Industry jargon not your thing? Our glossary will enlighten you!
"Plus size" refers to clothing sizes that go beyond standard clothing sizes. In the fashion world, the term has become increasingly important as it represents a movement towards more inclusivity and body positivity. Plus size fashion aims to offer people with larger body measurements fashionable and well-fitting clothes that were often difficult to find in the past.
Diversity and inclusivity: Plus size fashion promotes the representation of a wider range of body types in the fashion world and supports the concept of body positivity.
Market expansion: The demand for plus size fashion is growing, leading to an expansion of the market and a greater variety of products.
Design challenges: Designing plus size clothing requires an understanding of different body shapes and sizes to ensure stylish and comfortable fits.
Plus size fashion has developed from a niche category to an important segment in the fashion industry. Designers and brands are increasingly recognizing the importance and potential of this market and integrating plus size collections into their regular range. This change is also reflected in fashion shows, advertising campaigns and in the media, where plus size models can be seen more and more frequently.
Stereotypes and stigmatization: Despite growing acceptance, there are still challenges related to stereotypes and stigmatization of larger body sizes.
Diversity in fit: Creating clothing that accommodates a wide range of body types and sizes remains a challenge for designers.
Equal representation: Equal representation of plus size fashion compared to standard sizes in the fashion industry is an ongoing concern.
Plus size models play an important role in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. They help to broaden the view of beauty and fashion and represent a more realistic portrayal of bodies in the media. Their presence has helped to change the perception of beauty standards and promote greater self-acceptance and self-confidence among people of all body sizes.
The classification of plus sizes can vary, but generally starts at US size 14/16 (EU 44/46) for women and XXL for men.