Plus Size Clothing: Overview
Plus-size clothing is a special segment of clothing that is larger in size and designed specifically for people who are overweight. Plus-size apparel is advised for a variety of body types, and sizes differ by region. Companies are increasingly employing alternative terminology for plus size, such as super sizes, extended sizes, and curvaceous, to attract customers since they seem less unpleasant than plus size or oversize. As a result, the industry has seen it as a difficult market to break into and thus not worth investing in until lately. An increasing number of women have long argued that the plus-size designation is discriminatory, outmoded, and offensive, and that it should be abolished.
Some fashion retailers split plus-sizes from the usual lines, while others, such as Abercrombie & Fitch, have completely abandoned or disregarded them. The plus-size clothing sector is rapidly growing, outpacing the broader fashion industry and projecting continued high development. Within this, plus-size menswear is expected to grow at a faster rate than women’s clothing. Operators are waking up to the idea that the highest sales are achieved from lines that cater to all shapes and sizes, fueled by demand from ever-increasing Western body dimensions and a strong undercurrent of heightened body confidence.
Key Factors Driving Major Growth for the Plus Size Clothing Market
People are spending more money as a result of shifting fashion trends and a wide variety of plus-size clothing, which fuels demand and growth in the plus-size clothing market. The growth of the plus size clothing market has been fueled by an increase in demand for plus size clothing due to an increase in the obese population, increased consumer confidence, and an increase in the number of manufacturers supplying plus size range products. Furthermore, the increased availability of plus size clothes through omni-channel retail and the expansion of brand presence in the industry provide market players with a variety of attractive chances.
As a result of powerful fashion marketing and promotional campaigns, especially on magazine covers such as Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Elle, and Glamour, the trend of body positivity and development in confidence among plus size women has helped the plus size apparel market to further boost demand. Similarly, a more positive public opinion of plus-size people, bolstered by celebrity endorsement, has encouraged customers to embrace their plus-size appearance, driving market demand.
Major Hurdles in the Progress of Plus Size Clothing Market
Plus-size clothing necessitates a significant investment; producers face higher production costs and lower profit margins for larger garments. This may prevent manufacturers from developing plus-size clothes since they are unable to predict specific consumer preferences; as a result, the global growth of the plus-size apparel market may be stifled. The image factor, which the fashion industry has always been worried about, is linked to the cost issue. To be honest, all of these fear concerns are based on a lack of motivation to service a market that is underserved. In our society, obese individuals have traditionally been stigmatized. Some designers are hesitant to break away from their Cool or Chic image by including Plus-Sizes in their collections.
The lack of variety in alternatives is a typical complaint among plus-size women. Today, only 8% of fashion brands cater to plus-size customers. Plus-size women desire collections that are based on the same current trends and patterns as standard-size clients, but in a larger size. It’s harder for men because there aren’t many female trailblazers like Ashley Graham or Tess Holliday. As a result, when it comes to options, this market pales in comparison.
COVID-19 Pandemic Impact Analysis for Plus Size Clothing Market
During the covid-19 pandemic, the stock market suffered a tremendous loss. During the early phase of the shutdown, production processes were halted. Furthermore, the lengthy lockdowns caused supply chain problems. As a result, raw materials were scarce. Furthermore, governments in certain locations are granting exemptions. This would assist industries in resuming their operations.
In contrast to the Asian approach, the more mature European and American plus-size sectors, which began with a focus on low-cost quick fashion, have expanded to include a wide range of companies with more sophisticated options. Despite the fact that COVID had a substantial impact on the sector, it is still far ahead of Asian markets.
Major Trends Observed in Plus Size Clothing Market
The fashion business has been marginalized. Because of the boomerang effect, plus-size clothing is more expensive, and addressing the additional cost is not always possible. Lingerie is, without a doubt, the item that makes plus-size designers sweat the most. Designers and merchants have considered Plus-Size women as a separate species of consumer for decades, viewing them as protective rather than fashion-oriented. Plus clients, according to today’s surveys and reports, are pushing for color, on-trend fashion, and garments that show off their bodies.
The male segment, which accounted for over half of the worldwide plus size clothing market revenue, is likely to continue to rule the roost during the forecast period. This is due to the significant spending on plus size clothing and the presence of a correspondingly big male obesity population. The female segment, on the other hand, is predicted to develop at a faster rate. The segment’s expansion has been fueled by an upward trend in female obesity rates.
The three major transaction points are direct-to-consumer websites, supermarkets and hypermarkets, and specialty retailers. Hypermarkets dominated the market, with specialty stores and online outlets following closely behind (DTC). Plus-size brands, on the other hand, appear to prefer the direct-to-consumer model, owing to retailers’ reluctance to carry a comprehensive selection for fear of stock not selling out, which, in turn, stems from plus-size women refusing to shop at these locations due to their historically oblivious attitude toward them – a vicious cycle, to say the least.
Regional Market Dynamics for Plus Size Clothing
The plus-size clothing market in North America was the largest in the world. Obesity among persons in North America is increasing as a result of an increase in the adoption of extended sizes of apparel due to an increasing predilection for processed foods and a physically inactive lifestyle. In a nutshell, children’s plus-size apparel is difficult to come by in stores, is largely supplied online, and lacks contemporary styles. More options and/or specialist stores are needed to cater to a group that accounts for up to one-third of the adolescent population in the United States.
Children in the United States, like the rest of the population, are wearing larger sizes. These children, who number in the millions, want to fit in. For some plus-size children, school shopping may be a torturous process. Due to increased demand and people’s choice for plus size clothes and trendy fashionable clothing, the plus size clothing market in Asia Pacific is expected to rise fast during the forecast period, assisting in the expansion of the plus size clothing market in the region.
Companies Emphasizing on Fashion Friendly Plus Size Clothing
The preference and demand for plus size women’s clothes have been studied by retailers and designers in the plus size women’s clothing sector. Manufacturers are concentrating their efforts on introducing new fashion trends and patterns in garments. Several companies are focusing on product development to expand their product portfolios, as well as initiatives to give plus-size fashion a new perspective in order to empower women and boost their self-esteem.
The key players operating in the global plus size clothing market analysis include Ralph Lauren Corporation, Hennes & Mauritz AB, Adidas AG, Nike, Inc., PUMA SE, ASOS plc, WHP Global, Punto Fa SL, Capri Holdings Limited, and Under Armour, Inc.
Future Outlook for Plus Size Clothing Market
Plus-size shoppers were able to spend more on clothing and other discretionary goods as the economy improved and per capita, disposable income increased over the last five years. Furthermore, the market for industrial goods has been consistently growing over the last few years and is likely to continue to do so in the next years. Plus-size women’s apparel, or clothes tailored expressly for larger women, is a specialty of retailers in this business. Plus-size clothing is typically defined as sizes 14 and higher; however, not all brands and sellers adhere to this standard.
Companies have attempted to capitalize on high-profile segments’ prospects. Low-cost fast fashion, on the other hand, has dominated their efforts. Online sales and plus-size clothes sales from multi-department stores are excluded from the industry. In the plus-size market for children, there is a demand for trendy, contemporary clothing. In addition, there is a need for children’s plus-sizes in retail outlets.
