When it comes to sustainability and ethics, the sustainable fashion movement has a lot to be proud of. However, how accessible it is may be a different story. One of the most notable flaws in slow fashion is its lack of plus-size sustainable clothing options.
Inclusivity is crucial in getting more people on board with eco-friendly fashion. Unfortunately, many of the most popular sustainable brands carry a very limited selection of sizes. A 2016 survey published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education found the average size of an American woman is between 16 and 18, yet most clothing lines still only carry up to a size 12.
Accessibility is one of the most important aspects of slow fashion that needs to be looked at, and it’s necessary that everyone feel included in a movement that’s supposed to be advocating for a better world. We’ve compiled a list of plus-size sustainable clothing brands that are putting in the work to make ethical clothing available to all.
7 Plus-Size Sustainable Clothing Brands
1. ARQ
ARQ was initially founded in 2016 as a children’s line, making detailed garments in small batches for little ones. Now, they’ve expanded to make adorable, sustainably-made basics for adults, too. With their underwear sizes ranging from XXS to 6X, and bra sizes from XS to 3X, you can count on ARQ for comfortable, cute basics you can’t get enough of.
2. HARA
If you’re on the lookout for sustainable loungewear, HARA’s got your back. The brand’s mission is to bring change and awareness to human and environmental issues within the fashion industry, all while creating dreamy bamboo garments that are both rejuvenating and empowering. Not only do they make soft bras and undies, but they also produce gorgeous loungewear and sportswear ranging from XS to 5XL.
3. LOUD BODIES
LOUD BODIES makes the most ethereal dresses for all your summer picnic and frolicking-in-a-field needs. Founded by Patricia Luiza Blaj, this sustainable fashion brand is driven by the need to prove that style has no size and to make ethically-produced clothing of all sizes available to people everywhere. With sizes ranging from 2XS to 10XL, people of all body types will be able to find a beautiful piece that fits them in all the right ways.
4. Day/Won
Day/Won is the first fully size-inclusive sustainable activewear brand in the United States. Every single piece on their website ranges from a size 0 to a size 32, and comes in so many fun and unique patterns you wouldn’t expect from other sustainable brands.
5. Ace & Jig
Ace & Jig makes wonderfully quirky clothes that can be worn many ways for years to come. In 2018, the brand extended the sizing on most of its pieces to go from XXS to 4X. Ethically made by artisans in India, Ace & Jig proves that inclusive, sustainable fashion doesn’t have to be boring.
6. Kitty and Vibe
Sustainable? Check. Size inclusive? Check. Super cute? Check. Kitty and Vibe exists to awaken and fuel self-love for a kinder world. Their bikini tops range from sizes A to G, and their bottoms from S to 3XL. Not only is the brand inclusive, but its colorful, patterned swimwear is so cute that you’ll still want to keep it on after a long day at the beach.
7. Hackwith Design House
Hackwith Design House makes all of its pieces in-house in its Minnesota studio by a talented team of sewers. Many of the items aren’t made until ordered in order to reduce waste. The brand strives to design elegant, timeless pieces ranging from XS to +4, because everyone deserves to feel comfortable and confident.