Fashion Week just passed and while there were some plus-size highlights, lack of representation was the overwhelming theme (again). It is not surprising that investigation shows that 81% of women do not feel represented by fashion advertising in general and a huge 90% do not feel represented by models or fashion shows.
Since we ALL have to wear clothes, we should all be able to find and buy clothes that fit not only our bodies, but also our style, our budget, and our values. But for many women that is not the case.
New US Body Datapublished by social shopping platform Mys Tyler, shows that more than half (54.4%) of women in the US wear a size 14 or larger, considered “plus size” by the industry. And even though large sizes are the majority, this segment of consumers has the worst time when purchasing, with a series of additional limitations beyond those experienced by the heterosexual and medium-sized categories.
If we can talk more about it, maybe we can all make the change we need to see? To start the conversation, we asked three women in the fashion industry to talk about the gaps and opportunities in the plus-size market.
Three women on the gaps and opportunities in the plus size market
Alison Zupancic: “My experience as a plus size model and creator”
“The plus-size market remains underserved and is now actively receding during the 2000s resurgence.”
I’m Alison Zupancic (@curvygirldc), a plus size content creator based in the DMV and passionate about size inclusion, diverse representation, and advocating for women’s health. Living with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease, I have learned to challenge limitations, both in my personal life and within the fashion industry, encouraging others to do the same.
While we have made progress, the fashion industry still struggles with size inclusivity. The plus size market remains underserved and is now actively receding during the 2000 resurgence. As a model and creator, I’ve seen how lack of representation and limited sizing can leave women feeling excluded from fashion that should celebrate them.
One of the biggest gaps is the lack of sustainable and fashionable clothing in large sizes. Many brands claim to offer plus-size clothing, but often fail to offer fashionable, high-quality clothing beyond size 22. This problem is exacerbated by the fast fashion industry, which tends to neglect sustainability in plus-size designs. big. I would love to see more brands offer stylish, well-made pieces for all body types, while prioritizing sustainable fashion.
Every fashion week, plus-size models continue to be underrepresented in campaigns and on the runways. The industry continues to highlight and reward the thinnest models, leaving aside the vast majority of body types that exist in the real world. Representation isn’t just about fashion: it’s about empowerment and visibility. It is time for the industry to embrace meaningful and constructive conversations with the plus community, fostering a space that reflects and celebrates everything.
kemi Ajibare: “My experience as a fashion stylist”
“Plus-size sections are often stripped down to basics, devoid of the modern, fashion-forward pieces that many customers desire, which can be a challenge.”
I’m Kemi (@styledbykemi), personal stylist and image consultant, passionate about helping everyday professionals elevate their style with modern and versatile wardrobe essentials. While fashion celebrates diversity in many ways, it needs to do better when it comes to size inclusivity. Many of my clients are plus size, and although this category represents a significant portion of consumers, it is often overlooked by the industry, which can leave my clients feeling frustrated and alienated.
Among the frustrations are the limited options available (a key reason they seek my help to point them in the right direction and save them time researching). Plus-size sections are often stripped down to basics, devoid of the modern, fashion-forward pieces that many customers desire, which can be a challenge.
The fit and quality of plus size options can also be poor. Many brands simply expand their designs without considering the unique proportions and needs of plus-size bodies; For my clients, this often results in a lot of trial and error with ill-fitting clothes.
And finally, many brands are missing out because they lack plus-size representation in their advertising and marketing (even when they sell sizes), which sends a message to plus-size women that they are not the target audience.
Brands that don’t serve, or poorly serve, plus-size women are missing out on serving the majority of the market. Fortunately, I see more brands wanting to serve this market better. For brands looking to make a change in this space, here are some things to consider:
1. Carefully expand size ranges by working with plus-size models and considering the proportions and comfort of larger sizes. A size-inclusive collection should offer the same style, quality and attention to detail.
2. Incorporate diversity of plus-size bodies in advertising, campaigns and fashion shows.
3. Consistent prices in all sizes; plus-size consumers should not be subject to higher prices.
4. Create an inclusive shopping experience by offering your full range of sizes in physical stores, not just online, and training staff to provide respectful and informed service to all customers. A welcoming environment can have a significant impact on the shopping experience of plus-size people.
Brianna Siciliano “My experience as a plus size buyer”
“Plus size is not a one size fits all, but when I look at fashion ads, I mostly see curvy figures, even in 2024!”
I’m Brianna Siciliano. (@briannamaria95), Brand and Community Manager at Mys Tyler. I have been passionate about plus size representation for most of my life; In college, my honors thesis explored the ways plus-size bodies are represented in the media.
As a plus size tween turned teen and woman/adult, fashion has always been a struggle. I can’t remember a time when I was able to walk into a mall (or any store, excluding the very select plus size brands) where I was able to find options that fit my tall, full-figured (6 foot 1) frame. . And let’s not even talk about stylish and modern options! As a result, I’ve primarily purchased plus-size-only brands like Torrid and Lane Bryant. While I’m grateful that they cater to plus sizes (beyond small and medium!), being restricted to two brands is pretty boring.
Plus sizes aren’t the same for everyone, but when I look at fashion ads, I mostly see curvy figures, even in 2024! I have a bigger belly, wider hips, and a bigger butt, but I rarely see bodies like mine represented. We make up the majority of the population, but we have been marginalized and marginalized for so long.
There are many things that brands are getting wrong. Some advertise themselves as inclusive sizing, but they only go up to XXL-XXXL, or their “plus sizes” are actually straight sizes and are not designed for plus size bodies. The styles can be quite matronly, boring or ugly, and nothing like their full-sized pieces (which also have a much larger selection). And it’s frustrating when brands offer plus sizes, but don’t use plus size models in their advertising.
Universal Standard is one of the few brands that is truly inclusive when it comes to sizing and fit. They offer pop-ups in showrooms across the country where you can meet with a stylist and try on pieces before ordering. I have a few pieces from their collection and love supporting a brand that supports my community!
There are other brands that do a pretty good job catering to the plus market, like What Lo Wants, Wray NYC, and Rebdolls, which I haven’t tried, but I have seen positive things online. But we still have a long way to go.
What is YOUR perspective on the state of plus size fashion? Do you have similar thoughts as these three about the gaps and opportunities in the plus-size market or did they miss something they didn’t mention?
Can you identify with any of these women? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Author: Sarah Neill, founder of my tyler
