When we talk about inclusivity and having a seat at the proverbial fashion table, historically, anyone above a size 12 has been left without a seat. One of the most obvious tables has been the luxury and designer space.
As many legacy designers still refuse to extend their range even in the slightest, there are more luxury brands within the contemporary price point emerging that are either launching solely with plus sizes, extending their range for a wider customer base, or committing to inclusivity by launching with a robust size range right away. It’s refreshing, honestly.
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There is absolutely work to do in the plus size fashion industry, but in the last few years, fashion-obsessed plus sized women have so many more options than ever before to express themselves through style. Luxury and designer fashion included.
While luxury and designer fashion is not inherently inclusive since it’s just not accessible to every shopper, it’s a needed market, and there is no reason as to why a person who wears over a size 12 should only have access to designer accessories and not a dress.
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After seeing the many OOTD posts on Instagram tagged with #fatbabesinluxury and reading what influencers Nicolette Mason and Katie Sturino had to say on the topic, I’m inspired to share some of my favorite designers and contemporary luxury brands who are serving the plus shoppers and community.
10 Luxury Brands Creating a More Inclusive Fashion Space
Based in NYC and Latinx-owned, this fine art-inspired clothing comes in sizes XXS-6X. Each piece feels like a work of art (because it is!) and has been seen on celebrities like Aidy Bryant and Hilary Duff.
From classic silhouette dresses to swimsuits in bold patterns, the best way to describe this brand is FUN (And isn’t that what fashion is all about?).
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My current favorite piece is this Isabella Dress in their Pottery Floral print.
Designed and produced in Los Angeles by Black designer Elann Zelie, Zelie for She is a bohemian dream full of flowy, luxe fabrics and feminine details in sizes XL to XXXL.
The brand has something for everyone, from maxi dresses to lounge sets to luxurious dusters and robes. Every collection is a limited size run and tells a different story of travel, friendship, women, and empowerment of one's self.
I am currently (wander) lusting over the Pink Sapphire Velvet Duster.
Beautiful, romantic and fanciful, Selkie was imagined by former Wildfox Co-Founder, Kimberley Gordon. Every piece feels like it’s part of a fairytale dream and sustainably-minded cottagecore lovers can rejoice in knowing that the brand is a low waste company that produces small batches.
Seen all over Instagram on influencers and celebs, her pieces are highly coveted. From party dresses to after-party sweatsuits, the pieces range in sizes XXXS-5X.
Currently on my wishlist: The Rainbow French Puff Dress.
Founded by fashion editor and model Lauren Chan, Henning is workwear but elevated. Finding suiting as a plus woman has been a challenge for many, and Lauren saw that hole.
The pieces are beautifully tailored and meant to be timeless essentials that you can style over and over again. With wool blazers, silk dresses, and classic coats, you can finally curate your work uniform to be exactly what you want.
You cannot go wrong with a wardrobe staple like the Bank Blazer, available in sizes 12-24, and some pieces available in size 26.
Designed and created by Jasmine Elder, JIBRI has been seen on many celebs like Gabourey Sidibe, Tamela Mann, Jill Scott, Toccara, Amber Riley, and more!
Because each piece is made to order in Norcross, GA, shoppers who are committed to sustainability can feel great about their purchase.
Bright, colorful, and full of life, her collection celebrates what we love most about fashion. Available in sizes 10-28.
I cannot wait to wear one of her robes poolside this summer, specifically the Silk Burnout Robe.
I appreciate a brand that is committed to sustainability, and Mayes NYC not only checks that box but also checks the inclusivity box as their size range is 14-28. Add in that their pieces are luxe and stylish, and I am excited to see this brand grow.
As many customers know, finding sustainable luxury brands that are able to size over a size 20 is major. With timeless silhouettes and imaginative prints, each piece is beautifully designed for a curvy body.
Founder, Brandy Wykes, is armed with over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry as a textile and fashion designer and proudly states, “I dress women for who they are right now. Plus size is not a transitional concept.” Amen!
I am absolutely loving the Crane Maxi Dress.
Founded in 2000 by Mara Hoffman, the brand is committed to sustainability and is vocal about mindful consumption in the fashion industry.
The brand centers on using sustainable fabrics, manufacturing processes, and production. In 2018, Mara Hoffman extended their size range with many of the pieces being offered in up to a size 3X, which is hopeful for customers who love the sophisticated and bohemian aesthetic of the NY brand.
While I love a good dress, I have the Tulay Skirt in my cart ready to go.
When founders and designers Laura Cramer and Starr Hout created Apiece Apart, they design versatile pieces that never go out of style.
Up until 2019, their pieces only went up to size 12, but now you can find many styles sized up to size 20, which is hopeful for customers who love the chic, casual pieces that the brand is known for.
I am currently lusting after the Sleeveless Isla Jumpsuit.
Whimsical, feminime and optimistic is how I’d best describe the eponymous brand imagined by Tanya Taylor. Each collection is hand painted by their designers and artists so when you wear one of her pieces, you’re truly wearing art.
From day dresses to blouses, the brand offers sizes 0-22 and Tanya has been vocal about being passionate about creating a brand that is always striving to be more inclusive. A favorite of influencers and celebs, her dresses are also a favorite of mine as well.
Cannot wait to get my Ramona Dress delivered.
From the creative mind of founder Cynthia Vincent, BAACAL is the first designer-led clothing brand for women who wear sizes 10-22. With stunning, elevated essentials and beautiful, bold printed pieces, nothing about her collections feels like an afterthought — which is exactly what this customer has wanted all along.
With expert tailoring and attention to detail, each piece is luxe and designed for every day.
Dedicated to sustainability, 80% of their limited run collections are made in Los Angeles, and they use upcycled vintage and existing materials.
My current BAACAL obsession is the Goddess House Dress.
As excited as I am to be living in a prime time for plus size fashion, there is still so much the industry can do to improve. Even by extending small collections into plus to test the market and find their customers would be a huge improvement. We hope designers and brands are able to see that many plus consumers are eager to elevate their wardrobes and ditch shopping fast fashion because if they can’t….or won’t, they’re leaving money on the table.
Who are your favorite inclusive fashion brands and designers?
The brand is committed to sustainability and is vocal about mindful consumption in the fashion industry.
Great article! My new luxury favorite is Peridot Robes by Marina Hayes. Luxury robes that can be worn at home or outside. They’re all so beautiful. And her size range is 14 to 40, which is amazing for those of us over a size 24. Also, Renee Cafaro’s RCA Public Label is another new luxury brand on the scene offering luxe pieces that are functional and available in sizes 1X to 5X. She talks about how she re-graded patterns to fit the plus size body more accurately, which impresses me to no end. Being a size 4X, I am always on the hunt for key luxury pieces that I can invest in and hope one day, I will be able to have access to more brands, including some in this article (Hey Baacal! Pls expand!).