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Do you have a curvier body and need clothes that fit properly or highlight it, but it’s difficult to find the right ones? You’re not alone, and the fashion world knows it.
For decades, mainstream fashion has shown a lack of size inclusivity, offering limited choices. Thanks to the body-positive movement, the shift in perception in fashion and retail started moving toward acceptance and inclusivity. Nowadays, it is common to see plus size models in the media and ads as a testament to the new trend.
In addition, we live in a world where the power of self-expression is greater than ever. We express ourselves through art, social media, volunteering and our clothes. Therefore, sustainability and inclusivity have never been more important than today, and our choices are shaping the future.
If you are sceptical, keep reading to learn more about the plus size fashion revolution and the ethical and sustainable brands offering plus clothes that fit your size and align with your values.
What’s a Plus Size Body or Garment?
Let’s be honest: it is quite impossible to define “plus-size” because there are no universal criteria, and the general perception of what it is changes constantly.
When it comes to sizes, brands and retailers make their own rules. They use their models to design pattern blocks and convert that specific model’s body type to produce their collections. These practices explain why two garments of the same size from different brands may fit differently and why we can be one size at one store and a different size elsewhere.
Broadly speaking, plus-size clothing varies by brands. By putting the plus size label on a garment, a brand extends its standard size range to be more size inclusive, offering more size options.
A Change in the Industry: Size Inclusivity and Ethical Brands
Regardless of the definition, plus size is not a niche market but represents a substantial section of customers. The demand for plus-size clothing is driven by approximately 67% of American women who wear size 14 and above. However, only a few pieces are available in stores that cater to plus-size consumers, suggesting a significant disconnect between demand and supply.
The situation holds significant economic value, representing a huge opportunity for companies to generate revenue in a segment poised for further expansion. The global plus-size clothing market is estimated to grow by 4.1% by 2030.
As the trend is taking place slowly and many brands offer more sizes, there are still not enough plus size models on the catwalks and in ads, which means that companies still have much to learn to become more inclusive. You’ll notice in this article that even among the brands we highlight for offering a wide range of sizes, many could still feature more plus-size models on their websites. It’s a missed opportunity to visually demonstrate their commitment to body diversity and connect with and empower the very customers they take care of.
Only through full inclusivity, from ad to production, will the fashion industry change forever and offer us what we want and need.
Shopping Apparel Sustainable When Plus-Size
Every brand is different when it comes to plus size. Each company follows a distinct aesthetic that influences how inclusive or representative its plus-size range can be.
However, brands are putting a more inclusive approach at the top of their list of priorities. Also, sustainable fashion brands are stepping up to meet the demand for extended sizing, while also balancing the numerous other demands on their businesses.
When a sustainable brand decides to offer a plus size range, it cannot simply add extra sizes to the collection. The choice implies more than that. When it comes to producing clothes, a brand speaks to its audience by showcasing the collection through models and building a solid relationship with a specific demographic.
The demographic of plus size people interested in ethical and sustainable fashion has been left behind for a long time. As a result, plus-size customers often believe that sustainable fashion is not for them, and they feel that they cannot support a movement that doesn’t include them.
Therefore, launching a plus-sized collection is like rebuilding the customer base, gaining the trust of a new segment and then convincing them that you’re the right brand for them.
If you think it is impossible to find sustainable plus size clothing brands on the market, let us introduce you to some ethical brands offering collections for everybody.
Here, you can find our top 9 sustainable plus-size clothing brands, all certified by Eco-Stylist. Let’s begin!
Top 9 Plus Size Sustainable Clothing Brands
1) Girlfriend Collective
From underwear to plus size activewear, Girlfriend Collective is well-known for using recycled materials like plastic bottles to produce comfortable and ethical clothing while promoting body-positive vibes. It offers a wide range of sizes up to 6XL.
