As a plus-size fashion expert and retail industry insider, I know firsthand how frustrating and disheartening it can be to shop with brands that don‘t carry a full range of sizes. Zara, one of the world‘s largest and most popular fashion retailers, has long been criticized for its lack of plus sizes and inconsistent sizing. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll give you the full scoop on Zara‘s approach to sizing, the largest sizes it carries, and how its offerings compare to other major retailers. I‘ll also shed light on why the brand has resisted calls for more inclusive sizing and offer tips for finding your best fit at Zara.
The State of Plus-Size Fashion
Before diving into Zara specifically, it‘s important to understand the context of plus-size fashion within the larger industry. The average American woman now wears a size 16-18, with plus sizes (14+) accounting for 68% of the population. The plus-size clothing market is growing at a rapid pace, with sales reaching over $24 billion in 2021. Yet many major fashion brands still fail to serve this significant segment of the market.
A 2021 study by retail analytics firm Edited found that only 16% of fashion retailers offer sizes above an XL. Those that do carry plus sizes often limit their offerings or fail to invest in quality design and fit. As a result, plus-size shoppers are left with fewer options, lower quality, and a shopping experience that can feel degrading and discriminatory.
Top Plus-Size Fashion Statistics:
- The plus-size market is expected to hit $40 billion in sales by 2027 (Coresight Research)
- Plus-size shoppers represent 28% of total apparel spending (NPD Group)
- 85% of plus-size women report difficulty finding well-fitting clothes in their size (Dia&Co)
- 81% of plus-size shoppers say they would spend more on clothing if more options were available in their size (Dia&Co)
Understanding Zara‘s Sizing System
Zara is notorious for its confusing and inconsistent sizing, which makes shopping the brand a challenge for many customers regardless of size. The retailer uses its own unique sizing system based on European standards, which don‘t directly correspond to American sizing conventions. A Zara "Large" is much smaller than you would expect from a typical U.S. brand.
Here‘s how Zara‘s sizing translates according to its official size charts:
| Zara Size | Bust (in) | Waist (in) | Hip (in) | US Size Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 33.5" | 25.6" | 35.5" | 0-2 |
| S | 35" | 27" | 37.5" | 4-6 |
| M | 38" | 30" | 40.5" | 8-10 |
| L | 41.5" | 33" | 43.5" | 12-14 |
| XL | 44.5" | 36" | 46.5" | 14-16 |
| XXL | 45.7" | 38.2" | 48" | 16 |
As you can see, Zara‘s largest size XXL is equivalent to a standard U.S. size 16. For comparison, here are the size ranges some other major retailers offer:
- H&M: up to 4XL (size 26)
- ASOS: up to 28 (size 28)
- Old Navy: up to 4X (size 30)
- Forever 21: up to 3X (size 22)
- Madewell: up to 3X (size 24)
- Mango: up to 4XL (size 24)
Zara is a clear outlier among its fast fashion peers in not offering any sizes beyond an XXL/16. Even those 16s are cut small and not designed with plus-size bodies in mind. Many shoppers report having to size up at Zara, meaning even an XL can be out of reach for those who typically wear plus sizes.
Does Zara Carry True Plus Sizes?
In short, no. Zara does not manufacture or sell any clothing in true plus sizes, which are typically defined as 1X and above or sizes 18 and up. The largest size Zara produces is an XXL, which translates to roughly a U.S. 16. Even those XXL pieces are not cut generously and sold in extremely limited quantities online only. You will not find Zara sizes beyond XXL in stores.
Zara‘s ‘special sizes‘ or ‘extended sizes‘ collections do not venture into plus territory. Those collections simply offer select styles in XL-XXL, which is still below the plus-size threshold.
Fashion expert and influencer Kristine Thompson, who wears a size 16, shared her experience with Zara‘s sizing:
"I used to be able to shop at Zara in a size XL, but over the years, the sizes have gotten progressively smaller. Now an XXL barely fits me, if I can even find one in stock. I don‘t feel valued as a customer and I‘ve basically given up on the brand."
Why Doesn‘t Zara Offer Plus Sizes?
There are a few key reasons why Zara has resisted pressure to expand its size range, even as other fast fashion retailers have added plus collections:
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Fast fashion business model – Zara‘s core business strategy is built on fast turnover and selling out styles quickly to make room for new inventory. Adding plus sizes would require additional design and production that could slow down that process. From Zara‘s perspective, if straight sizes are selling out, there‘s no incentive to manufacture less popular plus sizes.
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Brand image – Zara has cultivated an aspirational, high fashion brand identity associated with European luxury. Fairly or not, plus sizes are still stigmatized in the fashion world as less desirable and glamorous. Some speculate that Zara fears hurting its aspirational reputation by catering to larger customers.
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Target demographic – Zara‘s target shopper is young, trend-conscious, and willing to spend on clothes – a market that skews thinner than the general population. In the eyes of Zara‘s executives, plus-size shoppers may not fit their core customer profile.
