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hick. Big-boned. Curvy. Heavy-set. Phat.
Fluffy. No matter the moniker attached to
one’s body or one’s curves, the plus-size
woman and her sartorial choices have come a
long way, especially over the past decade. With
studies showing that the average American
woman wears a size 16 to 18, you would think
The Changing Landscape
of Plus-Size Fashion
Over the past several years, the options have
evolved, but the vast potential of the market is only now
beginning to be recognized
that stylish options would be plentiful. But
plus-size women are only now starting to
receive some fashion love, as designers and
brands are realizing that this market repre-
sents an estimated $24 billion opportunity.
Mainstream fashion labels traditionally ig-
nored the needs of full-figured customers. As
BY MARIE DENEE | ILLUSTRATED BY SOPHIA LITTLE
FASHION FORWARD
W
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ESSENCE.COM I 80 I SEPTEMBER 2019
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