More than 80 sustainable fashion brands now make plus sizes. Many go up to 6X, and some even create custom sizes.
The plus size sustainable fashion world looks completely different now than it did ten years ago. Finding clothes that match both our size and values can feel like a maze. Many brands say they’re size-inclusive and eco-friendly. The real work comes when we need to check these claims and spot any greenwashing.
The market shows promising signs. More sustainable brands now make clothes to order and offer wider size ranges. This piece will guide you to make smart choices that suit your style and help the planet. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to sustainable fashion or want to add more eco-friendly pieces to your closet.
Understanding Sustainable Plus Size Fashion
Eco-friendly fashion includes much more than just using sustainable materials. The fashion industry gets more than 2.1 billion tons of CO2 annually. This accounts for four percent of global CO2 emissions – more than Germany, France, and the UK combined [1]. On top of that, it uses 93 billion cubic meters of water annually [2].
What Makes Fashion Truly Sustainable
Real sustainability in fashion needs a detailed approach in several areas. Sustainable brands must use natural and biodegradable materials that leave a smaller environmental footprint. They should also use natural dyeing methods. The textile industry currently uses 1.9 billion liters of drinking water yearly to dye fabrics [1].
A truly sustainable brand shows its dedication through:
- Clear supply chains and fair labor practices
- Production methods that use fewer resources and green energy
- Verification from trusted third-party organizations
- Specific plans to reduce carbon emissions
Common Greenwashing Red Flags
Sustainable fashion has grown popular. About 65% of consumers now care about their clothes’ environmental impact [3]. This has led many brands to use greenwashing – making false environmental claims. Recent studies show 59% of fashion companies use greenwashing practices [4].
Smart shopping for sustainable plus size fashion means watching for these warning signs:
Vague Terminology: Words like “eco-friendly,” “natural,” or “green” without clear explanations or certifications often hide poor sustainability practices. These unmeasurable claims need careful examination [4].
Limited Collections: Some brands release small “sustainable” collections while their main products remain unsustainable. This goes against true sustainability, which should cover everything a brand makes [3].
Missing Information: Real sustainable brands share details about their factories, wages, and working conditions openly. Missing transparency often points to supply chain issues [5].
Misleading Certifications: Look for trusted certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Fair Trade Certified, and GRS Certified. These certifications follow strict standards and checking processes [5].
Plus size shoppers face unique challenges in sustainable fashion. Many sustainable brands offer limited size ranges because eco-friendly production costs more upfront and becomes complex at larger scales [6]. In spite of that, finding genuine sustainable plus size fashion becomes easier when you know how to evaluate brand claims and understand real sustainability.
Evaluating Sustainable Brands
The right way to evaluate sustainable brands combines environmental responsibility and size inclusivity in plus-size fashion. Material choices, production techniques, authentic size ranges, and price-quality balance are the life-blood of this evaluation.
Check Material Sourcing
Sustainable brands put eco-conscious materials first to minimize their effect on the environment. You’ll want to look for natural fibers like organic cotton, hemp, linen, and innovative materials such as Tencel and Lyocell [7]. The brands should also use recycled materials or deadstock fabrics – unused excess fabric that would end up in landfills [8].
Real sustainability shows in a brand’s openness about where their materials come from. The best sustainable brands share details about their fabric sources and keep clear records of their supply chain [9].
Review Production Methods
Production methods substantially shape a brand’s sustainability credentials. The best sustainable brands use:
- Closed-loop manufacturing systems that treat and reuse water [10]
- Renewable energy in their supply chain [8]
- Small-batch or made-to-order production to cut down waste [7]
Material costs make up about 80% of what it takes to make a garment [11]. Brands that truly care about sustainability often work on a smaller scale. They create limited quantities to maintain quality and reduce their environmental footprint [8].
Verify Size Range Claims
Size inclusivity needs a closer look. Many brands say they offer extended sizing, but a deeper look often shows limited options in larger sizes [12]. True size-inclusive brands should:
- Keep sizing consistent across their whole collection
- Give detailed size charts and measurements
- Show different body types in their marketing
- Keep larger sizes available, not just in special collections
Plus-size shoppers often struggle to find sustainable options because many brands overlook the need for inclusive sizing [13]. Right now, all but one of these sustainable brands offer sizes beyond 2XL [8].
Assess Price vs Quality
Price and quality relationship is vital when you invest in sustainable plus-size fashion. Higher prices usually mean:
- Certified sustainable materials [10]
- Fair labor practices and living wages [9]
- Small-batch production costs [7]
- Money spent on proper size grading and fit testing [12]
The “cost per wear” approach helps evaluate prices better. Quality sustainable clothes might cost more upfront but save money over time through better durability [14]. To name just one example, certified factories with good working conditions and environmental standards naturally cost more to run, which shows in the final price [11].
