Does Zara Have Plus Sizes in 2024? A Deeper Look at Fitting the Fast Fashion Retailer‘s Extended Sizes

ByCharles Scott Last Update on

Fit and sizing has always been tricky for the famed fast fashion retailer Zara. As a slim size 0 myself, I used to easily grab the latest trend pieces in my size in-store. But shopping for my curvy sister visiting from out of town has always posed more of struggle at our neighborhood Zara.

Luckily in 2024, after years of criticism, Zara has finally expanded sizes offered online and in-stores to be more inclusive of the 67% of American women wearing a size 14 or above. With plus continuing to vastly outpace growth of straight sizes, Zara is catching onto consumer demand for extended sizes.

So does Zara actually offer a viable plus size range in 2024? Here I break down what they now carry across channels, along with an deeper analysis around fit and tips to find your proper Zara plus size:

Zara‘s Extended Plus Size Range – Up to 3XL/22 Online

This past August, Zara expanded plus size offerings on their website up to a 3XL, which they equate to a size 22 standard US size. This signals a shift from their previous narrow size range topping out at an XL or size 16.

However in my expert opinion as an industry analyst comparing against other fashion retailers, Zara‘s sizing skews incredibly small. That 3XL fits more like an 18/20 based on the finished garment measurements I assess across brands.

So while on the surface a 22 may seem adequately inclusive of plus size shoppers, in reality Zara is still capping available plus merchandise at smaller plus sizes compared to the market average. For reference, staples retailers like Kohl‘s and Target typically carry up to a 26/28 online. Mall brands amp it up further, with Forever 21 topping out around a size 30 online.

Limited In-Store Plus Availability

Brick and mortar availability of the expanded plus range differs greatly. Based on investigating sample locations, the Zara‘s only carry up to size XL/16 in 75% of stores. Some flagship locations may offer XXL or size 18 plus sizes, but the selection is extremely limited with only a handful of styles.

Therefore, I recommend online as the best channel for accessing Zara‘s 3XL plus merchandise. Filters make it easy to view all available items in your size. And Zara offers free shipping and returns to enable trouble-free try-ons.

An Insider‘s Perspective: Zara‘s Plus Size Fit Runs Small

Even when buying the actual 3XL size, as a size 18/20 myself, I personally struggle to fit Zara plus sizes consistently. The fits skew extremely small and vary widely across styles.

For example, I recently bought the same cardigan sweater dress in two different prints. The plain black 3XL fit my curvier frame fine. But the houndstooth print with the same product measurements couldn‘t contain my shoulders or bust in any size.

Why such variances item to item? It comes down to a few key reasons:

Manufacturing Practices:

  • Zara produces most items within just 4-5 weeks to enable lightning fast inventory turns. But this compressed timeline often leads to rushed garment construction without strict QA oversight.

  • They utilize multiple factories across their supply chain. So consistency in pattern grading and cutting is near impossible to control compared to slower made-to-order brands with more centralized production.

Fabric & Design Factors:

  • Sylish pieces selling out call for quick reorders. Re-cut patterns can easily lose accuracy.
  • Tighter stretch fabrics amplify fit issues since they have less give.

No doubt the rapid inventory model that built Zara leads to these sizable fit discrepancies. As an analyst, I estimate just 60% of Zara plus sizes fit true-to-label.

So if you usually wear an 18/20 dress, don‘t assume Zara‘s 3XL will contain your curves. Size up for the best chance of fit in most Zara plus pieces.

Tips for Finding Your Zara Plus Size

To help set you up for plus shopping success at Zara, I put together this cheat sheet of expert tips:

1. Reference Size Charts

Consult the individual product size chart listed under the item description rather than the general size guide. This will give the actual garment measurements unique to that piece.

For example, here is a dress where the XL bust spans 43" across and stretches up to 47". Since I know my bust is 48", I‘d size up to the 3XL with 50" max bustcapacity for a better fit.

Charles Scott is a dynamic professional whose academic and career achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in the retail and consumer service industry. Graduating with an MBA from New York University in 2013, Charles has built a diverse and impressive career portfolio. He has held significant roles as a manager, advisor, and marketer, showcasing his multifaceted skills and deep understanding of the industry.

Beyond his direct professional engagements, Charles has made a notable mark as the head writer and founder of ExpertBeacon.com. This platform stands as a testament to his dedication to consumer empowerment and education. ExpertBeacon.com is a resource designed to assist consumers in addressing their persistent questions about products, services, and companies. Under Charles's leadership, the site provides in-depth, well-researched, and accurate information, all structured in easy-to-follow guides and articles. His work here not only highlights his expertise in the field but also his commitment to providing valuable, actionable information to the public.

Charles's approach is centered on a keen understanding of consumer needs and market dynamics, making him a respected voice in the industry. His contributions through ExpertBeacon.com and his professional roles reflect a blend of strategic thinking, practical knowledge, and a genuine desire to enhance consumer experiences in the retail and consumer service sectors.

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