SPRING 2022 / REAL-LEADERS.COM 27 ETHICAL FASHION Inclusive Sizing: Creating Better Fashion that is Here to Stay Anyone paying attention to the fashion industry will have noticed the emergence and growth of the size-inclusive market. It’s now obvious that inclusion through size, in all directions, is a great way to capture a previously elusive spend — from clients craving style, functionality, and quality that complement their body shape. According to Acute Market Research, the global plus-sized market is valued at over $178 billion, with projected 4.3% annual growth through to 2028. As a result, brands have an endless opportunity to expand their sales through extended sizing options and investment in extended size fit models, quality garment construction, and innovative artistic direction. The market for body shapes and sizes that don’t look like touched-up, glossy advertisements is significant. Androgynous Identity: Removing Gender fromDesign Current trend-watchers regularly highlight gendershifting in men’s clothing with pop-culture icons such as Harry Styles and Jonathan Van Ness. As a mountaineer, I can happily say that I can put on a “men’s sock line” or a “men’s jacket” and feel 100% fine — no matter what gender the products are marketed to. We’re seeing more brands develop more androgynous lines, especially with Generation Z and Millennials paving the path for diversity in color ranges, types of clothing, and modern silhouettes that do not comply with stereotypical gender norms. Some multi-billion dollar brands realized this opportunity ages ago — Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel was a pioneer for translating menswear into womenswear through simplistic and minimalistic cuts. Enter companies like Wildfang that are on a mission to rethink gender norms and how they show up in fashion. “We embrace our masculine, our feminine, and our-everything-in-between,” say the founders. “Why is the fashion industry still clinging to outdated gender norms?” they ask. Left: The “Style Has No Size” campaign was founded by Dutch woman Edith Dohmen in 2012. “I don’t want to promote obesity or anorexia,” she says. “I want to promote health and a positive self esteem and let women be proud of themselves, in any size. It’s very important to accept your size and your body. And love it! If you do embrace your body and curves, you will show it to the world! You want to look and feel great! And showing the world that style and beauty have nothing to do with a size.” GETTY IMAGES / JOHN PHI LL IPS GETTY IMAGES / IAN ROSS PETT IGREW
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