The plus size clothing market has seen rapid growth in recent years as demand increases. More brands and retailers are offering extended sizes to capture this growing consumer segment. In the US alone, over 60% of women wear size 14 or larger, representing a $21 billion market. With shifting consumer preferences and increasing online shopping, there are significant investment opportunities in the plus size fashion space.
Growing Acceptance Drives Increasing Demand
The plus size clothing market is benefiting from growing social acceptance of diverse body types. Advertising and media are helping to promote more inclusive standards of beauty. Consumers are demanding extended sizes and seeking body positive brands. This drives more brands to expand their size ranges. As options increase, more consumers feel comfortable exploring plus size fashion.
Online Channels Capture Larger Share Of Purchases
Ecommerce is transforming fashion retail, especially benefiting plus size shoppers. Online shopping avoids issues finding desired items in physical stores. Leading online players like ASOS and Navabi cater extensively to the plus size market. Even mass retailers like Walmart and Target now offer much wider size ranges online. This increases access and convenience. Over half of plus size fashion sales are now online, a share expected to increase further.
Dedicated Brands Outpace The Overall Market
Brands dedicated specifically to plus size consumers are seeing rapid expansion. These brands design clothing expressly for curvier figures. They help fill significant gaps in fit, style and support. Specialist players like ELOQUII and Universal Standard grow much faster than the overall plus size market. Retailers should consider acquiring these brands rather than simply extending sizes of existing labels.
The plus size clothing market offers major growth opportunities, both for specialist brands and mass retailers expanding size ranges. An increasing share of purchases occur online due to greater access and convenience. Investments should focus on digital-first brands catering specifically to plus size body types and styles.