Finding cute plus-size fashion can be a challenge. Here’s why and what we can do about it.

We’ll look into the efforts to make the fashion world more open to all body types, while still being good for the planet. Join us as we look at the wins and losses of putting together a plus-size wardrobe that not only looks good but also does good for the planet.

The Need for Plus-size Options

History of Plus-size

In the early 1900’s there was a shift from people making their own clothes or having them custom made to clothes being mass produced. Factories were able to make clothes at amazing speeds and a lower cost. This did limit the sizes, everything had to be standardized.

In 1904 Lena Bryant emerged and opened a shop that specialized in maternity clothes. She had a lot of success. Her business grew to including “stout” sized clothing. In 1923 she began selling more plus-size clothing than maternity clothing.

The term “plus-size” didn’t stick until sometime in the 1940‘s or 50’s. Up to this point companies would use terms like stout, outsize, or full-busted. Most of these terms are considered insulting today.

In 1977, the Council of Fashion Designers of America was founded. This organization allowed for more focused discussions on the future of the fashion industry in the US. At first, they developed a standardization of sizes. They have since worked on including the different body types in their decisions.

In the 1980‘s we see this come to fruition as brands began considering more body shapes in their designs. They also began to add extended sizing or plus-size lines.

Body Positivity made its entry something in the late 90’s or early 2000s. There was still a lot of bias. However, the 80’s and 90’s really paved the way for the success of plus-size inclusion.

The fashion world is still moving towards inclusivity. Brands are offering more plus-size options. However, there’s still a long way to go for equal representation and availability of choices for all body types. This is in addition to clothing being made with ethics and the planet in mind.

Impact of Current Methods

Traditional ways of making clothes don’t work long-term! We need a new way that’s better for all body shapes and sizes, and also kinder to our planet. This means using less materials to make clothes and making us feel included in the latest styles.

Impact on the Planet

Larger sizes require more materials and resources used in their production. This can lead to higher CO2 emissions and more damage to the environment.

There is a negative impact on local water supply. Making fabric for larger clothing often uses more water. The dyeing process can also release harmful chemicals into the water supply.

Fast fashion often leads to significant waste. Brands may make too many items in larger sizes due to incorrect estimates, which adds to this problem.

Social Impact

There have been fewer options available for plus-sizes, which can lead to a lack of representation. Not having enough choices can make the unfair labels and views about large bodies even worse. This is because the fashion industry usually makes clothes for and praises smaller sizes.

Plus-size clothing tends to cost more, known as the “fat tax.” This is due to the additional material and specialized processes required for larger sizes.

Design and Planning

Design

The first steps of clothing design set the foundation for a garment’s life, influencing its impact on both people and the planet.

Brainstorm

Designers brainstorm how to make the clothing. They have to keep in mind how it will look on all body types and will it last through changing trends.

How it affects the planet also needs to be considered. Organic or recycled materials are the best options for the planet. While other materials may appear to be cheaper, they are worse for the planet.

Pattern Creation

Designers will now lay out the actual design by first creating patterns. They will then make “rough drafts” that can then be modeled. This allows them to determine comfort, fit, and functionality across the different sizes.

Picking Fabrics

Once satisfied with the design of the item, they now need to get the supplies. They will want to select suppliers that value eco-friendly and ethical practices. Practices that include fair wages and safe work practices, while doing as little damage as possible.

Planning

After materials are selected, they need to select where and how they will make the items. They will want to use methods that reduce waste and are ethical.

Sampling

Before making large quantities, they need to do a sample run. This allows them to determine if the items still fit the different sizes as expected. They can also evaluate the impact of the production on the local community, both the people and the planet.

Why Consider all Body Types

Considering all body shapes and sizes from the start of clothing design is important for several reasons. Everyone likes to feel represented and included. We want to have the same chances as everyone else. When we have equality, we are encouraged to love and accept our bodies.

From a business point of view, inclusive sizing allows brands to serve a larger audience. The average size of an American woman has increased, proving that this group is growing. Brands that embrace this can tap into a larger customer base.

Clothes that fit properly are more comfortable and functional. When designers start with inclusivity in mind, they can create clothing that fits well across different body types.

Making clothes in all sizes can spark new ideas and make fashion more welcoming! It goes against the idea that only certain body types look good and helps everyone feel included and awesome!

Making clothes for all shapes and sizes right from the start is super important for fashion! It means everyone feels welcome and confident, not just some people. This is good for us who buy clothes, the companies that make them, and the rest of society.

Innovation for Plus-size

New innovations are helping make clothes fit more bodies. Some clothes can be changed or added to as your size changes, which means you can use them longer. You might already know about adjustable features like ties, stretchy waistbands, and extra buttons for a better fit.

These techniques and materials are great options for us plus-size people, while also being good for the environment. By using these innovations, designers can continue to make clothes that look great and fit well on all body types, all while being kind to our planet.

Fabric Choices

Durability and comfort are important when selecting fabrics for larger bodies.

Durability

Durable fabrics ensure that clothing can handle wear and tear over time. This is particularly important for plus-size clothing as it may undergo more strain. This extends the life of the garment, saving us a little money in the long run. If we are replacing the garment less often, that’s one more item not in a landfill.

