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Bloom Blog

Writer's pictureKelly Elise Ulmer

Size-Inclusivity In Fashion

Updated: Apr 19, 2023




Fat folx experience life differently than thin folx do. Fat individuals are severely judged and stigmatized in our society; however, fat oppression receives little to no recognition. While our society has made progress in recognizing many systems of oppression (such as racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, classism, ageism, and anti-Semitism), there’s been little to no headway in recognizing sizism. Fat individuals are systematically oppressed simply for existing in a larger body. But it doesn't stop there. To add to the harm of societal fatphobic views, fat folx rarely if ever are validated in their experiences of fat oppression.


Here at Bloom, “Liberating from Oppression” is one of our core values, which includes all forms of oppression from racism to sizism. At the time of this writing, I (the author of this blog post) experience life with thin privilege. I do not know what it is like to experience life as a fat person. I do not know what it is like to have to ask for a seat belt extender on a plane, to experience judgmental stares simply for eating a slice of pizza, to be passed over for a job due to my size, to have every medical need be answered by a suggestion of weight loss from doctors, to not be able to eat in certain restaurants due to the seating options, to not be able to ride a roller coaster, to have such limited choices in shopping for clothes, and so much more. These are only a few of the ways in which fat individuals experience oppression, discrimination, and lack of accessibility in our society.


What I (and other folx with thin privilege) can do as allies, however, is validate the experiences of pain and oppression that fat individuals face. We can work to raise awareness of the mistreatment, systemic injustice, and discrimination fat folx experience; call out the industries that contribute to systems of oppression; and support the industries and organizations that work to be size-inclusive.


With regard to clothing and shopping, as thin individuals, we are privileged in having seemingly infinite fashion options to choose from—so many styles, designers, colors, and types of clothing. Fat individuals are lucky to find one brick-and-mortar shop to buy and try on clothes at. Many have no option but to turn to online shopping (where the option to try on clothes before purchasing is not even possible). Even in the online sphere, there are only a handful of options available and most are hard to discover.


One small way that we at Bloom hope to help is by providing resources and information to our community. We’ve compiled the list below to share information on brands and companies that are working to be more size-inclusive and offer plus size availability. However, the below list is incomplete and non-inclusive in itself, as these "plus size" offerings are far from inclusive of all fat individuals. Please note that brands that only offer sizes up to 3XL are still not fully inclusive as body sizes do not stop at 3XL. Fatness exists on a spectrum (read more about that here). Folks who are considered “large fats”, “superfats”, and “infinifats” are even less likely to have clothing and shopping options—even within this list we’ve created. This is not okay, and we will continue to work to find and share about brands that offer true size-inclusivity to ALL BODIES (sizes beyond 3XL). If we have missed a brand that you are aware of, please comment on this article so that we can keep this list as updated and helpful as possible.


Whether you are fat or thin, we encourage you to continue to fight for inclusivity in fashion. Please support those brands and companies that go above size 3XL, write to companies that stop at 3XL and ask them when they will expand their sizing beyond 3XL, and support those brands that show more diversity on their social media and advertising. At the same time, we understand that everyone has the right to make their own choices in caring and shopping for themselves, so we have included companies on this list that offer plus sizes but unfortunately, stop at 3XL and are, therefore, not completely size-inclusive.


* We use the word "fat" as a neutral descriptor of body size with no negative connotation. Many individuals in the HAES and fat community do this to reclaim its meaning.



brands with Plus Size Offerings:



Adidas

  • Women’s Sizes XS to 4X

  • “No matter your shape or size, staying active is essential for maintaining optimal health and well-being. The Adidas range of activewear is available in inclusive sizing to encourage fitness and body positivity, so you can find training gear that fits you perfectly. Whether you’re going on a bike ride, working on your core strength at a Pilates class or lifting weights, well-fitting workout gear will keep you on track to reach your fitness goals. The adidas plus size clothing collection includes squat-proof leggings, essential t-shirts and tanks, and super soft track tops for working out in all weather conditions.”