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Design challenges – Designing well-fitting, fashionable plus-size clothing requires specialized skills and grading techniques that Zara may not have invested in. The brand may not want to risk producing subpar plus-size garments that could damage its reputation for fit and quality.
Of course, none of these reasons are justifiable excuses for size discrimination. Plus-size shoppers deserve the same access to stylish, well-made clothing as their straight-size counterparts. By refusing to serve this growing market, Zara is not only leaving money on the table but also perpetuating harmful stigmas about larger bodies.
The Psychological Impact of Limited Sizing
Beyond just the inconvenience of not being able to find your size, limited sizing can take a real toll on shoppers‘ mental health and body image. Retail expert and psychologist Dr. Lynn Boorady explains:
"When a shopper can‘t find their size in a store, the message they internalize is that their body is not ‘normal‘ or worthy of being outfitted. It‘s a form of social rejection that can compound existing insecurities and make people feel like they don‘t belong in certain spaces. Over time, that can have a significant impact on self-esteem and overall well-being."
Plus-size influencer and fashion editor Kellie Brown echoed that sentiment in describing her own experience being sized out of Zara:
"Walking into a Zara store as a plus-size person, you immediately feel unwelcome. The clothes are all tiny, the mannequins are tiny, and you just know there‘s nothing there for you. It‘s like the brand is saying ‘we don‘t make clothes for people like you.‘ That hurts, even if you‘re confident in your body. No one likes feeling excluded."
The Future of Size Inclusivity at Zara
So will Zara ever embrace true size inclusivity? It‘s hard to say for certain, but there are signs of progress in the broader industry that could push the brand in that direction. In recent years, a number of high-profile retailers have made commitments to extended sizing, including:
- Nike, which expanded its plus-size collection up to 3X
- Nordstrom, which added 100 new plus-size brands to its offerings
- Lululemon, which launched its first plus line up to size 20
- Anthropologie, which introduced plus sizes up to 26W
As more major players make size inclusivity the norm, holdouts like Zara may feel increasing pressure to follow suit or risk losing market share. A 2019 survey by retail predictive analytics firm First Insight found that 87% of consumers would purchase more from a retailer that offered extended sizing.
However, for Zara to successfully introduce plus sizes, it would need to approach the launch thoughtfully and authentically. Simply adding a few XXL styles or a small capsule collection won‘t cut it. Zara would need to invest in plus-size grading, fit testing, and quality design to create a compelling offering that actually serves the plus-size customer.
The brand would also need to rethink its marketing and branding to be more inclusive of diverse body types. That means featuring plus-size models, embracing body positivity in campaigns, and making sure in-store displays and merchandising feel welcoming to plus shoppers.
Ultimately, expanding into plus sizes would require a real commitment from Zara to valuing and prioritizing size inclusivity as a key part of its brand identity. Whether the brand is willing to make that leap remains to be seen, but the growing power of the plus-size market may force its hand sooner than later.
Finding Your Fit at Zara
In the meantime, if you wear a size 16 or below and want to shop at Zara, there are a few tips you can follow to improve your chances of finding a good fit:
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Consult the size chart and garment measurements – Don‘t go by the letter size alone, as it probably won‘t match your usual size. Check the actual bust, waist, and hip measurements to determine what size to order.
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Read reviews for fit feedback – Online reviews and social media posts can give you valuable intel on whether a specific style runs large or small. Look for reviewers who mention their measurements for reference.
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Err on the larger side – When in doubt, it‘s usually better to size up at Zara. A garment that‘s slightly big can often be tailored, but one that‘s too small is unwearable. This is especially true for pants and fitted styles.
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Embrace the oversized trend – Zara offers a lot of intentionally oversized styles that can be more forgiving in fit. Look for words like "loose," "relaxed," or "boyfriend" in the product name or description.
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Be prepared to make returns – You‘ll likely need to order multiple sizes to find the right fit. Take advantage of Zara‘s free online return policy within 30 days and don‘t hesitate to send back what doesn‘t work.
Conclusion
Zara may be a fashion industry powerhouse, but when it comes to size inclusivity, the brand is lagging far behind. By failing to offer true plus sizes or a size range representative of the average shopper, Zara is alienating a significant portion of the market and contributing to the harmful notion that only certain bodies are worthy of fashionable clothing.
As a plus-size consumer, you have the power to vote with your wallet and support brands that embrace size diversity. While progress in the industry is happening slowly but steadily, there is still a long way to go before inclusive sizing is the rule rather than the exception.
My hope is that as the plus-size market continues to grow and shoppers demand better representation, major retailers like Zara will have no choice but to expand their size ranges and start serving the full spectrum of bodies. In the meantime, focus on the brands that are already getting it right and make you feel valued and empowered in your personal style. No one should have to settle for less than they deserve when it comes to fashion.
