How to be Sustainable as a Plus Size Shopper

Are you a plus size baddie who struggles to access environmentally aware clothing brands? Do you have trouble finding sustainable fashion that is targeted towards your body type and remains stylish? Join the club! You’re not alone. 

In our current climate, sustainability is needed more than ever to reduce the negative impacts fashion has on the environment; plus sizes are often left out of the equation or are much harder to come by. It’s difficult enough to find comfortable and cute garments made for plus size bodies in fast fashion spaces as it is. However, when it comes to eco-friendly fashion, I often hear about and share the experience of endlessly digging through the internet to find clothing that centers the needs of those over a size 14. 

Sadly, the lack of size inclusivity in the ethical fashion world forces those with fuller-figures to choose between sourcing responsibly or purchasing clothing that caters to their bodies. I, myself, have been torn thinking about this premise, because the truth is that it’s not as simple as shopping sustainably for straight sizes, which are the primary focus of the fashion realm. 

The reality is: curvy shoppers are typically left in the dust, sacrificing comfortability in fit, expression in style, and cost effective fashion altogether. This is not to say that there are no options at all, they’re just buried beneath the more accessible and affordable straight size brands. 

The other gripe I have is that the majority of the brands which do account for extensive sizing, often misrepresent themselves through greenwashing. Essentially, slapping on the label of sustainability without engaging in the practices that ensure ethical production. 

In reality, labels claim to employ fair labour costs and source ethical materials, while doing the exact opposite. This results in eco-deception that leaves these well-meaning shoppers with products that don’t reflect their values. It comes off as a nominal effort rather than a genuine attempt or commitment to making sustainable fashion accessible for plus sizes. 

At this point, you may be wondering, “how can I make sure that the plus size brands I am shopping from are authentically sustainable?” Well, let me break it down for you… 

1. Look for Certifications 

Eco-certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Fair Trade, and OEKO-TEX confirm that textiles are tested for harmful substances and are produced under environmentally and socially responsible conditions. Furthermore, by obtaining these credentials, brands ensure that they are contributing to environmental preservation while meeting consumer values that center sustainable fashion. 

2. Research Circular Fashion Principles 

Brands that employ the circular fashion model prevent waste by creating clothes that are meant to be reusable, recyclable, and repairable. Envisioning the industry as a circle where materials are kept in use for as long as possible. This evidently reduces textile waste by utilizing pre-existing materials and turning them into innovative garments; giving them a new life. By looking for brands that adhere to these principles, you can ensure that the garments you’re investing in are preloved and inherently contributing to ecological conservation. 

3. Inquire About Made- to-Order Brands 

Shopping from made-to-order brands reduces waste by supporting companies that only produce what is needed, rather than over-producing in an attempt to maximize profit. Moreover, encouraging conscious consumption that is customized and tailored to the consumer reflects inclusive fashion practices that advocate for body positivity. Making certain that customers of all body types are being taken care of, promoting the idea that true sustainability includes everyone. 

By zeroing in on these three practices, I can assure that you will find fashionable options that are genuinely eco-conscious and size inclusive. Through focusing on designers with reputable certifications, brands that spotlight circular fashion principles, and companies that produce made-to-order clothing, it will enable you to find the right sources that mirror your values. 

Hence, with these tools the days of struggling to find environmentally friendly plus size clothing are over! 

Sources: 

https://thecurvyfashionista.com/plus-size-sustainable-fashion/