Okay, so here’s what happened: I had a rare afternoon with zero plans on the books… no appointments, no real agenda, nada, and — shocker — actual time to kill. So I did what any of us would do: I hit up the mall. Specifically Aritzia, Aerie, and Banana Republic, back to back, for a full try-on marathon.
The Best Plus-Size-Friendly Pieces at Aritzia, Aerie & Banana Republic
Here’s the thing though, these aren’t exactly stores known for celebrating plus-size bodies. Aritzia in particular has a reputation (deserved, tbh) for skewing straight-size, and Aerie and Banana Republic aren’t much better in terms of what’s actually available on the racks in-store. So I went in with realistic expectations: find the handful of pieces, in true straight sizing, that could actually work for my curves — and skip the rest.
And that’s basically what happened. Each store had a few genuinely cute things going on… but only a few. Out of everything I tried, I walked out with a short, honest list per store of what actually fit, what actually flattered, and what I’d tell you to go try yourself.
So let’s get into it: the best plus-size-approved pieces I found at Aerie, Aritzia, and Banana Republic. 👇
Aritzia: The Scandalous One
Let’s start with the most scandalous of them all: Aritzia. Not that long ago, Aritzia actually carried up to an XXL. But within the past year and a half, that’s disappeared, and now you’re lucky to find anything in-store even in a size Large. Their in-store size range is basically small, medium, and the occasional large, and that held true on my visit — the Boyfriend Bomber I tried was a medium, and the cashmere zip-up was a large. Both fit, technically, but both ran snug, and I’d size up to an XL in either if ordering online.
1. Essential Cashmere Idyllic Zip Hoodie
cashmere zip hoodie (l, would size up to xl) | pants | sandals
I have a serious obsession with zip-ups lately, so this was an easy one for me to try on. I loved the stripes…if you know me, you know I have a hard time finding striped pieces that actually work on my body, and this one did. It’s perfectly cropped, and I liked that it leaned more fitted, though if you want it roomier, sizing up to an XL is the move.
The cashmere itself is soft, however TBH it was slightly scratchy against my very sensitive skin. Didn’t matter. I loved how it looked on me enough that I 100% ordered it in the xl.
2. Cozy Sweatfleece Boyfriend Bomber
boyfriend bomber (m, would size up to xl)
I completely fell for this one too. It’s a newer style for Aritzia, and honestly such a fresh, interesting take on the zip-up hoodie they’ve been making forever. I have a feeling this is about to get really popular and expand into more colorways — right now the options are pretty limited. My only real note: I wish they’d had my size in store. Otherwise? No notes.
Aerie: The Reliable Favorite
I’ll just say it — I’m a big Aerie fan. They go up to an XXL, and everything fits generously, which honestly makes for a great in-store experience every time. I typically wear a Large in their bottoms and a Medium-to-Large in tops, and that tracked here too.
3. It’s Casual Knit Slub Tee + Trouser Set
I’ll admit I’ve been trying to be a little more intentional about choosing natural fibers lately, so I only tried on pieces that were 100% cotton — and it turned out there was really only one set in-store that fit the bill: It’s Casual Knit Slub matching set. I tried it in all three colors and, honestly, had a genuinely hard time picking a favorite because they were all so good.
top (m) | trousers (l, xl available for extra-roomy fit)
The fit here is that perfectly oversized, roomy feel — exactly what I want to be wearing while I’m parked on the couch rewatching Gilmore Girls for the thousandth time (no judgment, please) or scrolling and online shopping at my desk.
I tried both a Large and an XL in the trouser — the Large fit me chef’s-kiss perfectly, though if you want that ultra-oversized, straight-size-Pinterest-girl look, size up to the XL. I loved this set so much that two colors, brown and blue, are officially coming home with me.
Banana Republic: It’s Complicated
Okay, I have to be honest — I have a real love-hate relationship with Banana Republic. Their marketing? Their campaign imagery? The way things look on models and on the hanger? Incredible, every time, no notes. I get so excited scrolling their site or walking into the store. But then I actually try things on, and more often than not, the pieces just aren’t structured enough for my body, or they don’t fit the way I’d hoped. I hate to say it, but I’m starting to think this brand just isn’t built with curves in mind — because it is consistently a challenge for me to find pieces that actually work.
That said, I did walk out with two pieces that fit fine. Not amazing, not “add to cart immediately” — just okay. But worth mentioning.
4. Linen Square-Neck Top
top (xl)
This plaid linen top is listed as one of Banana Republic’s top sellers, and I get why — it looked so cute hanging on the rack. On my body, though? Not really my thing. It’s oversized in a way I don’t love, and I’m not convinced the baby-doll shape works for my frame. That said, I really do love the plaid pattern and colorway, which is exactly why it’s still making the list — sometimes it’s less about the fit and more about wanting to point you toward a great print.
5. Larkspur Cotton-Silk Sweater Tee
top (xl)
Remember when I said I’m trying to lean into more natural fibers? This cotton-silk blend tee is why I picked it up. It’s basic, but in the best, most underrated way — the kind of piece you’d genuinely wear on repeat. My only issue was the color — I tried it in Dark Denim Blue and just didn’t love it on me. I think this would look so much better in the cream or chocolate brown colorway, but neither was available in store that day.
On a completely unrelated note… I did also pop into Rothy’s on the same day, and I have to tell you about these gorgeous clogs I tried on.
Bonus: The Casual Clog in ReVelvet Cheetah
These clogs feel like slippers but somehow work for the outdoors, which is exactly the kind of shoe magic I’m here for. The ReVelvet fabric has this soft, suede-like finish, and the animal print is done in the chicest, most wearable way — not costume-y at all.
Heads up: Rothy’s clogs run big, so size down for the best fit. I only tried the one pair, but it was love at first step, and it’s absolutely getting its own little shopping bag next to everything else from today.
Anyways that’s all I got for ya, a few great pieces from places I don’t typically shop at as a plus size babe. Oh and I’m dying to know, if you’re curvy or plus size where are you shopping?! I’m always looking to add new places to my rotation.
XX – Kat @thekatrinanichole on YT
