Despite the average woman in the U.S. wearing a size 16 or 18, clothing above a size 12 has often been infuriatingly hard to come by. But as the size inclusivity movement gains momentum, extended size ranges (up to sizes 24 and 26) are now easier to find from not only huge chains like Target, but also boutique and designer brands.
Among those looking to offer not just extended sizes to women, but also more styles, are designers like Mara Hoffman and Jason Wu, who just designed his first plus-size line for Eloquii. Then there are brands like Reformation, with their size-inclusive range of denim, and Madewell, which now carries an assortment of knits, tops, and dresses in a realistic selection of sizes. Let’s just say, there are finally options.
“By having a greater range of sizes, we’re able to give more women the option to wear clothing that makes them feel good,” says Hoffman. Still, she calls her extended collection “a constant work in progress.”
Keep reading to see the companies that are re-defining the look of size-inclusive dressing.
Elevating the design possibilities for plus-size clothing is one reason Jason Wu (beloved designer of Michelle Obama) was excited to work with Eloquii. “Both Eloquii and I share the philosophy of creating beautifully crafted, innovative apparel for the strong, fiercely fashionable woman,” says Wu, who created his first collection for the label this fall.
“In designing the collection, we wanted to provide the Eloquii customer with striking styles that channel the timeless glamour of the 1950s and stand out from traditional plus-size offerings.”
What to buy now: Cocktail dresses fit for the holiday season.
“It takes attention and resources to perfect the fit for any sizing, so we are taking the time to get it right,” says Hoffman. “We plan to add styles each season and are excited that this spring will be the first time that our core swim styles are available in a 2X.”
What to buy now: Dresses, pants, and tops with both impeccable fits and a feminine fluidity, made from sustainable materials.
It’s not just high fashion designers who are attempting to be more inclusive. The sustainable label Reformation, whose size run previously stopped at a 12, is also extending its sizing. “We want women of all backgrounds, shapes, and sizes to wear Reformation,” says the founder and chief executive officer, Yael Aflalo. “After the success of our first extended sizing capsule earlier this year, we’re pleased to expand this further to our denim collection and eventually, permanently launch into the extended sizing category with an evergreen collection next year.”
What to buy now: Sustainable denim with retro-modern fits.
For the buzzy label, Good American—which recently expanded into the activewear market—size inclusivity has been built into the brand’s business strategy since day one. “Our goal is always to provide women with wardrobe staples, pieces we know they are wearing in their busy, daily lives and ones that make them look and feel their best,” says the brand’s co-founder and chief operating officer, Emma Grede. (If you weren’t aware, her other half is Khloe Kardashian.) “The fit and fashion we’re known for in denim are translated and applied across all categories, so women know when they come to Good American for anything, they’ll find the best fit, period.”
What to buy now: Figure-flattering denim, sporty-chic activewear, and cozy-cool wardrobe essentials from tees to hoodies.
Madewell only recently started offering 16+ options, but its president Libby Wadle, says the company’s new sizing standards are part of an important initiative to reflect the real, diverse spectrum of American women. “The industry currently offers very few options for women size 16 and up,” she says. “To address this, we expanded our women’s offerings this spring and introduced new, innovative denim styles including The Curvy Jean and a new standard of sizing, 23–37 (00-24) and XXS-3X. This will remain a priority for us as we move forward.”
What to buy now: Playful knits, sweet dresses, and wardrobe heroes from blouses to denim.
“We are always listening to the client, and the demand for more sizing was there,” says Loft’s chief marketing officer, Laura Jacobs. “Like our petite, tall, and maternity categories, we didn’t launch Plus as an exclusive collection: it’s the same product, for the same price,” Jacobs says of the plus-size offerings that maintain the color, print, and versatility Loft is known for.
What to buy now: Polished workwear staples and vibrant off-duty essentials.
Before fashion (as a whole) can fix its size inclusivity problem, we all need to understand what’s causing the issue.
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