when they can order a piece for me in my size, or in another color, but I've never felt pushed to buy. The main advantage of shopping here is that not only can I find my "standard" things but they keep helping me find new things that enhance my wardrobe. For a big woman, this place is a sweet haven of respect and beauty. They not only sell me clothes, they make my life happier in ways that go far beyond clothes. read more

For someone who loves clothes, I sure don't like shopping for them. I get overwhelmed with too many similar options and don't always makes good choices Enter Sharon with her terrific eyes and pleasant ways. Somehow, she has got my style down so she is usually spot on with suggestions. She knows her inventory really well so If I am looking for something in particular, she can pick out stuff in a couple of minutes, saving me half an hour of looking in the wrong places and getting sidetracked 34 times while doing it. My favorite shopping experience at In Full Swing was when I went in to get some staid work clothes. I was trying on things and picturing myself hunched at my desk, blech. All of a sudden, Sharon whipped out an article of clothing I had not seen though it was from a rack I had already looked through. This number was a respectably trashy, long-sleeved, clingy, animal print dress that came to a fluttering halt at my mid thighs. The only thing I could manage to say was "Oh Fuck." When I tried it on, it looked like I was poured into it. Oh fuck indeed. Even the work clothes looked better after that. The clothes Sharon buys/stocks are high quality and varied enough to suit all my needs -- work, play and slut. Given that the store is not huge, this takes skill and lots of hard work. I appreciate that Sharon and staff are always willing to check with manufacturers for different sizes, colors, etc. For these reasons, I have been shopping at In Full Swing for many years and plan to continue doing so for as long as we are both around. read more

I'm a jeans and t-shirt kind of person so when I need nice clothes for parties or weddings, this is my go-to place. And I usually wind up buying casual stuff as well. The staff is great - very helpful but not pushy. They look at me and my body and my personality and suggest items which make sense. I have gotten great compliments at my office holiday party from the fashionistas I work with - the clothes I'm wearing are beautiful and look good on me. They will tell you if something's not working and make great suggestions. read more

My review also pertains to the nursing bra sales at this store. They're specialists, or so they advertise. I checked the website and finally got over to the store to buy- I have five kids- only to be turned away by a young staff person. You can only buy nursing bras with an appointment?! I went back in, frustrated, and said this can't be right. You only sell nursing bras by appointment? The staff person corrected herself and said that I could buy one but not be fitted. Ok. This was after she had me out the door believing no appointments, no sales. She walked me over to the pitiful selection and said here are some of our options (there were two. ) I looked at the overpriced mess- a 20% markup over Amazon- and walked out. What a joke. No wonder brick and mortar local shops are failing. read more

They have very nice and girly stuff here. I don't think that there is one item in this store I would wear. However, they often have some cute items for my wife. A saleswoman once asked her where she wears all the short clingy ruffled black dresses she buys... A lot of the stuff is vaguely or overtly "ethnic" - Latin, African, Asian, Native patterns on flowy fabrics - the kind of stuff a stereotypical Berkeley psychotherapist might wear. They have some cool jewelry and the staff is friendly. Some of the items are quite pricey so the sale rack is a great invention. read more

Beautiful clothing made of wonderful fabrics. Sharon is very tuned-in and generous. She remembers her customers and welcomes us in a friendly, no pressure way. read more

This is an EXTRAORDINARY clothing store for fashionable plus size clothes!!!!!! I ALWAYS visit when I am in the area!!!!! I went in a wild shopping spree yesterday and look forward to wearing all the cool stuff I bought!!!! read more

I live only a couple of blocks from the store, and am frequently walking by anyway, so I tend to stop in on a fairly regular basis. I have to say, it's been nothing but a pleasure shopping there. Sharon keeps the store stocked with beautiful clothes at all price points, so even if I am just wandering by with no particular item in mind, chances are pretty good that I'll wander back out again with a bag full of beautiful clothes. The merchandise turns over quickly, and the store's racks are constantly changing. The window displays are also changed frequently, which also tends to draw me in. But the best part of the whole experience is Sharon. She is incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to either help out and make suggestions, or leave you alone to browse. Since the pandemic started, she has had to switch gears and focus more on the website, and online sales, but she's still there at the store every day, incredibly cheery and enthusiastic. If you haven't been by, and you are looking for a store with great merchandise and a friendly atmosphere, this is the place. read more

Being plus-sized, I got used to settling for the frumpy, boring, ill-fitting clothes offered by department stores in my size. I found this place by accident last fall, and it changed my outlook. I won't say I love everything in the store, but I never fail to find five or six things I adore and wear over and over. It's not cheap, but I'm slowly replacing my sorry excuse for a wardrobe for the great stuff I find here. read more

I went in there yesterday with two young women who have never shopped in such a fancy store with sizes that fit them. I appreciated the amazing attention the owner and staff gave to these young women...and believe it or not I walked out of the store wearing a dress! I appreciate when small businesses pay attention to detail and care about the people they are serving. I love the colors, shapes and sizes in this store...I always leave feeling pretty and handsome at the same time... tho it is more expensive than I can really afford...it is a really special place with some beautiful clothes for us bigger gals. read more

There's something for everyone here, as long as you're at least a size 14 or so. Plenty of natural fibers, nothing dowdy and nothing cheap looking. The sale rack is fabulous, but the full-retail prices are affordable too, and the quality is uniformly excellent. But what really makes the store stand out are the women who work there. They're super-helpful, friendly, warm, and really smart about fit, alternatives, finding solutions, etc. Total pros! I never leave without at least one or two items, and everything I get there turns out to be a piece I wear a lot and can mix with so many other pieces I never get tired of it. Bravo, In Full Swing! read more

The reviewer who said this store isn't youthful and the clothes make her feel bad about herself really missed the mark. I live in Texas and make sure to visit IFS while visiting San Francisco/Oakland area. I always find clothes that complement my full figure and enhance my voluptuousness. I've always found so many styles and accessories that I have to find new luggage to make the trip home. Wish we had one in Texas! read more

This store is breath of fresh air for full figured women. The store is small, but packed with a lovely variety of great clothes, both dress and casual. I rarely leave empty handed. The staff is friendly, helpful and really know their inventory. My only small issue is the lack of petite women's clothing, but I realize they simply don't have room for every size. I am really glad they are in my neighborhood and have easy parking. read more

Had a great experience here. Excellent customer service. Super nice, helpful folks work here. Tonnie was very attentive, informative, and generous with her time. This is the place to go for nursing bras, as they have a variety of choices and help you get the perfect fit. Tonnie measured me and had lots of helpful advice to get me set up. As a first time mom, I needed this kind of service, as I had never purchased a nursing bra before and didn't know where to start. Thanks, Tonnie & In Full Swing! Highly recommended. read more