How Plus Size Brands and Retailers Can Improve and Do Better

twenty years ago (or even fifteen if we’re being honest) It was almost unheard of for plus size fashion and models to be fully visible and mainstream. There’s a lot to be proud of in how far we’ve come in the world of plus-size fashion, but as with anything, there’s always room for improvement.

Fortunately, more and more plus-size brands and retailers are expanding sizes, producing more modern designs and using plus-size models in various body types – this is a step in the right direction, but it is certainly not the end of the road.

But as plus size fashion has captured the attention of the mainstream media, it has become a 24 billion-dollar industry. statisticianHe plus size brands and retailers Figure out what we’re still missing and need, and we have a few places these brands can start to help!

Here are a few ways Plus Size Brands and Retailers are Getting it Out of the Park

Give Us Diversity in Model Representation by Sizes, Shapes, and Race

for every celebration plus size swimwear collection or plus size underwear lineThere is one plus-size retailer that prefers only hourglass-shaped plus-size people, while ignoring those with apple or pear physiques, for example. plus size brands, Universal Standard and kiyonna it does a great job showcasing a variety of plus size women.

ALSO, instead of adding sizes below 14, they should add sizes over 3X at least 32 and it highlights women of more color and size to be the face of campaigns and clothing lines. Going 4X/5X should be the norm, not the exception.

Contrary to popular belief, we love to dress up and some of us don’t let our bodies dictate our style…but we need options!

Do not be afraid! Add Style Variety, Take Risks

It seems that when a trend is hot, some plus size brands and retailers will ride it until the seams drop. Many plus size retailers design and sell the same styles over and over, including popular styles like bodycon dresses, cold-shoulder tops, cropped denim or bodysuits. While we love a great fiber, we need variety in style, color and print.

Want to impress your results? Enter each season with a view to providing plus-size clients with trendy apparel that celebrates all aspects of the plus-size silhouette and avoids working to the extremes like overly sexy or overly scruffy outfits.

Give us structure, shape, innovative silhouettes and have some fun with it! Don’t water the style. When paired with fuller plus-size models, we can see how these items would look to us and inspire to buy.

Make Sure Major PR Firms Know and Respect Existing Plus Size Specialists

While it’s nice to have plus-size fashion in the mainstream media, we use the industry-forming media by default, the plus-size media. Curvy Fashionista would be one of the major media brands to keep their finger on the pulse, but there’s so much going on. plus size blogsInfluencers and experts that PR might be interested in and know.

This includes photographers, plus size stylists, creative directorsand beauticians. These plus size industry experts exist and KNOW the market.

Additionally, listening to and collaborating with plus-size fashion bloggers, influencers, and the media is a step in the right direction, as they often keep their finger on the pulse of what’s going on in the real world and know what we want, not what we want. retailers *think* we need it.

Take part in Local and National Plus Size Events

Make your presence known in the New Year by going out and supporting your local plus size community. To join local eventsConnect with influencers and bloggers in your area while supporting larger events at the national level. Not only is it a great support tool, it’s also an easy way to network if you want to collaborate with others.

You can’t assume everyone knows your brand, where you are, or even cares about the community… Go out and say hello!

Build and Maintain Relationships 100

The growth of the plus-size fashion industry is a revolution that continues to move forward, and companies are starting to pay more and more attention to it. Where plus-size consumers see representation, many brands only see dollar signs. And that’s why they use popular buzzwords like “size included” when they have nothing to offer.

Companies using this app should understand that we see what they do, get the necessary motivation for it, and more importantly, talk about it! We’re great at finding all the receipts, and when sudden adoration seems to have been produced, we won’t hesitate to spread it because it actually is.

Invest in Marketing

The plus size market is now a “They will come if you do” mentality. We have options. There is competition. There is noise. And if you think that by simply declaring you’re here, that’s all you have to do as a brand, you’re wrong. You will need to have a budget to reach influencers, media outlets, advertise and build awareness and relationships.

This is especially true if you’re a straight-size brand. The same launch budget you created for straight sizes should be given to the plus size market AND TIME.

YES, there are plus-size social media managers. Yes, there are people who understand how to market to the plus-size customer. Yes, there are experts who know how to cut through the noise, reach your target market, generate interest and excitement around your brand. BUT… you need a budget AND consistency.

One big throwing move won’t be enough… look what White House Black Market and Old Navy recently did. You need to remember what and how about Fashion Nova’s FN Plus on our face and neck. Or Shein’s constant urge to stand out and prove himself. Once you can’t stop pushing and think that’s enough… it just doesn’t work anymore.

We now have more options than ever before, and if we as a large community want it to stay that way, we have to demand that we need more, insistently, loudly, and over and over… Right? TRUE.

Tell us, what do you think plus size retailers can do to make your shopping experience better? What are some of your favorite brands that are always right?

Let us know in the comments!