The plus-size apparel market is expected to touch USD 178.2 billion by 2032, per Global Market Insights Inc. How do the plus size business casuals from labels like Reformation, Anthropologie, Eloquii, and Universal Standard are benchmarks inclusive and sophisticated fashion for the workplace?

Plus Size Business Casual

Plus Size Business Casual. Image Source: Universal Standard

As the fashion industry continues to shift towards inclusivity, the business casual dress code is no exception. As the movement gains momentum, fashion brands are embracing inclusivity and catering to the needs of plus-size individuals. This shift empowers professionals to express their personal style and also promotes a comfortable and productive work environment.

“This particular subcategory of dressing well in the office, as a way to be a powerful person in professional settings, is something I know well,” Alexandra Waldman, cofounder and creative director of Universal Standard, tells Vogue. “I know that when I worked in a very formal, very highly regulated environment in the banking industry, I was very much aware of the limits to my wardrobe and the obstacles of trying to fit into an environment like that.” Her workwear obstacles led to co-founding Universal Standard, the only brand in North America that offers sizes 00 to 40, including a comprehensive workwear section.

How Fashion Brands Are Catering to Plus-Size Professionals

As more professionals seek stylish and well-fitted business casual attire, brands have responded by expanding their size ranges and offering collections tailored to diverse body types. 

Walmart acquired Eloquii, a plus-size-focused brand, to cater to a wider shopping audience. Luxury brand Prabal Gurung launched a plus-size line and 11 Honoré collaborated with designers to offer business casual in extended sizes.

The demand for size-inclusive business casual wear has surged, with the plus-size apparel market is expected to touch USD 178.2 billion by 2032, per Global Market Insights Inc., as professionals seek workwear that combines comfort, fit and style. Many plus-size individuals struggled with limited options, often resorting to ill-fitting or outdated designs that fail to align with modern workplace aesthetics. 

Plus Size business casual

Leading retailers have expanded their plus-size collections to cater to this growing market. Image: Banana Republic.

Recognising this gap, Universal Standard introduced its Foundation Collection, featuring elevated basics in sizes 00-40, ensuring that every professional has access to high-quality, well-fitted essentials. Similarly, Summersalt, known for size- inclusive swimwear, expanded into workwear-inspired knitwear with extended sizes.

Leading retailers have expanded their plus-size collections to cater to this growing market. Nordstrom is a pioneer in size inclusivity, curating collections from brands like Halogen and Vince Camuto that offer business casual options up to size 4X. Their Nordstrom Plus-Size Workwear Edit provides a wide selection of blazers, trousers, and dresses suitable for professional settings. 

ASOS Curve, a plus-size line by ASOS, features work-friendly pieces such as structured blazers, tailored trousers and midis. H&M, known for its fast fashion approach, introduced H&M+, which offers workwear essentials like double-breasted blazers and high-waisted trousers in extended sizes. These collections are available with the retailer. 

Meanwhile, Banana Republic Plus has revamped its range with tailored office staples, including the Heritage Collection, which focuses on high-quality, polished separates for plus-size professionals. 

Plus-Size Business Casual: Do’s and Don’ts

  • 📌 DO invest in pieces that fit well such as tailored trousers, blazers and dresses. 
  • 📌 DON’T be afraid to add pops of colour, patterns, or unique accessories to the outfit.
  • 📌 Do choose breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or bamboo that will keep you cool throughout the day.
  • 📌 DON’T just throw on anything; wear a tailored blazer with a crisp white shirt and a pair of dark trousers.
  • 📌 DO wear a belted dress or top and pair a peplum top with high-waist trousers.
  • 📌 DON’T be afraid of accessories — wear statement jewellery, a wristwatch or a handbag.
  • 📌 DO Stick to core colours that complement your skin tone and hair colour.
  • 📌 DON’T Shy Away from Bold Prints: they add a lot of visual interest to an outfit.
  • 📌 DO pair loose-fit tops with fitted bottoms, or vice versa, to create a balanced silhouette.
  • 📌 DO Own your style and don’t be afraid to try new things.

Plus-Size Business Casual: Success Stories

Universal Standard has emerged as a trailblazer in plus-size apparel, challenging traditional norms about professional attire. Founded by Polina Veksler and Alex Waldman, the brand ensures that all pieces are made with tailored fits and high-quality materials like Peruvian cotton, stretch linen, Italian wools and engineered denim. They pioneered the idea of offering a wide size range, from 00 to 40, making fashion accessible to diverse body types. ‘Our team is obsessed with the cut of a crew, the drape of a dress, the slit of a skirt, and on goes the list. Every garment fits every size—no formulas, just fit models. Before they’re available for purchase, styles are wear-tested by us to ensure you receive a wholly perfected product,’ per the website.

Good American, co-founded by Khloé Kardashian and Emma Grede, is at the forefront of size inclusivity at the workplace. Launched with the vision of empowering women of all shapes and sizes, their success story is rooted in a strong message of body positivity, which appeals to plus-size consumers seeking stylish workwear. “We innovated from day one, offering quality, style, and substance in every size—00-32 Plus. We’re committed to challenging industry norms to bring you a collection that is 100 percent inclusive, always. High-quality fabric, a relentless obsession with fit, and uncompromising attention to comfort help you feel sexier, curvier, and more confident—guaranteed.”