The best sustainable brands are clear about their pricing and explain how their costs support ethical production. They invest in proper size grading, thorough testing, and quality materials – these factors justify higher prices but ensure better fit and lasting wear [15].
Smart Shopping Strategies
Smart buying decisions are the foundations of building a sustainable plus-size wardrobe. Smart shopping strategies can help you create a wardrobe that matches your style and environmental values.
Calculate Cost Per Wear
Cost Per Wear (CPW) is a great way to assess your clothing investments: Total Cost of Item / Number of Times Worn [16]. A USD 200 jacket worn 50 times gives you a CPW of USD 4, while a USD 50 dress worn twice results in a CPW of USD 25 [16].
Here’s how to calculate your CPW accurately:
- Add maintenance costs like alterations and dry cleaning
- Keep track of wear frequency using apps or spreadsheets
- Look at how long the piece might last
Let me share a real-life example: A designer black blazer that cost USD 120 seemed expensive at first, but with regular wear, its CPW dropped to USD 17. Cheaper blazers worn just once ended up with a CPW of USD 150 [17].
Plan Seasonal Purchases
Smart seasonal planning helps you create a sustainable wardrobe without breaking the bank. Start by looking at what you already own. Your existing well-fitting jeans can be the starting point to build your sustainable wardrobe around [18].
Smart seasonal shopping tips:
- Sign up for email newsletters to get exclusive discounts from ethical brands
- Buy quality pieces during end-of-season sales
- Look for sustainable brands at outlet stores and sample sales
- Get cashback and use discount codes [1]
A practical sustainable wardrobe usually has 30-40 versatile items, including tops, bottoms, dresses, and outerwear [19]. Neutral colors that mix and match easily let you create multiple outfits with fewer pieces.
Clothing rental services are perfect for special occasions instead of buying new outfits. Platforms like Nuuly give you access to high-quality brands while reducing textile waste [20]. You can also find sustainable options at lower prices through second-hand shopping apps like Depop, Vinted, and By Rotation [12].
Made-to-order clothes offer another eco-friendly shopping approach. This method creates only what customers want and reduces waste. It also gives you custom fittings – a huge benefit for plus-size bodies where proportions can vary substantially [12].
Note that new purchases should happen only at the start of each season or when replacing worn-out essentials [19]. Regular wardrobe checks help you stay organized and make sure each piece matches your current style priorities [21]. Smart planning and strategic buying will help you build a sustainable wardrobe that’s both stylish and environmentally conscious.
Finding Local Options
Australian fashion brands now provide promising options for plus-size customers who want environmentally responsible clothing choices. The average Australian woman wears sizes 14 to 16, and local brands have responded by embracing both sustainability and size inclusivity [15].
Australian Sustainable Brands
Australian designers lead the charge in sustainable plus-size fashion. DK Active runs its operations from a solar-powered headquarters and creates activewear up to size 6XL [22]. The brand’s commitment includes using ECONYL® recycled nylon, fair trade materials, and GOTS-certified organic cotton.
Notable Australian sustainable brands that cater to extended sizes are:
- August and Eve – Specializes in upcycling textiles through bespoke garments [23]
- 17 Sundays – Creates everyday casual wear inspired by Australia’s landscapes [6]
- Embody Women – Makes ethically produced denim in Australia [6]
- Made590 – Features quirky prints through artist collaborations [6]
Brands like Bassike and Elk champion responsible materials and comfortable fits [23]. Australian label Very Good Bra maintains a strict no-plastic policy in their clothing production, perfect for underwear enthusiasts [23].
Second-hand Shopping Tips
Second-hand shopping provides an available path to sustainable fashion, though plus-size shoppers face unique challenges since fewer plus-size garments exist in the secondhand market [24]. Smart strategies can help you find great pieces.
Size labels matter less than actual measurements. A garment labeled size 18 might fit someone who usually wears size 22 due to sizing inconsistencies [25]. Keep your measurements handy – bust, waist, hip, and inseam – to assess fit accurately [26].
Online platforms make second-hand shopping easier. eBay’s filtering system lets you search by size, brand, and style priorities [27]. Apps like Depop, Vinted, and By Rotation feature growing selections of pre-loved plus-size fashion [12].
