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Why Plus Size Doesn't Have to Mean Less Choice

Last Updated March 25, 2020

There was a time when clothing for plus-sized girls was limited but that's no longer true. Whether you're in need of a new dress, some lingerie, a bodysuit or a dress for that special occasion, you'll find a great selection in most stores. In the fashion industry, plus-size is identified as sizes 10-14. There are stores that cater to clothing in those sizes, including Lane Bryant and Avenue, but department stores like Macy's and J. C. Penny also offer plus-size clothing.

Plus Size

Market research firm Plunkett carried out a survey which showed that 68 percent of American women are size 14 or above. NDP, another market research firm, came up with statistics that showed Americans spent $21.4 billion on plus-size women's clothing in 2016. The same report showed that growth in the apparel section runs at three percent, but in this sector of the market growth runs at six percent year on year. Now you know those sales numbers you'll understand why massive retailers like Walmart are expanding their line of plus-size clothing.

While there's a lot more choice for plus-size women in need of new apparel if you want to look you best in designer clothes, you'll be disappointed to learn that the luxury end of the market isn't keeping pace with the evolution of the market. High-end shops still don't tend to go beyond a size 12. You can get dresses from designers like Prabal Gurung but only if you go directly to them. For example, Gurung will sell clothing up to size 22 but retailers don't tend to stock the American-Nepalese fashion designer's clothing above a size 14.

Fashion

With the top brands unavailable to plus-size women, it's no wonder that the majority of the 300 brands showcasing themselves at New York Fashion Week in 2017 were unavailable to women over size 14. Analysis shows that just 32 of them made apparel for women size 16 or above. Just 14 producing clothing for women sized 22 or larger, and those who do tend to partner with a dedicated plus-size retailer. Perhaps that's because plus-size clothing makes up just 0.1 percent of the high-end market.

Online or High Street

Online retailers tend to offer more choices but do you want to buy your clothes without trying them on first? In general, a bigger percentage of an online retailers range will be available in plus-size. If you find shopping for clothes on high street intimidating because you haven't got a mannequin-shaped physique, online shopping is the way to go. Take care with sizes if you're buying from a website based outside of the USA. For example, a size 24 UK dress is equivalent to a US size 20.