Size Inclusive - Why Important?

 

What Does It Mean To Be Size-Inclusive?

To understand what it means to be size-inclusive first we need to define what the word "inclusive" means.  Inclusive means, including or covering all, not excluding any of the parties or groups involved.  So to be size-inclusive would mean a fashion brand would include all shapes and sizes, not excluding any.  It would also mean that a fashion brand would design their clothes in such a way so as to flatter all shapes and sizes, not creating cute, trendy-looking clothes only for smaller sizes and older, matronly-looking clothes only for bigger sizes.  However, why is size inclusivity so important?

Why Is Size Inclusivity Important?

Consider this, the average size worn in fashion by American women is a size 16 or 18, a European woman wears a size UK 16/EU 44, and the sizes frequently sold in stores are 14 through 18.  Even though these sizes make up the majority, they still aren't considered "standard" sizing, automatically making those in this size range feel ousted instead of included.  Size inclusivity does away with that idea, and encourages a positive viewpoint of our physical body's shape and size.  It makes the shopping experience online and in a brick-and-mortar store more enjoyable for all because no one has to worry that a certain style won't be available in their size.  However, are the majority of fashion brands putting into action size inclusivity, and how could they improve?

How Can Fashion Brands Be Size-Inclusive?

Right now, you will find that most brands take their first step toward size inclusivity by extending their size range and advertising the exact same clothing item on models of varying sizes and shapes.  However, for a brand to be truly inclusive, it's more than just doing the two things mentioned above, it needs to be a philosophy that is embraced by all aspects of a company.  For instance, for a brand to be truly size-inclusive it would need to carry a size 24 or greater and at the same time not forget other shapes and sizes (ie. petite).  They would need to offer the same shopping experience to every customer regardless of their shape or size, instead of separating them, so that friends of different sizes can all shop together.  Another way brands can be size inclusive is by offering clothing that is made to order, that way no matter what shape or size you are you can wear the same cute top the next person has and own a piece that is flattering to your body shape.  The benefits of clothing companies adopting a size-inclusive business model are that they are more apt to create stylish clothing items that look good on all shapes and sizes, thus increasing their popularity and customer loyalty.

The Interplay Between Fast Fashion and Luxury Fashion?

The fast fashion industry has embraced size inclusivity: H&M, Fashion Nova, Shein, Showpo, Boohoo, American Eagle, Old Navy, Asos, etc. But when it comes to mid-market chain stores (&otherstories, Anthropology, Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, Sandro, Maje, Michael Kors), and even more so luxury brands (Gucci, Chanel, Jacquemus, Toteme, Balenciaga, Celine, Comme de Garçon, Louis Vuitton, the list goes on…) all of a sudden the size inclusivity stops. Often these brands send plus-size models down runways for show, thereby capitalizing on the inclusivity trend but not actually caring about larger bodies enough to be accessible to them. Arguably it’s luxury fashion retailers that have the most responsibility and the most power to bring about positive change. Because they’re the ones who set the standards, ideals, and trends, which cascade into popular culture and inform our beliefs about what it takes to be included amongst our peers.

What Does the Future Hold for Inclusive Sizing?

Many brands already are showing that they care about inclusive sizing and have adapted to their customers.  Brands that ignore the call for inclusive sizing, will struggle in the next decade.  For example, one source reports that “67% of American women are a size 14 and are voicing their need for fashionable products regardless of size.”  As many more brands move toward a size-inclusive business model, it will shift the clothing industry as a whole to adopt a similar trend.  This will become more of a necessity for a clothing brand’s survival, as the size-inclusive market is expected to triple in the next few years.  How will this impact the future of the environment?  In theory, when clothing companies shift toward making more clothing that is tailored to a greater variety of body shapes and sizes, this could reduce the amount of clothing waste that is produced when people buy one-size-fits-all fast fashion, only to return it or throw it away because of it not fitting well.  This could in turn reduce the logistics and fossil fuels consumed by an ever-increasing cycle of purchases and exchanges.  For brands looking to increase profit margins and reduce environmental impacts, inclusive sizing has a great future.  Additionally, it will also empower many clothing buyers who have for years struggled to find clothing that fit them properly, and this may also open up the door for more styles and trends to immerge from a demographic that were left out of fashion trends of the past.

Written by Inthelifeofgray & Studio Lucinda.

*Thank you for supporting inthelifeofgray by visiting this site and shopping through my links.