These tips will help you succeed at second-hand shopping:
- Shop off-season to find better deals with less competition [26]
- Check fabric composition, focusing on stretchy materials for flexible sizing [27]
- Browse the men’s section for structured pieces and natural fabrics [25]
- Create alerts on resale platforms for specific sizes and favorite brands [12]
Specialized plus-size thrift stores serve as great resources. The Plus Bus Boutique in Los Angeles showcases sustainable and fashionable options while creating an inclusive shopping experience [28]. Curve Conscious celebrates various body shapes and promotes sustainable shopping practices [29].
Swap.com maintains size-inclusive inventory and works actively to keep clothes out of landfills [29]. Virtual vintage markets like Ahead of the Curve cater specifically to plus-size fashion enthusiasts looking for unique pre-loved pieces [12].
Note that finding the right pieces takes patience. Regular visits to your favorite thrift stores or online platforms increase your chances of success [26]. Building relationships with reliable sellers can give you first access to new inventory [27].
Building a Sustainable Wardrobe
Building a sustainable plus-size wardrobe takes careful planning and smart choices. Smart selection and good maintenance help each piece meet your style and eco-friendly goals.
Start with Basics
A well-planned sustainable wardrobe usually has 30-40 versatile items [19]. Take a good look at your current closet to spot gaps and must-haves. Simple, quality pieces are the foundations of a sustainable wardrobe. You can create multiple outfits from fewer pieces.
Key points to remember for basic pieces:
- Pick natural fibers like organic cotton, hemp, or Tencel that last longer and feel comfortable [2]
- Buy well-made, timeless styles that stay relevant beyond trends
- Choose pieces that mix and match with what you already own
Add Statement Pieces
After getting your basics, add unique items that show your style while staying eco-friendly. Statement pieces should make your wardrobe more flexible without giving up on sustainable principles.
Your statement pieces should:
- Use high-quality materials that last
- Look into made-to-order options for a better fit that wastes less [30]
- Pick bold colors or patterns that work with your neutral basics
Care and Maintenance
Good care makes clothes last longer and reduces environmental impact. Following care labels keeps both fabric and shape in good condition.
Key maintenance tips:
- Washing Guidelines:
- Cold water works best to keep colors bright and fibers strong [31]
- Use gentle, eco-friendly detergents
- Sort clothes by color and fabric to avoid damage
- Storage Solutions:
- Keep clothes cool and dry, away from sun [32]
- Use padded hangers to keep shapes intact
- Fold knits and delicate items instead of hanging
- Regular Upkeep:
- Check clothes often for damage
- Fix small problems right away
- Learn basic sewing for simple repairs [2]
Smart care goes beyond basics. Spot cleaning saves unnecessary washes and keeps fabric strong [32]. Air-drying is better for clothes than machine drying. It causes less wear and saves energy [5].
Delicate pieces need proper storage. Natural moth deterrents like lavender sachets or cedar blocks protect clothes without chemicals [31]. Rotating clothes by season stops individual pieces from wearing out too fast.
These detailed care strategies help plus-size people maintain sustainable wardrobes well. Good maintenance makes clothes last longer and you need fewer replacements. This approach supports both the environment and your style priorities [2].
Conclusion
Green plus-size fashion opens up exciting possibilities for mindful shoppers who want to make eco-friendly choices. Smart shopping strategies and proper garment care help us build wardrobes that show our values and style priorities.
Finding the right eco-friendly pieces needs time and dedication. You’ll need to research materials, production methods, and size authenticity claims carefully. Local or second-hand shopping gives you more ways to support green fashion and circular economy practices.
I’ve learned that the best green fashion choices come from smart planning and investing in quality pieces. Build a versatile collection of well-made essentials instead of following trends. Add statement pieces that match your personal style.
Sustainability goes beyond your original buying decisions. Taking good care of your clothes affects how long they last and their effect on the environment. You can learn more about green fashion choices and get individual-specific guidance by reaching out to us at support@trendnovaworld.com.
Style and sustainability create a beautiful harmony. We can adopt fashion that celebrates our bodies and our planet together.
FAQs
Q1. Why is sustainable plus-size fashion often more expensive? Sustainable plus-size fashion tends to be pricier due to the use of eco-friendly materials, ethical labor practices, and smaller production scales. These factors increase costs but ensure better quality and longevity of garments.
Q2. How can I find affordable sustainable plus-size options? Consider shopping second-hand through platforms like ThredUp or local thrift stores. Look for sales from sustainable brands, explore clothing rental services, or invest in versatile, high-quality pieces that will last longer.
Q3. What should I look for when evaluating sustainable plus-size brands? Check for transparent material sourcing, ethical production methods, genuine size inclusivity, and a clear explanation of pricing. Authentic sustainable brands should provide detailed information about their practices and offer consistent sizing across their collections.
