In this comprehensive dataset we have collected datapoints on all the important aspects of the Plus size industry. Our hopes is that it helps provide invaluable insights into a discussed industry. We have accessed, aggregated, weighted and analyzed over 40,000 datapoints.
Objective business insights from P&L statements, data providers as well as user-surveys helped in aggregating enough data to provide the most accurate market size estimations. Other insights and datapoints have been collected from publicly accessible databases and gained through historical references.
To gain access to the full dataset please contact: researchcenter@bedbible.com
Key Plus Size Facts
- The market size for plus size clothing is $31.1bn in the US (2023), growing with +6% YoY.
- The market for plus size clothing is expected to reach over $50bn by 2023 in the US, and $912bn worldwide.
- The average dress size in the US is size 16, making plus size the norm in 2023.
- 67% of American women use a size 14 or above.
- The plus size clothing market grows x3 faster (+6% annually) than the overall clothing market that grows at +2% a year.
- 114 million American women is considered “plus size” by the fashion industry today.
- Only 23% of clothes bought today in the US is considered to be standard/average sizes.
Market size
The market for plus size clothing has seen tremendous growth of more than 6% each year.
The yearly growth rate typically varies from 4-8% on any given year, which due to the relatively large market isn’t obviously visible in the numerical data nor graphs as seen below.
A correlation we noticed after analyzing the data is that the Plus Size Industry growth rates follow the Global GDP growth rates. And the Average global GDP growth is 5.8% making it very closely related to the plus size industry.
| Year | US | US, CAGR | World | World, CAGR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | $7.4bn | 5.31% | $143.67bn | 5.59% |
| 2001 | $7.94bn | 7.11% | $153.97bn | 6.69% |
| 2002 | $8.35bn | 5.17% | $161.76bn | 4.82% |
| 2003 | $8.99bn | 6.65% | $173.98bn | 7.02% |
| 2004 | $9.49bn | 5.62% | $183.35bn | 5.11% |
| 2005 | $10.02bn | 5.51% | $196.25bn | 6.57% |
| 2006 | $10.65bn | 6.35% | $207.78bn | 5.55% |
| 2007 | $11.41bn | 7.11% | $219.74bn | 5.44% |
| 2008 | $12.12bn | 6.27% | $234.44bn | 6.27% |
| 2009 | $12.93bn | 5.66% | $252.15bn | 7.03% |
| 2010 | $13.81bn | 6.77% | $268.8bn | 6.19% |
| 2011 | $14.76bn | 4.88% | $284.73bn | 5.59% |
| 2012 | $15.79bn | 6.99% | $305.14bn | 6.69% |
| 2013 | $16.91bn | 4.10% | $320.59bn | 4.82% |
| 2014 | $18.13bn | 7.20% | $344.36bn | 6.90% |
| 2015 | $19.45bn | 6.31% | $358.88bn | 4.05% |
| 2016 | $20.9bn | 7.42% | $386.38bn | 7.12% |
| 2017 | $22.47bn | 4.53% | $412.08bn | 6.24% |
| 2018 | $24.19bn | 7.64% | $444.68bn | 7.33% |
| 2019 | $25.79bn | 6.60% | $465.52bn | 4.48% |
| 2020 | $27.23bn | 5.58% | $503.53bn | 7.55% |
| 2021 | $29.4bn | 7.97% | $538.66bn | 6.52% |
| 2022 | $31.1bn | 5.79% | $570.1bn | 5.52% |
| 2023 | $33.03bn | 6.20% | $604.59bn | 6.05% |
| 2024 | $35.08bn | 6.20% | $641.17bn | 6.05% |
| 2025 | $37.25bn | 6.20% | $679.96bn | 6.05% |
| 2026 | $39.56bn | 6.20% | $721.1bn | 6.05% |
| 2027 | $42.01bn | 6.20% | $764.72bn | 6.05% |
| 2028 | $44.62bn | 6.20% | $810.99bn | 6.05% |
| 2029 | $47.38bn | 6.20% | $860.05bn | 6.05% |
| 2030 | $50.32bn | 6.20% | $912.09bn | 6.05% |
Sizing demographic of women – what sizes is used most?
