Slow fashion and size inclusivity are both fashion movements that have been rapidly gaining momentum, and yet they've typically been mutually exclusive. As sustainable clothing brands have been gaining a larger customer base and growing in size and scope, their size offerings have not always been growing alongside them. The majority of sustainable clothing companies do not offer above a size 12, despite the average woman in the United States wearing a size 14. "Plus-size" is typically considered to be a size 14 and up, and yet that size represents the average customer? Make it make sense.
When we started carrying apparel in our sustainable shop almost three years ago, I struggled to find sustainable brands that offered inclusive sizing, and set out to figure out why this is. Through my research, I discovered that while brands often refer to larger sizes as "extended sizing", this is actually a bit of a misnomer, because creating larger sizes means developing entirely new collections. Clothing designs are typically based on a size 4, with inches added or subtracted from there, and "pieces for extended sizing need separate fittings, patterns, and design changes." In addition to requiring additional time, developing plus sizes often entails an additional cost related to the cost of using more fabric in each piece. Many sustainable clothing brands are extremely small, and these independently-run companies don't always have the resources to develop extended sizing at the pace with which us consumers would like.
It is our firm belief that ethical fashion and sustainable fashion must be accessible to everyone who want to engage with it, because otherwise it is not truly sustainable. If the slow fashion movement is to survive and thrive amongst the hordes of fast fashion companies and fast fashion customers, it needs to embrace people of all body types. At Thread Spun, we do carry a limited amount of extended sizing options and continue to engage with brands we currently carry to advocate for extended sizing, but we are looking forward to a future where we can offer the same sustainable clothing options for all bodies. Plus-size customers have reported to us that as they don't typically see their sizing represented in boutique shops, they tend to shy away from them. This really stuck with me and it is my goal to prioritize changing this, at least at our little sustainable boutique. In the meantime, please know that we are always happy to reach out to brands we carry about securing additional sizing, and offer a 15% discount on extended sizes if they are available and we do not offer them in store (this does not apply to larger sizes that have sold out). And if we can't help you, the ten size inclusive and sustainable brands listed below certainly can! Hooray for inclusivity AND sustainability.
1. Harly Jae
Harly Jae is a Canadian slow fashion house with feminine, vintage inspired designs made by hand in small batches in Vancouver, BC. Harly Jae is defined by the use of earth tones, good tailoring, feminine elements, and classic silhouettes. Think all natural fibers in neutral color palettes to minimize their environmental impact while maximizing the range of use in their pieces. Harly Jae pieces are sustainable staples made from organic cotton, hemp, linen, and deadstock fabrics. They are hand-sewn by a small team of women in Vancouver, British Columbia, who are paid fair wages.
Harly Jae is committed to slow growth, and because of this, we are even more tickled by their commitment to size inclusivity. Each timeless item is offered in sizes XS to 3XL. We've carried Harly Jae for three years and we haven't looked back! We know you will love their extended sizing options. Shop our most recent drop here.
2. Laude the Label
Sustainability is the core of this slow fashion brand. Laude the Label manufacturing processes are free of toxic chemicals and dyes and exclude synthetic fibers. Their sustainable lines are made from upcycled or organic materials and are designed specifically to utilize remnants from past production. Laude also participates in carbon offsetting. Laude the Label currently employs 518 artisans in five countries and prides themselves on paying fair-trade wages and on time. In countries where they operate, a fair-trade wage is 2 to 3 times more than the minimum wage.
The Laude aesthetic is minimalist, and their pieces are designed to last and act as anchors for any capsule wardrobe for many years. Think muted earth tones and flattering, classic silhouettes. Their sizing runs from XS to XXL. Shop them at Thread Spun!
3. ace&jig
ace&jig designs and creates each of its own yarn dye woven textiles in partnership with artisans in India. If you browse their selection of sustainable patterned clothing, it's easy to see why they have such a cult-like following. ace&jig pieces are defined by their colorful and unique patterns, and plus-size customers were thrilled when they introduced extended sizing. Not only are ace&jig pieces gorgeous heirlooms, but their partners in India are
4. ARQ
ARQ is a female-founded and owned business whose goal is to create clothing to inspire us to relish in the "mundane" every day moments in our lives - cooking at home, emailing, napping, pulling weeds, ordinary pleasures we don't usually think much about. Bodies, postmodern interiors, details from Italian renaissance paintings, natural plant and animal fibers, local seasonal produce, and old-world garment craftsmanship, among others, inform owner/designer Abigail Quist’s process. Everything ARQ creates is made from either organic, recycled, or deadstock materials and sewn ethically right here in the U.S.
