Recently, I read an article on a news paper about many large clothing companies in the US such as Ellen Tracy, have eliminated plus size range (including swimwear, beach wear), while giant retails like Ann Taylor, Old Navy, Gap have either reduced or dropped the lines altogether, citing 'low demand'
Low demand! How in the world is that even possible? The average woman nowadays is size 14 or more, being what is considered plus size. There seems to be a perception by clothing designers/manufacturers that plus size women don't work, have no money and therefore can not afford their stylish clothes! Well, they're wrong, I have known many women in size 14 +; these ladies have good jobs and have shown great knowledge of styling through their hair, make up and clothing.
Plus size clothing costs around 10% more to produce than smaller size clothing, since it requires special cutting patterns, different fit models, more fabric and more freight costs if it's imported. This may be one of the factors together with the recession and economic downturn that cause many large well-known brands for plus size to cut their lines.
Or there may be an issue citing fashion discrimination against plus size women?