We used the dress sizes from 6-34 as an indicator of the distribution of all plus size clothes.
the most interesting finding was that aggregating all sizes that would be considered plus size (14 and over) it amounts to 68% of all US women
| Size | Percentage of American Women |
|---|---|
| 6 | 3% |
| 8 | 6% |
| 10 | 12% |
| 12 | 11% |
| 14 | 11% |
| 16 | 15% |
| 18 | 13% |
| 20 | 9% |
| 22 | 5% |
| 24 | 3% |
| 26 | 4% |
| 28 | 3% |
| 30 | 1% |
| 32 | 2% |
| 34 | 2% |
The average size American man and Woman
Clothing sizes have changed drastically over the years. With a 1950’s size 16 being the equivalent of a size 8 today (in 2023). This is not only due to men and women growing taller and being bigger people, but also a perception.
Therefore to more accurately present data on clothing sizes it’s important to hold it up against objective data on body sizes. Aggregating the data we’ve managed to find the average women and man of today’s America.
Defining the plus size
The definition of plus size can vary depending on the context and the source. In general, plus size refers to clothing and fashion items that are designed for individuals who wear larger sizes than what is considered “standard” or “average.”
In the fashion industry, plus size typically refers to clothing in sizes 14 and above, although some retailers may consider sizes 12 and above to be plus size. However, it’s worth noting that the definition of plus size can be influenced by cultural and societal factors, and there is no universally agreed upon standard for what constitutes a plus size.
In general, plus-size clothing is designed and created to accommodate the needs of people with larger bodies, and it is not limited to a specific size, but rather it covers a range of sizes that are above average.
It’s also worth noting that the term “plus size” has been criticized by some, as it can imply that larger sizes are “extra” or “additional” and separate from the “normal” or “standard” sizes. Alternative terms such as “extended sizes” or “inclusive sizes” are sometimes used instead.
How we defined plus size in our market estimations
First we took all companies that self-identify clothing as plus size. This was done no matter the size, which means it included plus size brands even if they sold scarfs or other clothing as it was impossible to differentiate.
Outside these companies and brands we included clothing over size 14 in the US and varying sizes outside. Additionally, we standardized sizes so that we used the ‘true’ size, not the labeled.
Additionally, the market estimations is based on survey results asking people about their clothing sizes. This was used to extrapolate data from and provide a better estimate of the industry.
Facts
- The plus size market is still considered underrepresented and underserved in the fashion industry, with many individuals still facing difficulty in finding fashionable, well-fitting clothing in larger sizes.
- Online marketplaces and plus size-specific retailers have been filling the gap left by traditional retailers who have been slow to adapt.
- The term “plus size” is often considered controversial and out of date, as it implies that larger sizes are “extra” or “additional” and separate from the “normal” or “standard” sizes.
- The fashion industry has been critized for not being inclusive and not accommodating the majority of the population, as plus size models represent less than 2% of models in the industry.
- Many plus size individuals are still facing discrimination, body shaming, and lack of representation in the media and advertising.
- There is a growing movement of plus size influencers, bloggers, and models who are promoting body positivity and challenging the traditional notions of beauty and fashion.
Biggest plus size brands
Here’s 11 different plus size brands focusing exclusively on sizes +14:
- Lane Bryant: Founded in 1904, Lane Bryant is one of the oldest and most well-known plus size clothing brands in the United States. They offer a wide range of clothing, including casual wear, activewear, and formal wear.
- Torrid: Torrid is a plus size clothing brand that specializes in fashion-forward clothing for young women. They offer a wide range of clothing, including dresses, jeans, and lingerie.
- Eloquii: Eloquii is a plus size fashion brand that offers a wide range of clothing, including workwear, party dresses, and casual wear.
- Ashley Stewart: Ashley Stewart is a plus size clothing brand that offers a wide range of clothing, including dresses, jeans, and activewear.
- Simply Be: Simply Be is a plus size clothing brand that offers a wide range of clothing, including dresses, jeans, and activewear.
- Avenue: Avenue is a plus size clothing brand that offers a wide range of clothing, including dresses, jeans, and activewear.
