Industry Outlook

In terms of value, the global plus size women’s clothing market is expanding at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2032. The Asia Pacific dominated the market and is expected to display a similar trend in the following years. 

There is continuous spending on apparel products among consumers across the globe. Within the apparel products, plus size apparels expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. Plus size customers seek options that serve a similar level of luxury as women belonging under other size categories. With the rising demand, retailers focusing on launching plus size clothing. For instance, in 2018, Walmart launched a new brand - Terra, and Sky for the plus sizes in order to grab more number of customer attention. High street retailers such as River Island, Marks & Spencer, New Look stock entire options for plus size women in order to fulfill the demands of the consumers. Such a step of the companies expected to increase the revenue growth of the plus size-clothing category in the following years. 

The rising prevalence of obesity and overweight problems is fueling the market growth of plus size women’s clothing market. Additionally, increasing body confidence among plus-size women has also increased the demand for such apparel that suit the latest fashion trends. Designers and retailers have noticed an increase in the demand for plus-size clothing and thus they focus upon new product launches in order to fulfill consumer demands and preferences. 

However, plus-size clothing results to increase in the cost of production and the manufacturers often refrain from manufacturing such clothes. This is mainly due to the fact that plus size apparel is considered a huge risk among the manufacturers as it becomes difficult for the manufacturers to assess regarding the exact customer preferences. Additionally, retailers experience higher investments in larger clothes and lower profit margins.

"Plus Size Innerwear Segment Expected to Witness the Fastest Growth During the Forecast Period"

The innerwear segment is growing at a rapid rate owing to the rising number of overweight women across the globe. Plus size bras are generating sales opportunities for brands such as Calvin Klein, Hanesbrand, J.C. Penny Co. among others.

There lies a major challenge in offering plus size innerwear products, as it requires proper fabric, wires, hooks among others in order to suit the women’s body. Prominent companies engage upon strategic acquisition merging in order to improve the production methods thus grabbing more customer attention. For instance, PVH in 2017 acquired online start up True & Co.in order to improve their product portfolio of plus size innerwear segment. According to the research of Hanesbrand, 35% of the women are plus size by the age of 25 and 44% by the age of 33. Therefore, the Company focusses on offering a new range of products under its brands such as Maidenform and Playtex.

"25 - 45 Years, by Age Group Dominated the Market and Expected to Continue Trend in the Future"

The age group lying between 25 - 45 years dominated the market in 2021. Changing eating patterns, and consuming food and drinks of higher calories results in obesity and are more prevalent among the age group lying between 25 years to 45 years. In addition to this, hectic work hours among the women working population results in a lack of physical activity and proper sleep thus increasing the weight of the body.

Manufacturers and designers collaborate among themselves and launch more number of stores offering a wide array of plus size apparel for women. Additionally, to grab more customer attention, different fashion magazines and TV shows included plus size models in their editions. Therefore, with the increasing efforts among the fashion retailers and designers expected to generate a significant amount of revenue in the following years.

"Online Channel Expected to Witness the Fastest Growth During the Forecast Period"

Hypermarket captured the largest market share by distribution channel in 2021, followed by specialty stores and online channels. The efficient display of products through mannequins with colorful background propels the impulse of buying among the consumers. However, limited product offering of plus size apparel by the brick and mortar retailers has resulted in the shift in preferences towards online purchase. Online retailers such as Mango, Missguided, Boohoo.com among others enable customers to explore a wide range of products. Therefore, the convenience factors of the consumers and easy availability of the products expected to increase the growth of the online channel during the forecast period. Trends show that brands are focusing on the expansion of online platforms as part of their strategy to generate more revenue and reduce their maintenance costs.

"Asia Pacific Dominated the Market in 2023 and Expected to Display Similar Trend in the Following Years"

The Asia Pacific captured the majority of the share of global plus size women’s apparel in 2023 and is expected to remain dominant in the coming years. The rising number of consumers coupled with the increasing demand for fashionable attire similar to their counterparts is resulting to the overall market growth in the Asia Pacific region

Europe expected to witness the significant growth in the global plus size women’s clothing market from 2024 to 2032. Increasing demand for plus size apparels from a millennial, the rising number of obese and overweight populations, discretionary spending & living standard, are some of the factors propelling the growth of plus size women’s clothing market in the region. The presence of brands such as River Island, Simply Be etc., coupled with rising distribution channels in counties such as Germany, France, and U.K. also contributing to the growth of plus size women’s clothing market in the region.

"New Product Launch is one of the Key Strategy of the Companies Operating in the Plus Size Women’s Clothing Market"

Plus size women’s clothing market is characterized by intense competition among the manufacturers. The growth of the market mainly attributed to new product launch, supported by advertisements and promotional events carried out by major manufacturers and designers. With the rising trend towards fashionable attires, manufacturers are striving to introduce new categories in order to grab more customer attention across the globe. For instance, LOFT, the brand that engages in the manufacture of fashionable female clothing announced the launch of plus-size category in its portfolio in 2018 which grabbed significant customer attention.

Some of the major players operating in the field of plus-sized women’s clothing are Ralph Lauren Corporation, Hennes & Mauritz AB, Hanes Brand Inc. Philips Van Heusan Corporation, Asos Curve, Carmakoma, Mango Brand, Forever 21, Adrianna Papell, Eloquii, Torrid, Evans, Old Navy Plus, Monif C., American Rag, Ashley Stewart, City Chic, Fashion to Figure, Lucky Brand Plus, Lane Bryant, Pure Energy among others.

Historical & Forecast Period

This study report represents analysis of each segment from 2022 to 2032 considering 2023 as the base year. Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for each of the respective segments estimated for the forecast period of 2024 to 2032.

The current report comprises of quantitative market estimations for each micro market for every geographical region and qualitative market analysis such as micro and macro environment analysis, market trends, competitive intelligence, segment analysis, porters five force model, top winning strategies, top investment markets, emerging trends and technological analysis, case studies, strategic conclusions and recommendations and other key market insights.

Research Methodology

The complete research study was conducted in three phases, namely: secondary research, primary research, and expert panel review. key data point that enables the estimation of Plus Size Women’s Clothing market are as follows:

• Research and development budgets of manufacturers and government spending
• Revenues of key companies in the market segment
• Number of end users and consumption volume, price and value.
• Geographical revenues generate by countries considered in the report
• Micro and macro environment factors that are currently influencing the Plus Size Women’s Clothing market and their expected impact during the forecast period.

Market forecast was performed through proprietary software that analyzes various qualitative and quantitative factors. Growth rate and CAGR were estimated through intensive secondary and primary research. Data triangulation across various data points provides accuracy across various analyzed market segments in the report. Application of both top down and bottom-up approach for validation of market estimation assures logical, methodical and mathematical consistency of the quantitative data.

Key questions answered in this report

• What are the key micro and macro environmental factors that are impacting the growth of Plus Size Women’s Clothing market?
• What are the key investment pockets with respect to product segments and geographies currently and during the forecast period?
• Estimated forecast and market projections up to 2032.
• Which segment accounts for the fastest CAGR during the forecast period?
• Which market segment holds a larger market share and why?
• Are low and middle-income economies investing in the Plus Size Women’s Clothing market?
• Which is the largest regional market for Plus Size Women’s Clothing market?
• What are the market trends and dynamics in emerging markets such as Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa?
• Which are the key trends driving Plus Size Women’s Clothing market growth?
• Who are the key competitors and what are their key strategies to enhance their market presence in the Plus Size Women’s Clothing market worldwide?