5 Size-Inclusive Brands We're Loving Lately
By Natalie Folchi
Image: Sotela
Brands are finally taking note that consumers do not all aspire to be skinny and tall as magazines and brands alike once told us we should be—and let’s be honest, much of the fashion industry still to this day amplifies this flawed messaging.
With recent data showing the average American woman is between size 16 to 18, the lack of stylish, sustainable options in larger sizes has become an opportunity for modern brands. (1) In order for sustainable brands to truly become more universally accepted, brands must step up to include plus-size clothing. We are so glad to see these five size-inclusive brands leading the way so all bodies feel beautiful. From sexy wrap dresses to fun graphic tees, we can guarantee you’ll find something you love and will wear for years to come.
Here are five chic, eco-friendly and size-inclusive brands we’re loving, lately:
SOTELA
Traditional sizing is so last year
Instead of offering sizes in small, medium and large, Sotela’s sizing chart ranges from 0-10 (fitting traditional sizes 0-30), prioritizing the perfect fit above all else. Their beautifully-made wrap styles can be worn day or night and hug your curves in all the right places. We’re all about that.
Sustainable Practices:
Uses eco-friendly materials like organic linen, tencel and modal
Products are made-to-order to help reduce waste
Each item is handmade in their California studio
Price Range: $$
Our Picks:
Alma Wrap Dress ($229)
Lima Jumpsuit ($249)
BIRDSONG
Clothing that takes a stand
The brand is crafted for women, by women paid a fair wage. At its core, Birdsong promotes feminism and sustainability and takes a stand against fast fashion and poor working conditions, and its “Dress in Protest” tee is a testament to that. Their high-quality pieces like their signature slogan tees and flattering wrap dresses will stand the test of time. Each garment is designed in house and made to fit all women’s bodies. Plus sizes go up to XXXL, 14 US and 24UK.
Sustainable Practices:
Uses eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, tencel and modal
It manufactures locally to reduce its carbon footprint
Creates employment for disadvantaged women and ensures a living wage
Price Range: $$
Our Picks:
GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE
Discarded water bottles and fishing nets transform into chic activewear
We love everything Girlfriend Collective stands for, like body positivity (inclusive sizing options range from XXS – 6X!) and its dedication to the health of the planet. Its activewear is made from discarded water bottles and fishing nets. Trust us, you’ll want to live in their pieces.
Sustainable Practices:
Uses 100% recycled and recyclable packaging
Clothing is made from a combination of recycled polyester, spandex, post-consumer bottles, fishing nets and other waste
Tees and tanks are 100% cupro—a “regenerated cellulose” fabric made from cotton waste—and the yarn is made in a zero-waste, zero-emission facility in Japan
Offers a recycling program called ReGirlfriend
Uses eco-friendly dyes
Price Range: $$
Our Picks:
High-Rise Run Short ($48)
ALICE ALEXANDER
Flattering fits for all shapes and sizes
Alice Alexander offers clothing in sizes 0-30, but if a certain size isn’t offered, the company will create made-to-order garments at no additional cost. Every person deserves to have access to beautiful, sustainable clothing that fits well, and we love how the brand is committed to delivering on this promise.
Sustainable Practices:
Made-to-order
Uses eco-friendly materials
Products are made-to-order in Philadelphia
Price Range: $$
Our Picks:
The Cass Dress ($205)
The Jolene Trucker Jacket ($275)
HACKWITH DESIGN HOUSE
Simple, ethical style
With sizes up to 4XL, Hackwith Design House (HDH) offers a variety of options, from minimalist dresses to statement jumpsuits, swimwear and everything in between. All of its products are made in-house at its studio in Minnesota.
Sustainable Practices:
Everything is made in-house by a team of seamstresses in Minnesota
To reduce waste, many items are made after a customer places an order
Price Range: $$
Our Picks:
Wrap One Piece ($158)
Square Neck Midi Dress ($225)
(1) Business Insider (2020). 7 women tried Universal Standard's size-inclusive line of jeans that goes from 00 to 40 — here's the verdict
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Natalie Folchi is a contributor at SISTAIN. As a full-time photographer, she spends most of her days behind the lens capturing big moments for her clients — from brand launches to wedding days and everything in between. Outside of work, she loves scouring thrift and antique stores for hidden treasures, traveling, binging true crime podcasts and capturing the world on 35mm film.
