On the lookout for brands that cater to plus size girlies and wondering if Zara is one of them? Let’s find out. Zara is a firm favourite amongst the Cheap Luxury Handbags team, but how does it fare for plus size women? The popular high street brand’s sizing has come under fire time and time again due to its inconsistent sizing. Sure, you might think you know which size to get when you’re shopping at Zara, but it can catch you out. Not only does this make buying from there difficult (especially since they introduced a returns charge), but sizing can be a sensitive subject for some people.

After the most size inclusive fashion brands in the UK were recently revealed, I was curious about Zara’s position on size inclusivity and what their unclear sizes actually mean. While they occasionally (albeit rarely) use curvy models, are they just one of those fast fashion brands that are all optics and no real substance?

Below, I’m answering all your burning questions about Zara’s size range and offering some top tips on how to shop at Zara if you’re plus size. Next, read our edits of Zara’s best jumpers, coats and dresses.

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Does Zara have a plus size range?

Sadly, Zara doesn’t offer plus size clothing. If you visit a Zara store or shop online, you’ll likely find that they offer a limited range of sizing from a UK XS to L. However the retail brand does offer sizes XL, XXL, and occasionally XXXL in some items, but finding them can be difficult. It’s easier online, but they sell out pretty quickly.

It also doesn’t appear Zara are planning to introduce plus size fashion anytime soon. While many have called them out on the lack of size inclusivity, it certainly isn’t hindering their business success. In 2020, Zara was ranked #41 in the world’s most valuable brands, and it continues to be one of fashion’s most popular fast fashion brands.

What UK size is L, XL and XXL at Zara?

Zara’s sizing works as follows:

XXS (UK 6)

XS (UK 8)

S (UK 10)

M (UK 12)

L (UK 14)

XL (UK 16)

XXL (UK 18)

XXXL (UK 20)

Rather than offer a clear size guide, the brand now has a tool which shows you the exact measurement of each size in the item you’re looking at online.

For a size XL, a skirt I looked at had a hip measurement of 110cm and a dress had a bust measurement of 102cm, a waist of 82cm and hips of 110cm. For a size L, the skirt had a hip measurement of 104cm, while the dress had a bust measurement of 96cm, a waist of 76cm and hips of 104cm.

Should I size up in Zara?

If you’re a Zara shopper, you probably already now how inconsistent (and frustrating) their sizing can be. One pair of Zara jeans in your size might fit perfectly, while another is way too tight. If you’re unsure, I recommend sizing up since most of the items at Zara tend to run small. That said, it’s definitely best to try everything on IRL to avoid disappointment as it’s hard to gauge how certain items will fit.

How to shop Zara if you’re plus size

1. Check for your size online

While Zara fails to offer clothing above a size XL, there are a few tips and tricks at making it work for you. Firstly, if you take a look at the labels at Zara, they tell you what sizes they’re available in. If you can see an item goes up to a size XXXL, you can check online or in-store to see if they stock it.

2. Look for oversized pieces

Oversized pieces, of which Zara has many, also mean their pieces can actually fit a wide range of bodies. Pieces like oversized shirts, dresses and outerwear really can work for plus-size women.

3. Stretchy fabrics are your friend

Stretchy fabrics are another winner here, as Zara’s pieces hold their shape. Some plus-size women have reported buying smaller sizes at Zara and these fitting them well. The key is looking at the fabrics of each item. Knitted pieces, polyester, jersey and similar fabrics have a lot of give, and while we wish Zara did stock plus sizes, these can work for you.

4. Embrace the accessories

While it’s less than ideal, Zara’s accessories and shoes also work for any body. In fact, they’re probably one of the only items Zara offers that are pretty foolproof when it comes to size and fit, so if you spot an item you love in their accessories section, go for it. Unfortunately though, Zara don’t do wide fit shoes so you may need to size up.

Which brands offer plus size collections?

Aside from Zara, Mango offer a super stylish plus-size line. While many high street stores dedicated to plus size women can often be frumpy, Violeta by Mango is just as chic as its main line. For the biggest variety and choice, try ASOS Curve.

River Island also has a dedicated plus-size collection. Their denim has an inclusive size range which makes it a popular choice for a lot of plus size women. Anthropologie is another great option, and while H&M’s plus-size collection isn’t huge, it’s worth checking out. Then there are high-street brands like Simply Be and Evans that have always had plus size women in mind.

Do designer brands have plus sizes?

Despite being the trendsetters of the industry, luxury fashion has always had a sizing problem. They have always catered towards a specific body type.

Glossy published an article about the ugly truth behind high-end fashion’s lack of plus-size clothing. One executive at a luxury brand even shared that they didn’t want to put out the ‘unhealthy image of overweight bodies’. However, there are a few designer brands that offer plus size clothing. Christian Soriano has always designed styles for plus sizes, and even Mara Hoffman and Ganni have extended their sizing option in the past few years.