
The sustainable fashion scene has been gaining momentum for a while now. The fashion industry is finally acknowledging its impact on climate change, and it’s taking steps to address its role as a major contributing factor.
Another movement that has been growing steadily is the size-inclusive movement. However, it’s only in recent times that these two movements have started to overlap.
For many women, making the transition from fast fashion to sustainable clothing can be challenging because most sustainable brands still fail to offer inclusive sizes.
Most designers and brands offer clothing only up to an XL size, leaving a large number of consumers unable to access these eco-conscious options.
Since most sustainable brands are independently owned or small to medium-sized businesses, they are often hesitant to invest in size-inclusive clothing due to the high costs of expanding their collections.
However, with demand for plus-size clothing continuing to grow, more brands are listening to their customers and expanding their size ranges.
Here are some exciting brands that are changing the industry’s approach to fit and sustainability:
Founded in 2009, Reformation has been a leader in sustainable and ethical fashion from the very start. Their plus-size collection offers clothing up to a 3X, and all of their best-sellers are available in sizes 14 to 24.
True to their commitment to sustainability, Reformation calculates its emissions and publishes a yearly report on its carbon footprint, outlining what they’re doing to reduce their environmental impact.
Eileen Fisher is a board-certified Fair Trade brand committed to making fashion more sustainable. Using organic fibres, the brand also runs a renewal program aimed at reducing clothing waste.
Eileen Fisher is dedicated to paying fair wages to garment workers, further strengthening their ethical commitment.
Mara Hoffman is known for its understated, high-quality styles that are both feminine and sustainable. The designer creates each collection responsibly, using certified organic fibres and recycled fabrics.
The brand also uses tags made from 80% recycled paper, printed with soy-based ink, and opts for compostable bags instead of plastic.
This British brand is known for its sustainable practices and has recently launched a successful crowdfunding campaign to help expand its collection and become more size-inclusive. They’re working on a new range of size-inclusive dresses made entirely from biodegradable and compostable TENCEL fabric.
Birdsong is committed to paying fair wages to its garment workers and supporting women’s charities as part of their ethical and sustainable approach.
Girlfriend Collective offers activewear up to XXXL size, with transparency in the production process like no other brand. Customers can view the entire development and production process on the Girlfriend Collective website.
The brand’s garments are made with recycled plastic in Taiwan, using 25 plastic bottles to make each pair of comfortable leggings. The dyes used are also environmentally friendly, making this a truly sustainable activewear brand.
Universal Standard is renowned for offering a wide range of sizes, from petite to plus-size. Their high-end fabrics and minimalist aesthetic have made them popular among women of all shapes and sizes.
By offering stylish and timeless essentials, the brand has set a new standard in plus-size fashion, providing curvy women with high-quality, elegant clothing. Their factories in China, Peru, France, and the USA are all vetted to ensure adherence to ethical manufacturing standards.
The intersection of sustainability and size inclusivity is a game-changer for the fashion industry. As more brands embrace both of these important movements, consumers are gaining access to stylish, eco-friendly clothing that caters to a wider range of body types.
The future of fashion is undoubtedly one that celebrates diversity, ethics, and a commitment to protecting the planet, proving that style can be both inclusive and sustainable.