  • https://www.adidas.com/us

  • https://www.adidas.com/us/plus_size-apparel

Alder

  • Womxn’s Sizes XS to 6X

  • “Alder makes outdoor recreation apparel for womxn. We offer inclusive sizing, community-informed design, sustainable and ethical production and a playful brand that starkly contrasts with the performance-driven, hard-core athletic brands that currently dominate the outdoor space.”

  • https://www.alderapparel.com/

Anna Scholz

  • Women’s Sizes 12 to 24

  • “I’ve always believed you shouldn’t hide behind clothes; you should feel proud of your body and accentuate your curves rather than cover them up. My designs are about femininity, glamour and confidence, I love luxurious fabrics and colour and have an affinity for retro prints and intricate embellishments. I believe in offering the luxury and originality of a designer brand to the plus size customer.”

  • https://www.annascholz.com/

Anthropologie

  • Women’s Sizes XXS to 3X

  • “Looking for the finest in plus size fashion? At Anthropologie, we believe in providing sophisticated pieces for every woman. With our assortment of women’s plus size clothing, you’ll find no shortage of options to suit your stylistic sensibility without compromising comfort. From plus size dresses to plus size summer clothes, our collection features thoughtful flourishes and just-for-you fits - and don’t forget to finish the look with a pair of sunglasses and sandals!”

  • https://www.anthropologie.com/plus-size-clothing

Ashley Stewart

Asoph

Asos, Asos Curve, & Men’s Plus Size

Athleta

  • Women’s Sizes XXS to 3XL

  • “We celebrate our bodies. Everything changes when you deeply understand the female body and insits on enhancing every curve. We design every stitch in service of making you ses you body the way we do--and yes, it’s incredible.”

  • https://athleta.gap.com/

Bawdy Love Clothing (lingerie and swimwear)

  • Women's Sizes L to 6XL

  • "We're Gwynedh and Candace, two fat queer cis femmes living and creating in the Seattle area, and we're passionate about you loving yourself, but that's not why we started Bawdy Love. Way back in the beforetimes of 2016 we just wanted the same sexy lingerie we saw available for smaller bodies, so we used our years of experience in clothing design to make some of our own, and it turned out pretty damn hot."

  • https://bawdyloveclothing.com/

Big Bud Press

  • Unisex Sizes XXS to 6XL

  • “Big Bud Press is a fast-growing Los Angeles based clothing label specializing in unisex, everyday goods. We pride ourselves on our ethical and local manufacturing practices. We are sweatshop free and independently audit all of our manufacturing partners.”

  • https://bigbudpress.com/

Cherry Blossoms Dress

  • Women's Sizes XS to 5XL

  • "Cherry blossoms is life itself, a spiritual journey, a flight beyond boarders, a moment of love, a moment of tender feeling, a moment of smiling. At Cherry Blossoms we aspire to make clothing that brings chic style to any size figure with comfortable fabrics, meticulous tailoring and original, beautiful designs!"

  • https://www.etsy.com/shop/cherryblossomsdress

Chubstr

  • Chubstr is a style destination for big and tall or plus size men with a curated shopping section

  • https://chubstr.com/

Cozy Kid Club

  • Unisex Sizes XS to 3X

  • “Who is Cozy Kid Club? Think “peak ‘90s culture meets the year 3000.” We’re your second chance. A modern-day childhood thrift shop bringing back your beloved childhood nostalgia, one hoodie at a time. Our revolutionary, retro-futuristic clothes will be the coziest items in your closet – top-tier napping material. From tracksuits to tees, our apparel sends you back to Saturday mornings with cartoons, cereal, all your favorite 90's bops and more.”

  • https://blvucci.com/

Day/Won

  • Gender Neutral & Women’s Sizes 0 to 32

  • “DAY/WON is the first fully size-inclusive activewear brand in the United States. Period. Every single piece is available in sizes 0 through 32 with no exceptions. All of our styles use the best performance, sweat-wicking, compression, antimicrobial fabrics and are marathon-tested. We know that fitness isn’t a size, it’s a lifestyle, and we’re here for you every step of the way.”