- Fashion to Figure: Fashion to Figure is a plus size clothing brand that specializes in trendy and fashionable clothing for plus-size women.
- Rebdolls: Rebdolls is a plus size fashion brand that specializes in trendy and fashionable clothing for plus-size women, including trendy tops, dresses, and activewear.
- Hips & Curves: Hips & Curves is a plus-size lingerie and intimate apparel brand that offers a wide range of products, including bras, panties, and sleepwear.
- Gwynnie Bee: Gwynnie Bee is a plus size clothing subscription service that offers a wide range of clothing, including dresses, jeans, and activewear.
- Adrianna Papell Plus: Adrianna Papell Plus is a plus size clothing brand that offers a wide range of clothing, including dresses, tops and skirts.
- City Chic: City Chic is an Australian plus size clothing brand that offers a wide range of clothing, including dresses, tops and jeans.
- Dia&Co: Dia&Co is a plus size clothing and styling service that offers a wide range of clothing, including dresses, tops and jeans.
- SWAK Designs: SWAK Designs is a plus size clothing brand that specializes in trendy and fashionable clothing for plus-size women, including tops, dresses and activewear.
- Kiyonna: Kiyonna is a plus size clothing brand that specializes in special occasion wear, such as wedding dresses and formal wear.
- Monif C: Monif C is a plus size clothing brand that specializes in fashionable and trendy clothing for plus-size women, including dresses, tops and swimwear.
- Premme: Premme is a plus size clothing brand that specializes in trendy and fashionable clothing for plus-size women, including tops, dresses and activewear.
- Curvy Sense: Curvy Sense is a plus size clothing brand that specializes in trendy and fashionable clothing for plus-size women, including tops, dresses and activewear.
- Modcloth: Modcloth is a plus size clothing brand that offers a wide range of clothing, including dresses, tops, and activewear.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive and there are many other plus size fashion brands available. Additionally, the market is constantly evolving, so the biggest brands can change over time.
Exploring the Plus Size Market: A Deeper Dive into Sexuality and Intimacy
The plus size industry has witnessed significant growth over the years, with the market size for plus size clothing reaching $31.1bn in the US in 2023.
As the industry continues to evolve, it’s essential to understand the various facets of the plus size community, including their intimate needs and desires.
This section delves into the intersection of the plus size market and the world of intimate products, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and representation in both sectors.
The Need for Inclusive Intimate Products
The plus size community, like any other, has diverse intimate needs.
With the average dress size in the US being size 16 in 2023, it’s evident that a significant portion of the population requires products tailored to their unique requirements.
Whether it’s vibrators, dildos, or other intimate products, there’s a growing demand for items that cater to the plus size demographic.
- Vibrators for Every Body: Vibrators have become a staple in many people’s intimate lives. For the plus size community, vibrators like the rabbit vibrator and the magic wand vibrator offer versatility and pleasure. For those starting their journey into the world of vibrators, vibrators for beginners are a great starting point.
- Dildos that Celebrate Diversity: The world of dildos offers a plethora of options. From suction cup dildos to realistic dildos, there’s something for everyone. For those new to this realm, best dildos for beginners can be a safe and enjoyable choice.
- Exploring New Sensations: For those looking to explore new sensations, products like the anal vibrator and the g-spot vibrator can offer unique experiences. Additionally, the clit sucker has gained popularity for its distinct sensation.
The Role of Sex Furniture in Enhancing Intimacy
Sex furniture, like the offerings at Bedbible’s sex furniture section, plays a pivotal role in enhancing intimacy for plus size individuals.
These products are designed to provide support, comfort, and elevate intimate moments, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their size, can have fulfilling intimate experiences.
Affordability and Accessibility
As the demand for inclusive intimate products grows, there’s a need to ensure these products are both affordable and accessible.
Cheap sex toys offer an entry point for many, ensuring that everyone can explore their desires without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
The intersection of the plus size market and the world of intimate products is a testament to the evolving nature of both industries.
As the demand for inclusive products grows, brands and retailers must rise to the occasion, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their size, has access to products that cater to their unique needs and desires.
The future of the plus size market is not just about clothing; it’s about celebrating diversity in all its forms, including in the realm of intimacy.