Guest post by Jessica Curry
“Plus size fashion”, what is that supposed to mean? Whenever we talk about fashion, images like hourglass figure, slim body and a perfect face cross our minds. Since eons, the fashion industry has stuck to orthodox beauty standards, but with the turnoff time, we have seen this trend to change in the market. Fashion designers are ready to experiment with the look of their models, and they have gone ahead to break the monotony. One such trend which has emerged is the plus size stores. Yes, these stores have products and attires specially built for the plus size people. These dresses or outfits are designed in a manner that they will fit plus size people like a hug and represent their curves proudly.
Why Plus size stores are on the rise?
Plus size or curvy brings back the idea of body-positive fashion that created headlines in 2017. The revolution started in Paris where a campaign against ”gloss phobia” or fat shaming started. With this many new stores launched plus size collections, big names in the industry also jumped into this pool, and many fashion bloggers have come up with their plus size clothing line. Even plus size models are readily flaunting their curves without worrying about the body shaming comments. All this has stirred a new debate on the existence and future of plus size stores.
The skyrocketing demand of the plus size stores
Well, if you don’t believe the aforesaid, then maybe the figures will change your outlook. As per a study in the International Journal of Fashion Design that came out in 2016, an average American woman is between size 16 and 18. Because of the rising number of plus size people, they have become a driving force for the rise of plus size stores. The NDP Group plus size did 21.4-billion-dollar business in 2016 whereas it was 17.4 billion dollars in 2013.
What are the key drivers of this change?
As mentioned above, the changing demographics is one of the key factors which is bringing his change, besides, this; there are other drivers of change which have led to the surge of plus size stores across the globe:
- Changing opinion – One of the reasons that has led to the ride of plus size stores around the world is the changing of opinion and acceptance of plus size as a fashion symbol. Yes, unlike the present time, the situation earlier was not so friendly for the curvy women, especially in the fashion industry. There was a time when a perfect figure and body was a key parameter for anyone to make into the fashion industry, but now the trend has changed. People are now accepting the curve as a fashion symbol, so much so that exclusive stores are featuring plus size attires.
- E-commerce – Yes, this is yet another reason why people are turning towards establishing plus size clothing lines and stores. These stores give women the freedom to choose the attire that best matches their body type without compromising on comfort and style statement. Moreover, with e-commerce stores, it becomes easier for them to reach out to those millions of women sitting across the world.
- Demographics – Well, we have mentioned this point above, but the changing demographics is one of the most significant contributors in the emergence and rise of plus size stores. With more and more females falling in this category, it has emerged as an increasingly popular business opportunity for fashion enthusiasts and retail store owners. You can now easily find an entire clothing line, shoes, lingerie lines dedicated to the plus size people thus making it easy for them to buy fashionable and comfortable stuff.
Conclusion
Plus size stores are here to stay, with a wider acceptance of plus size figure and the growing need of getting the customized products, these stores dedicatedly work to fashionably accentuate the curves.
About the author:
Jessica Curry is a professional writer who loves to share blog posts and ideas about home improvement, health, fashion, business and automotive. Her goal is to create content that will be informative for readers seeking to gain more knowledge in these areas.