We’ve already proved that time and time again: curvy women sell clothing extremely well. So why is it that high street retailers are still struggling to find out what sizing should be available in stores? With all of the recent curvy girl friendly campaigns, from Marimekko for Target and RACHEL Rachel Roy at Macy’s, there’s definitely a growth of acceptance for curvy women in clothing, but the experience of shopping as a curvy woman is still lagging far behind.
According to Mirror UK, a third of UK women consider ‘plus size’ a US 14/UK 18, while retailers are still starting at a US 10/UK 14. The difference between what companies think curvy women are fitting into, and what curvy women prefer as far as fit couldn’t be further from each other. Even on a recent shopping trip at a local Brooklyn boutique, I found myself liking a couple things on a rack and when I went to ask the saleswoman for a larger size in a top she told me that most of the things in the store were one size fits all. You read that correctly—one size fits all. Even in jeans!
Putting a number on what size belongs in which category is a never-ending discussion that I don’t expect to be solved anytime soon. And while retailers and buyers can’t agree on what sizes are deemed curvy, it’s not too much to ask to be able to walk into a store and buy something other than a keychain or a bracelet. According to clothing store Daxon’s studies, “64% of women felt that high street retailers don’t offer an adequate range of plus size fashion” and that number rose to 67% of women who are a size US 18/UK 22. No matter where people think curvy sizes begin, there shouldn’t have to be a celebration every time a store decides to expand sizing.
Stores should try fitting people in order to have a more diverse range of offerings, like this designer we spoke to did.