Global Plus-Size Fashion Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report, Type, Gender, Age Group, Distribution Channel, By Region Forecasts, 2024 – 2032
Global Plus-Size Fashion Market was valued at US $ 415.2 Million in 2023 and is expected to reach US $ 719.5 Million by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period 2024 – 2032.
Plus-size fashion refers to the creation, manufacturing, and distribution of apparel made especially for people whose sizes are larger than average for the industry. This industry specialises in offering fashionable, well-fitting clothing to people who usually wear sizes larger than what is deemed ""standard"" in popular culture. Plus-size clothing is dedicated to inclusivity, honouring and showcasing a range of body types. It aims to enable people of all sizes to express their distinctive style and feel confident in their fashion choices by providing a wide range of apparel in a variety of styles, from casual wear to formal attire. The growing need for stylish, inclusive solutions that meet the wide range of needs and tastes of the plus-size community is driving the market's expansion.
The strong expansion of the plus-size fashion business can be attributed to the growing consciousness of body acceptance and size inclusivity. Consumer behaviours are changing as a result of this growing awareness, encouraging a more inclusive approach to fashion decisions. People who were once marginalised or underserved in the fashion business are now actively involved in the plus-size market as society norms are changing to embrace a wider range of body shapes and sizes. Industry standards are being adjusted in response to the evolving situation, which is also reflected in the evolving expectations of consumers. Fashion brands are actively supporting size inclusion, questioning conventional wisdom, and changing beauty standards. This movement is amplified by social media platforms, which give activists, celebrities, and influencers a tremendous platform to promote body acceptance, highlight a variety of body shapes, and change people's opinions. Customers connect with brands that genuinely support body acceptance because authenticity is becoming a crucial factor in determining brand loyalty. A healthy and dynamic market environment is facilitated by inclusive marketing initiatives, partnerships with influencers that support diversity, and a rejection of unattainable beauty standards. The plus-size fashion market is well-positioned to grow steadily in response to the growing awareness of body positivity and the needs of a more empowered, diversified, and discriminating consumer base.
“Casual Wear segment, by type, to be dominating market from 2023 to 2030.”
At present, the category of Casual Wear holds the highest market share globally, accounting for about 36.12% of the plus-size market. The industry growing at the quickest rate is sportswear, with a predicted CAGR of about 5.8%. Casual clothing is the most popular choice because it combines everyday comfort with versatility in a way that appeals to a wide range of customers. The popularity of casual styles is fueled by a rising need for fashionable, inclusive solutions that suit a wide range of age groups and lifestyles. The prevalence of business-casual or casual dress codes in many workplaces, which are changing, contributes to the market domination of casual clothing.
“Male segment, by gender, to be dominating market from 2023 to 2030.”
With roughly 52.62% of the worldwide plus-size fashion market share, the male category is in the lead. With a CAGR of about 7.1% as opposed to the male segment's 6.5% CAGR, the plus-size female market is anticipated to increase at the quickest rate. Men are seen as leaders because of the growing acceptance of body positivity in society and the fashion industry's growing awareness of the need for fashionable, inclusive options. Men are embracing their own body types, looking for a wider variety of wardrobe options, and reaping the benefits of increased media and advertising representation of different male bodies.
“16 to 59 segment, by age group, to be dominating market from 2023 to 2030.”
With an estimated 62.6% of the plus-size fashion market, the 16 to 59 age group presently occupies the leading position. Although the under-15 age group is now the smallest, it is expected to expand at the quickest rate, with a CAGR of about 9.2%. The age range of 16 to 59 years old is a prominent force in the plus-size fashion sector, which is always changing. Because of their varied lifestyle activities and increased fashion consciousness, members of this generation are pushing the market for fashionable and inclusive plus-size apparel.
“Offline segment, by distribution channel, to be dominating market from 2023 to 2030.”
With around 47.23% of the worldwide plus-size fashion market, offline is presently in the lead position. With a CAGR of about 12.6%, online is expected to be the distribution channel with the quickest rate of growth. At the moment, offline (brick and mortar) retailers are the best because of the tangible in-person experience they provide. Customers can interact directly with apparel in traditional retail settings, which guarantees a customised fitting experience and promotes a feeling of familiarity. Long-standing, physical brands frequently reap the rewards of a devoted following of patrons.
“North America to be largest region in Plus-Size Fashion market.”
With about 42% of the worldwide market share, North America is presently the industry leader for plus-size fashion. The region with the quickest rate of growth is expected to be Asia Pacific, with a CAGR of about 6.3%. There are differences in the plus-size fashion market dynamics between Asia-Pacific (APAC) and North America (NA). A strong embrace of inclusion and body positivity in North America has propelled the plus-size fashion business to prosperity. Retailers are now deliberately accommodating a wider range of body shapes, providing a trendy selection, and working with influencers and celebrities to promote diversity in response to this societal shift.
Plus-Size Fashion Competitive Landscape
The competitive landscape of the Plus-Size Fashion market involves assessing the competitive landscape to understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the industry. Key industry players have recognized that the adoption of Plus-Size Fashion technology holds the potential for further growth. The growing desire among producers to optimize their production costs has spurred collaborative efforts among companies to scale up their production capacity. This strategic collaboration not only aims to increase revenue but also seeks to establish dominance in the market.
The Plus-Size Fashion market is highly competitive, with numerous companies vying for market share. Prominent companies in the Plus-Size Fashion Market include:
Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart, Torrid, Eloquii, Universal Standard, Reformation, Good American, Macy's, J.C. Maurice's, Woman Within, Penney, Talbot's Plus Size, Evans, Forever 21, Old Navy, Mango, H&M, Nike, Adidas, Swimsuits For All and others.
Recent developments:
The well-known fast-fashion label SHEIN debuted their first plus-size line, ""Curve,"" on October 26, 2023. This unique brand responds to the growing demand in the plus-size clothing industry for fashionable and reasonably priced solutions by showcasing fashion-forward designs in sizes 14–24.
ThirdLove, a well-known lingerie brand that is praised for being inclusive of all body shapes, increased the size range of their bra and knickers selection to 4X on October 25, 2023. This choice demonstrates a commitment to celebrating the beauty of each individual and accepting a variety of body forms.
Leading plus-size clothes store Torrid successfully purchased Adore Me, a digitally native lingerie company that specialises in sizes 14–26, on October 20, 2023. By taking this calculated risk, Torrid is able to strengthen its position in the lingerie market and expand its range of products.