  • https://day-won.com/

Dia & Co

  • Women’s Sizes 10 to 32

  • Offers individual items for sale as well as the “Dia Box”- 5 personalized items hand-picked based on a size/style quiz.

  • “I co-founded Dia&Co in 2015 as a way for women just like me to embrace their individuality. It grew out of a personal need and now, Dia&Co is a place where everyone can explore all the incredible things that style can really do.”

  • https://www.dia.com/

Eloquii

  • Women’s Sizes 14 to 28

  • “We Believe in the Transformative Power of Fashion and seek to unlock it one customer at a time. Together we are sparking a fashion revolution that is changing the way you shop—and the fashion industry at large. Because like you, we know fashion doesn't stop at size 12.”

  • https://www.eloquii.com/

Fashion Nova & Fashion Nova Curve

Fashion to Figure (FTF)

  • Women’s Sizes XL to 4XL

  • “Hi there, we're Fashion To Figure (but you can call us FTF). We offer on-trend plus size fashion exclusively designed and meticulously fit to celebrate your curves.”

  • https://www.fashiontofigure.com/

Fabletics (activewear)

  • Women’s Sizes XS to 4XL, Men’s Sizes XS to XXL

  • “Our vision is to be the world’s most fashionable, innovative, and inclusive active-lifestyle brand. At Fabletics, we believe everyone deserves to look and feel their best.”

  • https://www.fabletics.com/

Girlfriend Collective

  • Women and Men’s Sizes XXS to 6XL

  • “Trash looks better on you than it does polluting the planet. That’s why we turn old plastic bottles, fishing nets and other waste into bras, leggings and shorts you’ll never want to throw away.”

  • https://www.girlfriend.com/

Good American

  • Women’s Sizes 00-24

  • “Your curves are our cause. We innovated from day one, offering quality, style and substance in every size—00-24. We’re committed to challenging industry norms to bring you a collection that is 100% inclusive, always.”

  • https://www.goodamerican.com/

H&M

Kinflyte (clothes and bras)

  • Women’s Sizes XXS to 6XL, Bra sizes A to K cup

  • “Wire-free bras (A to K cup) and active essentials for everyday support and comfort. Experience Kinflyte® and our patented posture tech. Get relief from shoulder and back strain.”

  • https://kinflyte.com/

King Size

  • Men’s Sizes L to 9XL

  • “Much of the market ignores the needs of big & tall customers. Not us. We are one of the first and largest big & tall menswear brands in the nation.”

  • https://www.kingsize.com/

Knix (underwear, swimwear, activewear, leakproof period clothing)

  • Women’s Sizes XS to 4XL

  • “It’s time that all of us lived unapologetically free. Free from judgement. Free from self-doubt. Free to be yourself. That’s why all our products, from the most comfortable wireless bras to super absorbent underwear, are designed to make you feel more comfortable in your own skin.”

  • https://knix.com/

Lane Bryant

  • Women’s Sizes 10 to 40

  • “At Lane Bryant, we ingeniously create versatile styles and fits that give you the confidence to live a life filled with possibilities in work, play and love. We thoughtfully design all of our pieces so that no matter your size, body shape or style, it’s easy to find the perfect women’s plus size clothing fit for you.”

  • https://www.lanebryant.com/

Lola Gets (activewear)

  • Women’s Sizes XS to 3X

  • “Years of user testing on women of many shapes and sizes combined with meticulou

  • s attention to detail makes the difference. Carries you in style. Whether on a walk, headed to the gym or simply running errands, the texture of our fabric and design features of Lola Getts activewear will enhance your moves. Move better, farther and with your head higher because you deserve to.”

  • https://www.lolagetts.com/

LOUDBODIES

  • Women's Sizes XXS to 10XL

  • "LOUDBODIES is a clothing brand founded by Patricia Luiza Blaj, driven by her need to prove that style has no size and to make ethically produced sustainable clothing of all sizes available to people everywhere."