Plus Size Business Casual

Eloquii is a game-changer in plus-size professional fashion since its relaunch in 2014.

Originally part of the retailer The Limited, Eloquii was revitalised by a passionate team focused on addressing the glaring gap in stylish, plus size workwear. Their success stems from listening to customer feedback and evolving their collections to meet the needs of their community. The brand’s commitment to quality, affordability and on-trend designs has resulted in a loyal following. Moreover, Eloquii’s inclusive marketing campaigns have helped reshape societal perceptions of professionalism, with its bold stance on representation. “As a leader in fashion and fit, our goal is to inspire by creating and tailoring our styles with you in mind. Founded for and dedicated to the plus-size customer, we’re here to listen and create for you,” per the brand website. 

How to Find Business Attire for Plus-Size Women: Styling Tips

  • 📌 Understanding your measurements helps in selecting the right fit. Universal Standard and Eloquii offer size charts to assist in finding the perfect fit.
  • 📌 Structured blazers, wrap tops and high-waist pants create a polished look. Henning and Good American offer good plus-size business attire.
  • 📌 Choose breathable, stretchable fabrics like ponte knit, jersey, and cotton blends.
  • 📌 A blazer, pencil skirt, tailored trousers, and high-quality blouses can mix and match to create workwear. Lane Bryant and Torrid have excellent staples.
  • 📌 Shop from brands that specialise in plus-size workwear, such as ASOS Curve, Nordstrom Plus, City Chic, and Banana Republic Plus.
  • 📌 If you find a great piece that’s slightly off in fit, take it to a tailor. An adjustment can make a difference in how put-together the outfit looks.
  • 📌 Neutrals like black, navy, grey, and deep jewel tones are timeless. Vertical stripes, subtle plaids and monochromes elongate the frame and add elegance.
  • 📌 A well-fitted bra and smoothing shapewear can enhance the overall fit of clothing. Brands like Spanx and Skims offer great options in extended sizes.
  • 📌 Plus-size brands offer first-time deals. Signing up for emails from Eloquii, Universal Standard and Nordstrom Rack can give access to promotions.
  • 📌 Influencers like Stephanie Yeboah, Kellie Brown, and Gabi Gregg provide inspiration on how to style business casual outfits.

The Future of Plus-Size Business Casual

The future of plus-size business casual is being shaped by innovation in fabric technology, adaptive designs, and a shift to custom clothing. Brands are embracing high-performance fabrics that provide structure and comfort. Universal Standard, a leader in size-inclusive fashion, introduced Fit Liberty, a collection that allows customers to exchange clothing if their size changes within a year. 

Similarly, Henning, a luxury workwear brand for plus-size individuals, focuses on breathable stretch-enhanced fabrics and rigorous tailoring to ensure office-appropriate style. Innovations like adjustable waistbands, stretch panels and sustainable plus-size workwear lines from brands such as Reformation and Mara Hoffman are making business casual fashion more versatile and size-inclusive.

As inclusivity gains momentum, fashion brands are expanding their plus-size ranges and collaborating with influencers to reshape perceptions of professional fashion. Old Navy’s “BODEQUALITY” campaign, launched in 2021, made history by offering sizes 0-30 at the same price. As a brand committed to the democracy of style, Old Navy was the first value retailer to offer sizes 0-30 and XS-4X for all women’s styles at price parity. The brand also reimagined the shopping environment in all stores and online to be more size inclusive. Macy’s expanded its plus-size business wear collections with Calvin Klein, Anne Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger, offering tailored suits and blouses for curvier professionals. 

Plus Size Business Casual

Old Navy was the first value retailer to offer sizes 0-30 and XS-4X for all women’s styles at price parity

Influencers are playing a role in breaking down fashion stereotypes. Kellie Brown, Stephanie Yeboah, and Nadia Aboulhosn advocate for size inclusivity by styling professional plus-size outfits and collaborating with brands to introduce inclusive collections. These voices, amplified by platforms like Instagram and TikTok, are pressuring retailers to move beyond token inclusivity and create genuinely fashionable, accessible, and empowering business casual clothing for all body types.

Conclusion

The evolution of plus-size business casual fashion reflects a growing commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and accessibility. As fashion brands expand their size ranges and introduce high-performance fabrics, plus-size professionals have stylish, work-appropriate options. From collections by Universal Standard and Good American to mainstream retailers like Nordstrom, ASOS Curve, and Banana Republic Plus embracing inclusivity, the industry is making strides toward true representation. 

Social media and influencers continue to reshape fashion norms, proving that confidence and style are not limited by size. As the demand for equitable fashion grows, the future of plus-size business casual looks promising—one where every professional, regardless of size, has access to clothing that empowers them to feel confident, stylish, and ready to succeed in any workplace.