Demand for plus-size women’s clothing is expected to increase strongly through 2019, according to researcher Ibis World, due to factors including rising per capita disposable income, a decline in healthy eating, greater designer collaboration, and greater availability of premium products. The trend is showing up in licensing:
In November, plus-size fashion retailer Torrid will release a holiday capsule collection Rebel for Torrid, created with actress Rebel Wilson, who is best known for her role as Fat Amy in the Pitch Perfect movies. The collection comprises about 25 pieces, including tops, bottoms, dresses, jackets and accessories with personal ties to Wilson. A koala print T-shirt, for instance, reflects her Australian background and microphone-shaped charms reference her career as a performer. A spring 2016 collection is also in the works.
Model Ashley Graham, who made headlines in February as the first plus-sized model to appear in Sports Illustrated’s annual swimsuit edition, will launch a U.S. lingerie line with Nordstrom in August. The bondage-inspired pieces include bras, underwear, chemises and kimonos, specifically meant for plus-sized women. Graham has been partnered with Canadian plus-size retailer Addition Elle on the Ashley Graham Collection lingerie line since 2013. Her future plans include launching a sportswear collection for plus-sized women.