  • https://loudbodies.com/

LovelyWholesale (affordable, wholesale prices!)

Machines For Freedom (cycling clothing)

  • Women's Sizes XS to 3XL

  • "Designed at the intersection of athleticism and femininity, Machines For Freedom brings it's signature shape-inclusive fit and high-level of performance to riders everywhere. Whether mountain biking your favorite single track, commuting across town, working up a quick sweat on your Peloton, or gravel touring across the midwest, Machines makes apparel that keeps up on all of your adventures."

  • https://www.machinesforfreedom.com/

Mango

  • Women's Sizes XXS to 4XL; Men's Sizes XS to XXL

  • "The water that bathes our coasts, the warmth of its light and the joy of our people. At MANGO, we want to share the best of the Mediterranean essence we have cultivated for over 35 years. The taste for a slow life and an appreciation for detail, which we translate from our collections into timeless designs that are committed to the environment. A natural and contemporary style that also unites us through the enjoyment of culture in all its forms."

  • https://shop.mango.com/us

Old Navy Women & Women’s Plus

Panty Drop (underwear)

  • Women's Sizes XS to 8XL

  • "The world's best size-inclusive panty. After scanning the market high & low for a panty that fits an XS just as well as a 8XL, we realized it didn't exist. We knew we'd have to make it ourselves, so we did."

  • https://www.pantydrop.me/

Reformation

  • Women's Sizes XS to 3X

  • "Reformation began by selling vintage clothing out of a small Los Angeles storefront in 2009. We quickly expanded into making our own stuff, with a focus on sustainability. Today, we make effortless silhouettes that celebrate the feminine figure and pioneer sustainable practices, focusing on people and progress each step of the way."

  • https://www.thereformation.com/

Rebdolls

  • Women’s Sizes S to 5X

  • “Rebdolls is a missy and plus size fashion brand who believes all women deserve amazing fashion. As a minority and woman-led brand we know that now more than ever the world needs more diversity in fashion. We strive for great quality and well fitting clothes in sizes Small - 5X.”

  • https://rebdolls.com/

Savage X Fenety (lingerie & underwear)

  • Women’s Sizes XS to 3XL, Men’s Sizes S to 3XL

  • “Savage X Fenty celebrates fearlessness, confidence and inclusivity. In partnership with a team assembled from the industry’s elite, the label has disrupted and redefined the marketplace with its accessible price point and extensive assortment of lingerie.”

  • https://www.savagex.com/

SHEFIT

  • Bra and top sizes XS to 6X, legging sizes XS to 2X

  • Flawless fit for every shape and size. The right gear can make or break a workout. At SHEFIT, we take the time to sweat the details. To ensure that every bra and piece of apparel we design fits flawlessly and comfortably for every shape and size – from XS to 6Luxe.

  • https://shefit.com/

Shein Women, Men, Curve + Plus

  • Women and Men’s Sizes XXS to 5XL

  • “SHEIN adheres to the concept that ‘everyone can enjoy the beauty of fashion.’”

  • https://us.shein.com/

Smart Glamour

  • Women's Sixes XXS to 15XL

  • "SmartGlamour has three main very broad goals: to empower our customers through clothing and help them on a road to body acceptance, to make good quality clothing that is sold at affordable prices, and to cut away at the hatred that stems from insecurity and the belief that beauty and brains can not go hand in hand."

  • https://smartglamour.com/

Stitch Fix

  • Women’s Sizes XS-XXL, and women’s plus sizes in 14W-24W, 1X-3X.

  • Men’s Sizes XS-3XL, waist sizes 28-48, tall shirts, and inseams 28-36.

  • “It’s our mission to change the way people find clothes they love by combining technology with the personal touch of seasoned style experts. The Stitch Fix experience is not merely curated—it’s truly personalized to you. We’re here to help you save time, look great and evolve your personal style over time.”

