OP-ED: Why the Fashion Industry Is Failing "Plus-Size" Consumers
“Fashion doesn’t seem to speak my language” says Julie Uddin as she explains why the fashion industry’s commitment to inclusive sizing must go further…
With body positive movements gaining momentum all over the world and across social media, plus-size fashion has certainly upped its game. But the reality is that clothing options for plus-size women are still limited and dare I say it… frumpy?
Brands who sell up to size 28, only sell fashionable clothes up to size 24. Anything beyond a size 24 isn’t fashionable, nor a worthy rival in the style stakes to anything you’d find marked as size 8. Of the few brands that sell products up to size 30, they seem to believe all plus size women want to wear is bright, zany, out of shape, floral clothes.
Playing dress up is fun, you begin when you are young girl and the excitement never really fades. For me, however, growing up plus-size, I never really had any options. I was not able to dress, or present myself to the world, in the way I wanted. Why? It’s a simple answer, plus-size fashion was very limited, and for someone like me, I simply wore what fit.
When plus-size fashion started making its mark, I was excited, finally. I would be able to wear what I liked, or so I thought… I saw plus-size models, Instagram influencers and even online stores dedicated to clothes that were my size. My joy however was short lived. Plus size brands were making an effort and, yes, brands were being inclusive, but browsing all these sites made me realise that designers seemed to give up when it came to making clothes for anyone that was above size 24. Fashion doesn’t seem to speak my language, or maybe these brands aren’t truly receiving the message many plus size influencers are shouting about.
Plus-size women represent over 60 percent of fashion retail customers in the UK, yet many plus-size women are not able to walk into a shop and browse clothes. This a problem that retailers need to take notice of, quickly. They need to realise that plus-size consumers like keeping up with trends. We like neutrals, frilly dresses, but we like clothes without flowers and bright colours too. This isn’t just a high street problem, this is a problem for all who make and market plus-size fashion. Speaking to other plus size women I realised that this is a frustration that we shared. It’s time that these brands woke up, took notice, and actually do what they say on the label. It’s time they cater to plus size women… properly.
Samantha O Bronchta (@callmeadventurous)
"Plus-size fashion is a hit or miss. Some companies think that all plus-size folk want to wear Disney-themed outfits and ill-fitted shirts, and that's all they have to offer. This can be frustrating for the curvy people who wish to dress more trendy and in the styles that are popular for straight-sized people. Thankfully there are more brands than ever realising that they need to provide a wider offering to plus size people, but sadly many of them aren't going above a size 24 still. You can find clothes at Primark in size 20 that you find in size 6, but 20 is usually the largest they go. New Look's curve collection doesn't go past a 24. Even online only retailers like Boohoo or PrettyLittleThing stop at size 24. I think the only retailer that has fashionable options for larger sizes is SimplyBe. They don't understand that so many plus size people are so desperate to buy affordable trendy clothing that they could make an incredible amount of money if they widened their size range. But it shouldn't be just money that makes them change their tune. They should care to be more inclusive overall."
Kenya Smith (@kenyashania)
“Personally, I’m not a size 24 and I never have been but I have always felt some type of frustration towards the fashion industry and how they cater to plus size women that are size 20 and up. They’ve always made clothes that aren’t that appealing to women that are “stylish” or dress urban. Most plus size clothing I see looks like it would add a few years to women around my age (21) and that’s frustrating because we too want to look youthful like our friends who are able to find trendy pieces in their size. Even when these brands try to cater to us bigger women, all they really give us is crop tops and skater skirts which is really annoying. I will say that I have seen a huge improvement but I could be saying that from a place of privilege since I’m a size 18/20. I have hope so I feel like the fashion will improve for women who are size 24 and up.
Bethany Rutter (Bethany_rutter)
I think there’s visibly a divide once you look at options above a size 24. It’s just a replication of what happens above size 18- options diminish enormously above an 18 and then it happens again at a 24. I think there’s huge opportunity for brands to see that there are people desperate to give them money in exchange for clothes that make them feel good in their size.