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Plus-size fashion retailer files Chapter 11 to stop liquidation
Yahoo Finance· 2025-12-19 18:37
Industry Insights - The fashion industry is criticized for not adequately catering to plus-size women, with calls for greater diversity in runway shows and retail offerings [3] - Plus-size clothing has seen some improvements in accessibility, yet significant retailers like Ashley Stewart have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, indicating ongoing challenges in the market [3] Sizing Trends - The average American woman now wears a size 16-18, which is categorized as "plus size" in many brands, reflecting a shift in sizing norms over time [4] - Terms like "inclusive sizing" lack a standardized definition, often referring to sizes larger than US 12, which is traditionally the largest size offered by many retailers [4] - Despite the average size being 16, only 0.6% of runway looks in major fashion capitals were in sizes 14 and above during the fall/winter 2023 season, highlighting a disconnect between consumer reality and high fashion [4] Consumer Experience - Inconsistent sizing across brands leads to frustration among consumers, as individuals may fit different sizes depending on the label, complicating the shopping experience [4] - The absence of a universal sizing standard and practices like "vanity sizing" contribute to variability in size labels and actual garment measurements, making it difficult to define an average size and fit [4]