In a devastating announcement, another cherished plus size clothing store has declared its closure. On May 29, 2025, Arula, which was previously known as A Beautiful Soul, confirmed that it would permanently shut down its operations. Arula, a specialized sister store to Altar’d State, catered exclusively to women’s plus size fashion, offering an array of clothing, footwear, and accessories, whereas Altar’d State focused solely on straight sizes.
The closure of Arula represents a significant loss to the plus size fashion community, especially as the brand had embraced a more bohemian style in its final years. With a loyal following, Arula had been a beloved destination for stylish and inclusive apparel. The store underwent a rebranding to Arula just four years ago, in 2021, which had sparked hope and excitement about the brand’s future direction.
In their heartfelt statement released on May 29th, the brand expressed:
“After seven years, we’ve made the incredibly hard decision to bring Arula to a close. We are grateful for every try-on, every tagged photo, every kind word, and every moment you let us be part of your life. We’re grateful for your support, your stories, and the community we built together. Thank you for being part of it. With love, The Arula Team.”
While the exact reasons behind Arula’s closure were not disclosed, many loyal customers speculated that it was linked to financial challenges. With only a handful of physical retail locations, Arula primarily conducted its business through online sales, which may not have been sufficient to sustain their operations.
In a sweeping move, Arula has also removed all of their social media accounts, although their website remains operational for now. As a result, sales have commenced on the remaining stock, although substantial discounts have not yet been offered.
It is indeed disheartening to witness yet another cherished plus size retailer exit the market; however, if there has been a specific item from Arula that you have been eyeing, now presents a fantastic opportunity to snag it at a potentially reduced price.
Discover Exciting Alternatives for Plus Size Shopping After Arula’s Closure
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For those who appreciated Arula’s boho-inspired fashion and inclusive sizing, there are still numerous alternatives to explore. Although Arula’s closure is undoubtedly a setback, the plus size fashion landscape is continuously evolving, with a variety of brands dedicated to providing stylish, size-inclusive apparel that celebrates and flatters curvy figures.
Here are some boutique and brand options that plus size shoppers may find appealing as alternatives:
1. Anthropologie Plus
Anthropologie’s plus size collection showcases a diverse array of flowy, bohemian-inspired clothing that resonates with the feminine and relaxed vibe Arula was known for.
2. Torrid
Torrid remains a popular destination for trend-conscious, size-inclusive fashion. They offer everything from casual dresses to standout tops, catering to a wide variety of personal styles.
3. ELOQUII
Eloquii features fashion-forward designs that blend elegance with contemporary details, making it an excellent choice for anyone who appreciated Arula’s distinctive aesthetic.
4. Chic Soul
Chic Soul specializes in curvy, Southern-inspired fashion with a fun twist—imagine easygoing dresses and bold, eye-catching prints.
5. Universal Standard
Renowned for its commitment to inclusive sizing and modern silhouettes, Universal Standard provides high-quality essentials and elevated basics suitable for various styles.
While the departure of Arula creates a significant gap, these brands strive to champion plus size fashion with pieces that celebrate individuality, comfort, and confidence. Remember, even though one door closes, the world of plus size fashion is always expanding, and there’s a new favorite boutique just waiting to be discovered.