Comfort

Cozy fabrics make clothes fit better, breathe easier, and feel great all around! They can stretch with your body for a perfect fit. Breathable fabrics keep you cool, especially important for warmer bodies. Soft and gentle materials make clothes comfy to wear!

Picking strong, comfy fabrics is key for plus-size clothes! These fabrics make clothes last longer, fit better, and feel great to wear. They stretch with your body and are soft on your skin. This way, clothes look good, feel good, and last a long time! This helps the environment and makes fashion more welcoming for everyone.

Fitting and Sizing

Issue

Fitting and sizing in plus-size sustainable fashion has some issues that the industry is working to overcome. Here are some of the key issues:

• Inconsistent sizing can be confusing and lead to high returns and waste.
• Increasing size may require some changes being made to the pattern. This can take a lot of resources and time.
• There aren’t always as many choices for fabrics, especially eco-friendly ones, because some just don’t stretch enough for all body shapes.
• There are financial risks for both the brand and the customer if the fit isn’t right.

Making sure clothes in all sizes are readily available, fit well every time, and meet what we all want takes work from designers, factories, and stores!

Clear Size Charts and Inclusive Models

Clear size charts help buyers find the right fit the first time, which lowers returns and increases satisfaction. If a brand is consistent, we will continue to purchase because we are confident that it’s what we need.

Having models of multiple sizes and shapes shows us exactly how the item will lay on different bodies. We also feel more included to see someone like us on the screen. This helps send a positive message and challenge beauty standards.

Together they create a more accepting and welcoming fashion industry. By offering clothes in all sizes that actually fit well and showing all sorts of people rocking those styles celebrates how unique we all are!

Marketing

Marketing for plus-size sustainable fashion is not just about selling products. It’s about showing what the brand believes in, teaching people new things about sustainable fashion, and making people see the brand in a positive light.

Key Aspects

Build Trust: We are used to not having as many options, so brands need to show that they are actually committed to us and our needs.

Enhance Brand Credibility: Brands can show they care about the environment and their customers by being open with their sustainable practices. Check out How to Research a Brand for tips on catching this.

Ensure Perfect Fit: The perfect fit can be like a unicorn for some of us. If brands show their efforts in creating items that fit well and comfortably, we are more likely to purchase.

Collaborate with Sustainable Brands: Joining hands with other brands can help get out their message and reach a larger audience.

Normalize Every Body Type: Brands should show clothes on everyone, not just certain body types. This helps people feel good about themselves, no matter what size they are.

By following these ideas, brands can sell clothes in all sizes that are kind to the Earth, not just make money. They can do this by showing they care about more than just selling clothes.

Importance of Equal Representation

The world is full of all kinds of people, and fashion ads should show that too! Here’s why it matters:

• Everyone feels welcome: When you see people who look like you in ads, it makes you feel like you belong.
• More people to connect with: Brands can reach a wider audience by showing clothes on different body types.
• Cooler ads! When you have all sorts of people involved, you get more creative and interesting ads.
• Goodbye mean stereotypes! Showing all kinds of beauty helps break down outdated ideas about how people should look.
• Doing the right thing: It’s important for brands to show everyone respect in their ads.

Our Impact

We have a huge impact on the fashion industry, our decisions and desires influence brands. We can see our influence with:

Sustainabiltiy and Ethics

We have shown an interest and desire for products that aren’t as damaging to the planet or other people. This shift in mindset is driving brands to adopt more sustainable and ethical practices.

Innovation

We want clothes that are good for the Earth and people, so we support brands that invent new ways to make them. This could be using different materials or finding better ways to make clothes.

Transparency

We want to know where our clothes come from and under what conditions they were made. This means brands have to be more open about their processes.

Inclusivity

We’ve been asking for clothes in all sizes and for models who look like real people and brands are finally catching on!

Quality Over Quantity

Knowing the environmental impact of fast fashion, we are starting to want to buy less, but better-quality clothes that last longer.

We have a big say in what clothes are made! When we choose eco-friendly clothes and clothes in all sizes, brands listen and start making changes. This way, fashion can be good for the planet and look great on everyone!

Tips for Driving Change

• Find out why clothes don’t always come in all sizes and how they can be bad for the Earth. Then tell friends, family, and everyone online to raise awareness.
• Purchase from brands that offer a wide range of sizes and are committed to sustainable practices.
• Ask brands about their processes, labor conditions, and their materials. Encourage them to be open and hold them accountable.
• Provide constructive feedback to brands. If you wish a sustainable brand was more size-inclusive or vice versa, let them know.
• Support brands that show clothes on all shapes and sizes, and people of all colors and backgrounds! You can do this by following and leaving comments on social media.
• Join the fight for fair treatment of workers and a cleaner planet in fashion! There are groups working on this that you can join to help out.

The fashion world is changing! Today, we can look good and feel good about the impact our clothes have. But what if you wear a plus-size and finding cute, eco-friendly styles feels impossible? You’re not alone.

This industry is still catching up on size inclusion and sustainable practices. But the great news is that change is happening! Together, we can create a fashion world that’s not only stylish but celebrates everyone!

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