  • https://www.stitchfix.com/

Superfit Hero

  • Women’s Sizes L to 7XL

  • “We believe everyone deserves access to joyful movement. We support plus size athletes with premium activewear designed for their bodies and unparalleled compassionate customer service.”

  • https://superfithero.com/

Swimsuits For All

  • Women’s swimsuits in sizes 2 to 24, women’s cover-ups in sizes 2 to 40.

  • “We celebrate all bodies big and small. We believe women should be proud of their bodies and should be comfortable in their skin. We offer swimwear for all women between sizes 4-40. When it comes to style, we’ve got options— and a promise that you will find your perfect fit. You deserve to feel great!”

  • https://www.swimsuitsforall.com/

Target

  • Women’s Sizes XXS to 6X, Men’s Sizes XS to 5X

  • “Celebrate your curves with on-trend plus-size clothing. Whether you’re looking for everyday basics or want to put together a runway-inspired look, there are so many stylish outfit options.”

  • https://www.target.com/c/women-s-clothing/-/N-5xtcm

Thinx (period underwear & underwear for bladder leaks)

  • Women’s Sizes XXS to 4X

  • “For as long as we can remember, periods and bladder leaks have been discussed in hushed tones behind closed doors. It’s time we end the stigma around these topics and create better solutions to manage leaking. From first periods to postmenopause, and all the leaks in between, Thinx Inc. exists to empower *every body* through innovative solutions and social change.”

  • https://www.shethinx.com/

Torrid

  • Women’s Sizes 10 to 30

  • “We put fit above everything. That’s why we’re First at FitTM. We've broken the rules of design and spent years perfecting our fits for sizes 10-30. And because we don't believe curvy bodies should change to fit clothes, we've changed women's clothing to fit curvy bodies. Unlike other plus size offerings out there, we fit our styles on real women not mannequins. Here at Torrid, fit matters.”

  • https://www.torrid.com/

Ungra8tful

  • Women’s Sizes XL to 5X

  • “Ungra8tful seeks to to expand the definition of plus size fashion and let ourselves be who we really are releasing ourselves from society's unwritten rules of what larger people are ‘allowed to wear.’”

  • “We offer a permanent 20% discount on all items for Black people & people of color. Please email liesl@ungra8tful.com or DM on instagram for discount code.”

  • https://www.ungra8tful.com/

Universal Standard

  • Women’s Sizes 4XS to 4XL (keep in mind, Universal Standard's 4XL compares to a 7X in other brands!)

  • “Fit Liberty: Size can change - it happens all the time - but fit shouldn’t have to. We want you to shop for the woman in the mirror, not the number on the label, and we promise that if your size shifts (up or down) we’ll replace your clothes for free. Any piece in our Fit Liberty collection is automatically eligible for a 1-year size swap, so buy today and never worry tomorrow.”

  • https://www.universalstandard.com/

We Are Hairy People

  • Sizes XS to 3X/4X/5X (depending on item)

  • Options to send in your own garments to be hand painted!

  • “Hand painted, eco friendly clothing. More personalised, creative and fun clothing than you’ve seen in a while, we specialise in bringing you eye catching wearable art, that’s both customisable and eco-friendly! You can have your own clothing up cycled or personalise our ethical organic blanks with WeAreHairyPeople designs or a custom design from your own inspiration. We’re also a Bristol based community art studio for mental health, working to pursue freelance textile art as a support group, using a good chunk of sales to provide a respite space for creative outlets, for free, to our artists and wider community.”

  • https://www.wearehairypeople.co.uk/

Wray

  • Women’s Sizes XXS to 6XL

  • “Born Of Serna's Interest In Art And Design, Each Season Builds On Influences From Sculpture, Painting, And Beyond To Create Clothes Which Are Focused On Both Form And Function. While Her Collections Are Designed And Developed In Nyc, Every Garment Is Created Ethically At A Fair-trade Operations In India, Hong Kong And Peru.”

  • https://wray.nyc/


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