Straight to the point
In recent years there’s been a push for greater representation and inclusion.
With thin models and straight sizing having long dominated the runways, the time came for change. While there has been greater representation in the fashion shows of New York, Paris, Milan, and London, consumers were still feeling left out.
For many brands, sizes beyond their straight sizes are nothing more than afterthought. And consumers know when they’re being excluded.
Size inclusivity isn’t just about adding a few plus sizes, or offering a few garments in XL as part of a clearly, thinly veiled attempt to capitalize on the plus-size market.
No, size inclusivity is about making clothing for all body shapes and types.
Why the Fashion Industry Needs to Have This Conversation
The fashion industry has long been criticized for its lack of size inclusivity, often catering predominantly to a narrow range of body types. Despite growing awareness and calls for diversity, recent data indicates that progress remains limited.
Runway Representation
The Spring/Summer 2025 fashion shows in New York, London, Milan, and Paris saw thousands of stunning runway looks, but let’s talk about who was wearing them.
Out of 8,763 outfits that hit the catwalk, only 0.8% featured plus-size models (US size 14+), and just 4.3% included mid-size models (US sizes 6-12). That means that 94.9% of the looks were designed for straight sizes (US sizes 0-4).
Meanwhile, an analysis of 50 major womenswear brands’ Fall/Winter 2023 shows found that only 15 brands included mid or plus-size models, while 70% featured none at all.
The numbers don’t lie.
High fashion still has a long way to go when it comes to representing all body types. It’s time for brands to embrace the full spectrum of style and make fashion truly for everyone.
Consumers Want Greater Inclusivity
Shoppers are making it clear that size inclusivity matters. A 2023 survey found that over one-third of Millennials consider inclusive sizing a top priority when shopping for clothes.
Gen Z? Not as much – only 14% felt the same way. But the message is clear: more and more shoppers, especially Millennials, expect brands to offer a diverse range of sizes. The demand is there, now fashion just needs to catch up.
What Is Inclusive Sizing?
Inclusive sizing means a garment is offered in all sizes. Not just straight plus or straight sizes, but rather the full range of sizes to cater to all consumer bodies.
Since fit and fall are so important when it comes to fashion, size inclusivity is also about accommodating different body shapes and proportions. Unlike traditional sizing models that scale up or down from a base pattern, inclusive sizing takes into account real body diversity. Ideally, it’s being designed by the very bodies that will wear them.
Key elements of inclusive sizing:
- Sizes that go beyond the typical XS-XL range, including plus-size, petite, tall, and extended in-between sizes;
- Garments designed with proportional adjustments to ensure proper fit across all sizes;
- A focus on fit, comfort, and style for every customer, regardless of size, shape, or proportions.
The Business Case for Inclusive Sizing
Inclusive sizing makes business sense. In 2023, “just the segment of plus-size clothing stores for women was estimated to be worth around 12.7 billion U.S. dollars.”
But again, don’t think that simply extending your size range is enough to tap into the plus-size market. As we’ve mentioned, that’s not the case. Inclusive sizing also comes with business challenges, namely investing more money in design and marketing.
Investing in better design for inclusive sizing
One of the biggest challenges of inclusive sizing is getting the fit right.
Expanding size ranges isn’t just a matter of scaling up measurements – it requires rethinking proportions, tailoring, and fabric behavior across different body types.
That means investing more in patternmaking, testing, and product development to ensure a great fit for every customer, from petite to plus-size. It can be a hefty investment, but if you do it right, you’ll see higher customer satisfaction, and greater sales.
For the investment to pay off, however, you’ll also end up spending more on marketing and advertising to make sure you get the word out.
Inventory management
Stocking an expanded size range is a logistical challenge. More sizes mean higher production costs, greater storage needs, and increased complexity in demand forecasting.
You’ll need to strike a balance between meeting customer needs and avoiding overproduction, which can lead to waste and financial losses. Implementing data-driven inventory management can help predict which sizes will be in demand and adjust production accordingly.
Additionally, offering made-to-order or limited batch runs for extended sizes can help you manage inventory efficiently while still catering to a broader audience. Offering pre-sales can also help gauge demand for sizing.
Marketing to a diverse audience
Expanding your size range also means expanding your marketing strategy. Different customer segments require different messaging, models, and campaigns to feel seen and valued just as much as they require different garment designs.
One-size-fits-all doesn’t work in inclusive sizing, and it definitely won’t work for your advertising.
Instead, invest in targeted marketing efforts. Think influencer collaborations, size-diverse product imagery, and inclusive language.
Best Practices to Adopt Inclusive Sizing
To successfully implement inclusive sizing, consider these best practices:
Expand Thoughtfully
Adding more sizes isn’t just about increasing numbers, it’s about getting the fit right. Instead of simply scaling patterns up or down, use data and customer insights to expand your size ranges strategically.
The goal should be a well-designed fit that works for every body, not just more sizes on a tag.
Improve Size Guides & Fit Information
Nobody likes guessing their size. Detailed size charts, comparison tools, and product descriptions help shoppers find their perfect fit with confidence.
Even better?
AI-powered sizing solutions that use real body measurements and style preferences to make personalized recommendations. Fewer returns, happier customers – everyone wins.
Feature Inclusive Models & Marketing
Representation matters.
Showcasing diverse body types, ethnicities, and ages in product photos, campaigns, and social media helps customers feel seen and valued. But inclusivity isn’t just a one-time thing, and you definitely don’t want to be seen as practicing tokenism. Instead, diversity and representation should be woven into your brand’s identity, not just a box to check.
Educate Customers
Shoppers benefit from education on how to find the best fit for their body. You should offer guides on how to measure accurately, explain the differences in fit across styles, and provide styling tips for various body shapes. Clear, informative content fosters trust and helps customers feel confident in their purchases.
The Future of Fashion is Inclusive
Size inclusivity is the future. Consumers are demanding better representation, and the brands that listen will build stronger loyalty, increase sales, and set new industry standards.
But real inclusivity goes beyond offering more sizes. Real size inclusivity is about designing for every body, improving fit accuracy, and showcasing diversity in marketing. The fashion industry has the opportunity to create a more inclusive, welcoming space for all shoppers.
The only question: is your brand ready to step up and lead the way?
If you’d like to learn more about representation in fashion, make sure to check out our blog post about the ins and outs of plus-size fashion.