ARQ focuses on simple basics and they execute them perfectly. From tanks to high-rise undies to comfy lounge shorts, their super size-inclusive sizing runs from XXS to 6XL.
5. Mara Hoffman
Wanting to foster a collective shift towards mindful consumption, Mara Hoffman encourages consumers to reevaluate their relationship with clothing by focusing on sustainable materials, processes, and production when creating their collections. The brand is committed to reducing their environmental footprint and generating awareness not just of the planetary impact of the fashion industry but in seeking racial and social justice as well, for the sake of a more equitable society overall. This is what we truly hope to see more of in the fashion industry and within every aspect of society.
The brand has an Extended Sizing collection where they pick a wide array of pieces to create in sizes XXS - 3XL. Mara Hoffman is known for her colorful, eye-popping prints and playful silhouettes, whether it be ready-to-wear or swimwear. So, get ready to express yourself and be seen in her gorgeous designs.
6. Selva Negra
Based in Los Angeles, California, Mexican and Filipino Selva Negra founder Kristin Gonzalez has created a contemporary fashion label that is committed to the use of ethical practices. From sourcing sustainable materials to total production transparency, Selva Negra sets a standard in the fashion industry for others to engage in sustainable efforts for people and planet. From loungewear to classic denim to bright workwear pieces, there's something for everyone to love.
The brand celebrates individuality through expressive design and offers sizes XS through 4XL.
7. ALIYA WANEK
ALIYA WANEK is a Black-owned womenswear label that focuses on exploring the connection between one’s identity and style. Her mission is to create comfortable, stylish clothing ethically and sustainably. Based in the San Francisco Bay area, Aliya works with a local production team to produce and dye her garments, always taking into consideration ways to reduce the brand’s environmental impact. We love ALIYA WANEK for her ethics and commitment to sustainability just as much as we love her comfortable yet fashion-forward basics, including the most perfectly tailored loungewear that can take you from the couch to pretty much anywhere.
ALIYA WANEK offers sizing from S to 3XL - and from personal experience, her team is so kind and responsive to sizing questions!
8. Hackwith Design House
Fun fact, Hackwith Design House introduced me to slow fashion. I bought my first sustainable top from them back in 2014, and I still wear and love it today. The Hackwith aesthetic is simple and clean, and they focus on utilizing quality fabrics and offering impeccable attention to detail. To reduce waste, the majority of HDH designs are not made until they're ordered. Everything is made in-house in their Minnesota studio by their talented team of sewers.
Hackwith Design House creates according to the idea that "women's bodies are as diverse as their skills, talents, and accomplishments. With that said, {they} strive to create HDH pieces in a variety of sizes, ranging from XS to +4." In addition, they've increased both sustainability and accessibility through their buy-back program, called "The Sustain Shop". Customers can earn money toward new purchases with the return of previously-loved designs, which are either resold or reimagined as new pieces! This is the future of slow fashion.
9. Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective creates colorful and cute activewear and swimwear from recycled materials like post-consumer water bottles, fishing nets retrieved from the seas, fabric scraps, and other waste. Everybody deserves to feel good when they're being active, and not only is Girlfriend Collective size inclusive, they hold the equivalent of Fair Trade certification for the fashion industry (called SA8000). Their recycled fabric is certified Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, the world’s leader in testing fabrics to regulate harmful substances. They make sure every fabric’s origin and contents are totally upfront, so you know exactly what you’re putting on your body. And we want you to know what you're putting on your body.
Not only does Girlfriend Collective offer sizing from XXS to 6XL, they offer 20% off for all students and medical first responders.
10. Big Bud Press
Well, I don't want to say that I saved the best for last, but perhaps I saved the funnest (is that a word?) for last. Big Bud Press is a Los Angeles based slow fashion brand that specialized in unisex, everyday goods. But it's not that simple. All of their goods are designed and made in Los Angeles, with 98% of the fabric grown and made in the USA. They use only non-toxic and low impact dyes and 100% cotton or cotton mixed with recycled acrylic yarns. Big Bud Press is sweatshop free, and maintains a unique independent auditing system whereby their staff visits their manufacturers daily to ensure fair working conditions and pay.
If you are not afraid of color, Big Bud Press is the one for you. They produce everything from intimates to pants and jumpsuits, socks and backpacks, and each piece is colorful, fanciful, and guaranteed to make you smile. This is the brand for the independent and fashion-forward dresser, with sizing from XXS to 6XL.
We hope you've found a new slow fashion and size inclusive brand to love! We're excited to continue our evolution as a shop and brand and offer a wider range of extended sizing here at Thread Spun. Please reach out to me at Heidi@threadspun.co with any suggestions of inclusive brands you would love to see at the shop, and if you feel so inclined, shop our extended sizing now:
