With inclusivity increasingly assuming a larger role in our social identity, all industries too need to adapt to be more inclusive.
The fashion industry caters to one of our most basic needs – clothing. Over recent years, inclusivity in sizing has transcended the realm of fashion trends and evolved into a vital necessity. It’s no longer just a matter of style – it’s about addressing the diverse needs of a wide range of body shapes and sizes.
Inclusive sizing: A necessity in fashion
The surprising aspect is not that this shift towards inclusivity is happening, but that it took the fashion industry so long to embrace it. Today, women are more assertive in their demands for clothing that caters to their unique bodies rather than trying to fit into a standardised mould. While the fashion world isn’t perfect, it’s certainly heartening to see progress.
One significant turning point was when the Victoria’s Secret show was cancelled in 2019 due to (in part) a lack of inclusivity following years of backlash for stubbornly holding onto an exclusionary outlook on design, sizing, and messaging. The audience’s response, or rather a lack thereof, was seen as a larger sign from consumers that the industry needed to adapt.
When the show made its return in 2023, it featured a more diverse range of body types, reflecting a broader shift in the fashion landscape. While the show, following its four-year hiatus, wasn’t perfect this time around, in a sharp departure from the brand’s past shows, it embraced more inclusivity in representation.
The show has since come under some criticism for its similarity to a show put on by pop artist Rihanna’s brand Fenty, but that is an entirely different conversation, which we will not go into here.
The emergence of size inclusivity is not limited solely to Western fashion hubs; it is a movement with global reach with many advocates far and wide. Even in Sri Lanka, the call for diverse sizing is resonating. Designers in Sri Lanka are realising that sizing should not be a one-size-fits-all approach and that it needs to encompass a spectrum of body types.
The perspective of local designers
One key advocate of inclusive sizing is Charini Suriyage, fashion designer and founder of fashion brand ‘Charini’. She emphasises that inclusivity in sizing isn’t just about accommodating larger or smaller bodies; it’s about creating clothing that looks good and feels comfortable on anyone. For Charini, it’s about more than just going from size 6 to 16; it’s about crafting garments that enhance the beauty and confidence of every woman’s unique body.
Charini’s perspective resonates with a growing trend in the fashion industry: designers are increasingly focusing on inclusivity not just as a marketing strategy, but as a commitment to making their customers feel good in their clothing. The recognition that diversity in body shapes and sizes is not limited to extremes – small and big – is paramount. It’s about creating options that cater to the vast spectrum of the human body.
Kosh Hewage – Head of Operations at one of Sri Lanka’s largest talent agencies, The Agency Sri Lanka, and Founder of the fashion brand KH2 – shared his views with regard to inclusivity in sizing when it came to design and fashion.
“In my opinion, the whole world is in our hands because of this era of technology. The younger generation is well aware of what’s happening in the world and they get inspired by everything, everyday. We have to show them that the world is a place where they can feel free and included,” Kosh said.
“This is why we have to build more trends and create a space for everyone, especially in the fashion world. I believe that respecting your own health and being comfortable in your own skin is very important. This is why brands need to be more inclusive and open. We should create a healthy big picture and move forward with a positive mind.”
Who We Are Managing Director Tharushi Gunaratne shared her perspective on inclusivity and how it was incorporated into Who We Are’s principles: “Who We Are advocates for inclusivity in sizing, reflecting its values in local craftsmanship with artisans skilled in batik, handloom, beeralu, and tie-and-dye. The brand proudly supports local businesses and family traditions.
“Prioritising diverse body sizes underscores the brand’s commitment to inclusivity, celebrating the richness of local culture. It is of paramount importance to the brand that individuals of all sizes and ages have the opportunity to discover garments that make them look and feel their best. Who We Are firmly believes that fashion is a realm where inclusivity knows no bounds, irrespective of one’s size or age.”
The fashion industry has indeed come a long way in recognising the importance of inclusive sizing, but there’s still work to be done. The key takeaway from this evolution could be that fashion should celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of every individual, irrespective of their body type. It’s not just about keeping up with the times; it’s about making fashion truly accessible and empowering for all.
A new take on one-size-fits-all
It is interesting to note here that fashion and sizing have evolved beyond mere profitability. Today, they encompass a profound focus on the customer, intertwining with shifting social attitudes. The era of body positivity has ushered in a new era of self-acceptance, with individuals embracing their bodies with pride. Non-gendered clothing is breaking free from traditional constraints, allowing people to express their true selves through fashion. In this transformative landscape, fashion is becoming a canvas for personal experimentation and empowerment, transcending the bottom line to mirror the dynamic diversity of our society.
Inclusivity in sizing has evolved from a mere trend into a necessity in the fashion world. From the cancellation of iconic fashion shows and certain practices of designers, it’s clear that the industry is making strides towards a more inclusive future. The message is clear: fashion should embrace and celebrate the diverse beauty of everybody and this shift towards inclusivity is certainly a positive trend.