As the fashion industry continues to shed outdated norms and cater to the modern day, it’s vital to consider different body types when designing clothes. Otherwise, a substantial part of the population is left out, and everyone deserves to shop for clothes that make them feel great.
Many brands offer clothing up to a size 14 or 16, yet size 16 is the average clothing size for New Zealand women. Read on for our round-up of stylish, size-inclusive brands leading the charge for change.
1. Lost and Led Astray
Located on Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland’s) eclectic K-Road is plus-size label Lost and Led Astray. Designer Sarah-Jane Duff created the brand to “break through the perceptions that separate design-driven fashion and plus-size clothing”.
Lost and Led Astray offers timeless staples and exciting cuts in sizes M to 4XL (or 14 to 26).
2. Videris Lingerie
The New Zealand lingerie brand known for its comfortable, underwire-free styles has recently extended its size range to 3XL for its fuller coverage ‘Rachel’ bra and various knicker styles.
Videris Lingerie founder Chloé Julian says, “our new Rachel style is made specifically for a larger bust. Typically in lingerie design you grade up e.g. design a bra for a small cup and go larger, however, our new bra started as a larger size and is graded down.”
“I’m not interested in changing people’s bodies with lingerie. I want women to feel comfortable, supported and confident with the way they are. It was important for me to be size inclusive as there were people in my family and community who couldn’t enjoy my first collections. This latest launch is a natural evolution of the brand”, explains Julian.
Shop the Videris Lingerie ‘Rachel’ bra and knickers in sizes XS to 3XL.
3. Reformation
The ethereal, vintage-inspired label welcomed a permanent size range of US 4 to US 24 (NZ 28) in 2019, after releasing a limited-edition, extended sizing collection with model Ali Tate Cutler in March 2018.
Previously apologising for making clothes in a limited size range only, Reformation’s goal is to bring sustainable fashion to everyone.
4. Ruby
Local favourite Ruby continues its efforts to make its clothing more size-inclusive, with Ruby offering sizes 4 to 20, and sister label Liam offering sizes 4 to 24. The brand also offers custom made-to-order pieces for individuals outside of this current size range.
As Ruby General Manager and Liam designer Emily Miller-Sharma explained in a social media post about Liam’s foray into inclusive sizing, “I have used everything to investigate two areas where I think we can have influence, and need to be urgently addressed: production waste and sizing…we have worked closely with a range of people across various different sizes to really understand how to get our grade rules right, and make sure that our fits are spot on.”
Discover Ruby styles in 4 to 20 and Liam styles in 4 to 24 at rubynz.com.
5. Skims
Embracing comfort, versatility and diversity, Kim Kardashian’s brand Skims is revered for its game-changing clothing, shapewear, swimwear, and underwear styles.
As well as its diverse casting choices, Skims celebrates inclusivity through sizing, offering styles through to 4X/5X, its slogan being ‘solutions for every body’. And if celebrity-endorsed shapewear is your thing, you’ll be pleased to know that singer Lizzo has released ‘Yitty’, touted as loungewear that will have you feeling chill and looking ‘fire’.
For form-fitting and versatile basics, Skim’s pieces can be purchased in sizes XXS to 4X/5X.
6. Erdem
For those searching for a bit of luxury, consider splurging on British label Erdem.
Since 2021, Erdem has sought to increase its size offering, joining other size-inclusive luxury brands like Mara Hoffman, Jonathan Simkai, Christopher Kane, and Diane Von Furstenberg.