Q4. How can I build a sustainable plus-size wardrobe on a budget? Start with versatile basics in neutral colors, focus on quality over quantity, and calculate the cost per wear of items. Plan seasonal purchases, take advantage of sales, and consider a capsule wardrobe approach to maximize your clothing combinations.
Q5. Are there any sustainable plus-size fashion options in Australia? Yes, several Australian brands offer sustainable plus-size options. Look for companies like DK Active, August and Eve, and 17 Sundays. These brands focus on using eco-friendly materials and ethical production methods while catering to extended sizes.
References
[1] – https://www.jordireneeblog.com/affordable-ethical-plus-size-clothing/
[2] – https://vocal.media/art/sustainable-fashion-for-plus-size-women-embracing-style-and-sustainability-introduction
[3] – https://www.myindyx.com/blog/greenwashing-vs-genuine
[4] – https://www.projectcece.com/blog/673/fashion-greenwashing-red-flags/
[5] – https://wiltclothing.com/blogs/wilt/washing-tips-for-eco-friendly-clothing-maintenance?srsltid=AfmBOoq5KbdKTBg_eUP3_nBxNNRSYnRun26cuqMf1sks72orm-7hAykI
[6] – https://fashionjournal.com.au/fashion/size-inclusive-sustainable-brand-directory/
[7] – https://www.unsustainablemagazine.com/ethical-size-inclusive-fashion-a-guide-to-sustainable-plus-sized-brands/
[8] – https://zerrin.com/plus-size-sustainable-fashion-brands/
[9] – https://www.fashionrevolution.org/fashion-transparency-index/
[10] – https://goodmakertales.com/why-are-sustainable-clothes-so-expensive/
[11] – https://seerosego.com/blogs/cultural-briefing/the-cost-of-quality?srsltid=AfmBOopltRIr9AWw2gRWq4ykigddgpeZEXZS4DJcBWvIwBM_Q7TMqTqg
[12] – https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/fashion/plus-size-fashion/a41066606/plus-size-sustainable-clothing/
[13] – https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/downloads/gm80j194s
[14] – https://goodonyou.eco/size-inclusive-affordable-brands/
[15] – https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/plus-size-ethical-fashion/
[16] – https://thewelldressedlife.com/understanding-cost-per-wear/
[17] – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/learn-your-cost-per-wear-sarah-d-arcey
[18] – https://www.carlakiley.com/plus-size-capsule-wardrobe/
[19] – https://www.jordireneeblog.com/plus-size-capsule-wardrobe/
[20] – https://www.sustainthemag.com/style/shopping-sustainably-when-plus-size
[21] – https://www.tsingapore.com/article/creating-the-perfect-capsule-wardrobe-for-plus-size-women-a-step-by-step-guide/
[22] – https://www.sustainablejungle.com/sustainable-plus-size-clothing/
[23] – https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/feb/13/size-inclusive-sustainable-brands-australian-fashion-professionals-share-their-favorites
[24] – https://consciousfashion.co/guides/secondhand-plus-size-clothing
[25] – https://bravelygo.co/5-thrifting-tips-for-plus-size-women/
[26] – https://swapup.com.au/blogs/journal/tips-on-thrift-shopping-for-plus-sized-person?srsltid=AfmBOoqI6o4XztPtAaIZP6psY6wdCNw7e_8y2mZlOe2sslZgk1Uutu29
[27] – https://fashionjournal.com.au/pre-loved/plus-size-secondhand/
[28] – https://www.theplusbus.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopRTXuSXFPppo3ApJ4_5L51unY3VoIIJYHJhGsL76cOhziu7BZA
[29] – https://www.insyze.com/blog/plus-size-thrift-stores-to-shop-right-now/
[30] – https://lukbook.com.au/blogs/inside-luk/building-the-perfect-plus-size-capsule-wardrobe-top-5-tips?srsltid=AfmBOoq_5JOV08NLZ3QBKgB46fDiGcZXiNahoEfSUdYlzVmW7D6ajKrm
[31] – https://www.miigle.com/story/extending-the-lifespan-of-clothes-a-sustainable-fashion-approach
[32] – https://santegrace.com/blogs/news/how-to-care-for-your-plus-size-clothing-your-closet?srsltid=AfmBOoovcxk4-QlqJjfy7uXjIqr6eIuEBV_uVCzY_L8ErqD1fDiT7rfI
Saiqa Khan is an award-winning researcher with 16+ years of experience in AI, technology, finance, health, sustainability, and digital marketing. With dual master’s degrees, she delivers expert, research-driven insights across multiple fields.