Bridging the gap: The need for inclusivity and quality in plus-size fashion
In the fashion industry, there has long been a preference for designing clothes that align with the prevailing beauty standard rather than catering to the needs of the average person. This trend often leads to a huge gap in both the quality and effort put into clothing that fits everyday individuals. Historically, the emphasis on thin models and idealized beauty standards predates many fashion trends, shaping how clothing is designed and marketed. As a result, those who do not conform to these standards frequently find themselves with less attention to fit and design in mainstream fashion.
These differences get even larger when looking at plus-sized clothing compared to the traditional sizing. These disparities highlight broader issues within the industry and they are present in various aspects of clothing, from quality and style, to availability and brand focus. Understanding these differences is crucial in recognizing the challenges faced by plus-sized individuals and the steps needed for a more inclusive fashion landscape.
When you purchase a new shirt you would expect it to last you at least a couple months of washing, so what happens when it doesn’t? One of the most notable differences between plus-size and traditional clothing is the quality. Plus-size garments often lack the same level of craftsmanship and durability found in their standard size counterparts. This can lead to frustration for consumers who seek long-lasting, well-made clothing options. Additionally, low-quality clothing can be ill-fitting, making individuals feel poorly about their bodies and how they look in these clothes.
Alongside quality, the style and variety in plus-size clothing is often limited. While standard sizes enjoy a plethora of trendy, fashionable choices, plus-size options frequently fall short. Fashion United notes in a study that a “lack of style” was one of the biggest critiques of current plus-size fashion. Outdated, less trendy, and a limited range of options, many current plus-size clothing options only add to the challenge for plus-size individuals to express their personal style.
Another issue that arises is with the available stock of plus-size clothing. According to an blog by East Hills Casuals, despite the average American woman being a size 14, which is typically considered a women’s XL, most designers stop producing clothing at size 8 or 10. Furthermore, when produced, larger sizes are often produced in smaller quantities compared to traditional sizes. This scarcity can make shopping for plus-size clothing a frustrating and time-consuming experience.
The issues of quality, style, and availability in plus-size clothing are perpetuated by several brands. Lane Bryant, for instance, is a well-known plus-size brand that often fails to deliver trendy and fashionable options. Consumer Affairs reports that nearly 48 percent of Lane Bryant’s ratings are at 1 star. “The items I ordered didn't look like they do on the website. The blouse was sheer and the material on another shirt was nothing like what was pictured,” notes one customer. “Unreal. It was like tacky thrift store clothes. Very disappointed,” says another.
Similarly, Torrid offers a range of plus-size clothing, but their prices can be high, and the quality does not always justify the cost. “Torrid's quality keeps plummeting and sale prices are still high. If the top is not a dress shirt like the Harper (w/ so much static) then it will wrinkle insanely and/or pill after 2-3 times warring. The pricey tops now look very cheap with little balls covering them,” said one unhappy customer. The quality not cutting the price acts as a huge deterrent for consumers looking for affordable, high-quality options. Coming from brands where their products are made solely for plus-size individuals makes this only more unfortunate.
Many mainstream brands that have added plus-size clothing to their lines have done so as an afterthought. Lululemon, a popular athletic wear brand, is one of many brands facing criticism for exactly that. Despite recently expanding to a size 20, Lululemon has a past in fatphobic controversy, the founder saying that some bodies “just actually don’t work.” Even now with the size expansion, issues on the quality and the sheerness of their clothing is a popular complaint for their larger-sized clothing.
Similar to some plus-size specific stores, extended sizing collections often lack attention to detail and quality, as they do not constitute a significant portion of the mainly standard-size brand's profits. This leads to a lack of investment in creating stylish, well-made plus-size options, further perpetuating the disparities between plus-size and traditional clothing. When brands treat plus-size collections as an afterthought through poorer quality clothing, they send a message that these customers are less important or valuable. This not only reinforces harmful societal beauty standards but also deprives plus-size consumers of the same level of style, fit, and craftsmanship that standard-size customers receive.
The differences between plus-size and traditional clothing exist due to a combination of societal biases, economic factors, and historical neglect of the plus-size market. Brands often prioritize traditional sizes due to perceived higher profitability, leaving plus-size options as a passing thought. To address these issues, brands need to invest in research and development for plus-size clothing, ensuring that quality, style, and availability are on par with traditional sizes. This includes employing diverse design teams, seeking feedback from plus-size consumers, and prioritizing inclusivity in their business models. By acknowledging and addressing these disparities, the fashion industry can move towards a more inclusive and equitable future, where all individuals have access to stylish, high-quality clothing regardless of their size.
Fortunately, some brands are leading the charge in making a positive impact on the plus-size clothing market. Here are some of our favorites:
Universal Standard is a standout, offering a wide range of sizes with a focus on quality and style. Their commitment to inclusivity is evident in their diverse and trendy collections.
Fashion Brand Company also impresses with its size range, carrying up to 5X and focusing on unique, fashionable pieces that cater to plus-size individuals, ensuring that style is never sacrificed.
Love Your Peaches takes customization to the next level by offering clothing options with sizes up to 10X, emphasizing basics with customizable features such as size, color, materials, and neckline options.
Nettle Studios specializes in flowy linens and somewhat androgynous styles, carrying sizes up to 6X. Their commitment to inclusivity and stylish designs sets them apart in the plus-size market. Alongside this, they keep up with the trends, maintaining collections filled with popular current styles such as cottagecore. Additionally in the athletic world,
Superfit Hero excels in the activewear category, offering sizes up to 7X and a variety of model body types, ensuring that their activewear is designed to fit and flatter all shapes and sizes.