Brand Rating: Silver
Size Range: XXS-6XL
2) Subset
Collections are made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton, and their underwear is free from toxic chemicals. You can send in old underwear and socks from any brand for recycling, which will sustain their circular program. Fitting is very important for Subset, as its website has a dedicated page to guide you when looking for a new pair of undies.
Brand Rating: Gold
Size Range: 2XS-4XL
3) Known Supply
Size-inclusive, fair trade clothing focused on ethical production, Known Supply is more than just a brand and lets you meet the person who made your clothes. It offers an extensive range of sizes from XS through 4XL. On the website, you can also find a size comparison chart.
Brand Rating: Silver
Size Range: XS-4XL
4) Pact
It is an ethical fashion brand that focuses on simple yet stylish designs for everyday wear. It cares about people and the planet by saving water using organic cotton and non-toxic chemicals to protect the environment. Also, it offers features such as carbon offset shipping and thoughtful packaging. Even if there aren’t plus size models on the official website, It offers sustainable and organic soft fabrics in a relaxed style, available in sizes ranging from XS to 3XL.
Eco-Stylist Rating: Silver
Size Range: XS-3XL
5) MATE the Label
Clothes made with a holistic approach to sustainability, considering the entire lifecycle of clothing. The brand is currently Climate Neutral certified and a member of 1% for the Planet. It is also a plus size brand that respects the importance of size inclusivity.
Eco-Stylist Rating: Silver
Size Range: XXS-3XL
6) NAADAM
Founded in 2013, NAADAM is committed to sustainable values. It is a direct-to-consumer brand focused on high-quality and best sustainable cashmere from Mongolia’s Gobi Desert. Its mission is to empower Mongolian herders and offer affordable sustainable luxury garments. Also, it is a size-inclusive brand.
Eco-Stylist Rating: Silver
Size Range: XXS-3XL
7) Zero Waste Daniel
Brands like Zero Waste Daniel make a real positive impact on the planet. It utilises pre-consumer waste and hard-to-recycle materials from the garment industry to minimise the amount of waste that enters landfills. Collections are not gender-specific, ethically made and offer plus options.
Eco-Stylist Rating: Gold
Size Range: XS-3XL
8) CHNGE
It is the true embodiment of what its name implies. It holds multiple certifications, including GOTS, OEKO-TEX, and Fair Trade. In a few words, it is eco-friendly, sustainable and ethically fair fashion. Collections are stylish and environmentally friendly, offering ethical plus-size options.
Eco-Stylist Rating: Silver
Size Range: XXS-4XL
9) ChicSew
If you’re looking for custom sizing, this is the right brand. It specialises in stylish and customisable bridesmaid dresses, offering a diverse collection of fabrics to suit various wedding themes and preferences. In addition, it is committed to environmental responsibility, utilises biodegradable, compostable packaging and adheres to a strict Code of Conduct to reduce waste and save water.
Eco-Stylist Rating: Silver
Size Range: US0-US30
Extra tip: Summer is getting closer, and if you are looking for a dedicated plus collection for swimwear using natural and sustainable fabrics, read our article here.
The importance of being inclusive in fashion is a needed revolution. As consumers, we can shape the future and create a fashion world that cares about people as much as it cares about the planet. The ultimate goal must be to allow everyone to experience clothing that honours their unique beauty while being a testament to their values.
There is still much to be done for sustainable fashion to become truly inclusive. Nevertheless, it is nice to see that when we shop for ethical pieces made with sustainable practices we can find sizes 24 and above.
Want to Find More Sustainable Plus Size Clothing Brands?
The above top 9 brands are only a selection of our favorite sustainable and ethical plus size brands that fit our criteria for inclusion in the Eco-Stylist rating. If you want to learn more about plus size ethical, slow fashion check out our brand guide. There you can filter Certified brands by gender’s clothing as well as vegan, woman-owned, plus sized, and more!
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Mara is an Italian writer and communicator specializing in sustainability, multilingual communications, and localization. She loves literature, art, and traveling. She dreams of living on a sailing boat to explore the Mediterranean.
