10 Reasons Mainstream Fashion Should Cater to Plus-Size Women

Posted on November 17, 2009 by Glen Johnson

Hundreds of plus-size fashion stores and more Ultimate Plus-Size Shopping List!

We all know there is a demand among millions of women worldwide for trendy fashionable clothing in sizes above a size 12.  It seems the fashion industry knows this as well but for now is taking on the stance of “some clothes look better on a smaller woman.”  While I disagree with this statement lets list a few reasons why the fashion industry who should be in the business of making money should be begging plus-size designers for their work.

1. In the last 30 days 300,000 people have searched Google for the term “plus size lingerie”
2. Over 11 million searches in the same time for “plus size” related items
3. Today the average woman is 5′4″, weighs 164lbs and wears a size 14
4. The plus-size community is very loyal t merchants who support them
5. Built in revenue from an undeserved market during a down economic period



6. The men in their lives are visual meaning if they get compliments on their clothes they will be willing to buy more
7. Designers of plus size fashion know their audience very well and would be a valuable resource
8. The plus-size clothing sector has been undeserved for decades
9. Blogs like Full Figure Plus will keep pointing out the lack of mainstream support till things change
10. Being able to walk into any store instead of a specialty store will do wonders for the self-esteem of ladies

What do you think about the state of fashion as it relates to plus-sizes.  Do you think we are over the hump or we have a long way to go?

Discussion: 3 Comments

3 Responses to “10 Reasons Mainstream Fashion Should Cater to Plus-Size Women”

1. 

   Sarah

   - 17th Nov, 09 06:11pm

   I think reasons 1 and 2 are very strong points, enough to serve as a wake up call to the mainstream fashion industry. Great write up Glen!
   Sarah´s last blog ..Five Favorite Things Launch Pre-Holiday Giveaway

2. 

   Amanda

   - 18th Nov, 09 09:11am

   Hi,
   I agree with you strongly. I own a lingerie business and we cater for larger women, although it is not always easy to get ranges that offer sizes 8 up to size 22/24. Not all manufacturers have caught on to your points yet which is a shame.
   Still, at our shop, we focus on looking good and feeling great whatever your size – we make every women comfortable at our shop and use larger moodels where we can.
   We also have pole dancing lessons, and welcome women of all ages and sizes – we make sure our teacher is a healthy size 12/14 – it works, women feel at ease an get to enjoy themselves without having to stand next to an anorexic weight obsessed woman!

3. 

   Krys Nicole

   - 24th Nov, 09 03:11pm

   Yes I agree 1 & 2 should wake the fashion industry up! They are losing out on money.