Design for inclusivity, Cottonbro studio | Pexels
For decades, fashion operated within an exclusive bubble—runways dominated by size-zero models, flashing cameras, and a rigid definition of beauty.
The tide began to turn in 2018 when Victoria’s Secret canceled its once-iconic fashion show, a decision spurred by plummeting viewership and criticism of its outdated beauty ideals. Abercrombie & Fitch, once synonymous with a narrow, white-centric aesthetic, faced intense backlash for its exclusionary standards. In response, consumers began reshaping the industry, demanding inclusivity, diversity, and a more authentic reflection of beauty in fashion.
Victoria’s Secret’s Reflect Who We Are Today show embraces inclusivity, featuring diverse body types and two trans models. | teenvogue
Slowly, the industry expanded beyond size inclusivity to embrace diverse identities, abilities, and ages. Today, clothes reflect real people, those with different body types, neurodivergence, and disabilities. With shifting beauty ideals and consumer expectations, brands are no longer just selling clothes; they are reshaping the narrative, proving that wearables are about identity, not exclusivity.
Layers of Inclusive Fashion
Inclusive fashion goes beyond designing for different body types, it encompasses multiple dimensions of diversity. Brands that actively embrace these layers lead the industry in fostering true inclusivity, making them the top choice for today’s conscious consumers.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion | reactivereality
Layer 1: Size Inclusivity
Moving beyond the stereotype of “one size fits all” and the aspirational Barbie-doll figure, brands should design for a global range of sizes to cater to diverse body types, regardless of gender. Brands like Simply Be promote this inclusivity through campaigns like No More Bad Fit, incorporating tailored sizes from 8 to 32 to accommodate different body shapes and styles.
No more bad fit, simply be | printful
Layer 2: Gender-Inclusive & Unisex Fashion
Gender inclusivity faces stigma in social spaces, but in fashion, it fosters self-expression. Unisex fashion challenges norms and embraces fluid identities. Brands like Telfar, Collina Strada, and Pangaia lead this movement, offering sustainable, gender-neutral designs that redefine fashion as an inclusive, expressive, and environmentally conscious space for all.
Pangaia; “Pan” meaning all-inclusive and “Gaia” meaning Mother earth, A brand towards inclusive sustainability | home.knitup
Layer 3: Ethnic & Cultural Diversity
In a fast-paced, globalized world and fast-paced fashion, ethnic clothing stands as a guardian of tradition and cultural heritage. From Kimonos to saree and kente cloth, each piece carries deep artistic meaning. Brands like My Sleeping Gypsy, House of Wandering Silk, and Buki Akomolafe celebrate global craftsmanship, keeping traditions alive through ethical and culturally rich designs.
Handcrafted pieces woven with heritage, EFFEI | styleandthegang
Layer 4: Age-Inclusive Fashion
The fashion industry once equated beauty with youth, but now it embraces age diversity. Brands like WomanWonderFashion create versatile, timeless collections for all ages, redefining inclusivity and celebrating the beauty of real, diverse generations.
Whopping 160 percent increase of models over age 50 in Fall 2017 fashion | huffpost
Layer 5:Adaptive or Accessible fashion
Adaptive fashion is reshaping the industry with purpose beyond aesthetics, prioritizing function and personalization. Designed for individuals with disabilities, it enhances comfort and independence through features like Velcro closures and magnetic fastenings. Catering to mobility, dexterity, and sensory needs, it empowers everyone to dress with ease, confidence, and style.
Magnetic closures for independence, inspired by Parkinson’s disease, MagnaReady | forbes
Layer 6: Representation of Neurodivergent Individuals
Neurodivergent individuals often struggle with clothing discomfort due to fabric texture, stitching, and labels. Many brands overlook their needs, making daily dressing a challenge. However, brands like Rebirth Garments are redefining sensory-friendly fashion, creating inclusive designs that prioritize relaxation, self-expression, and regulation.
Custom made clothes for all, Rebirthgarments | Rebirthgarments
Why Brands Must Embrace Inclusivity
Growth of Market Segment
The global plus-size fashion market is expanding rapidly and is projected to reach $501.35 billion by 2033. To stay relevant and maximize revenue, brands must integrate diversity into their product lines. Companies prioritizing equitability not only differentiate themselves but also tap into an underserved market with increasing demand.
Greater Financial Performance
Expanding product offerings to cater to a wider audience increases accessibility, ultimately driving higher sales and profitability. A diverse range of consumers means greater market penetration and sustainable growth.
Building Brand Loyalty
Research shows that consumers are more likely to support brands that represent diverse body types and identities. Universal fashion fosters positive brand perception, resulting in greater customer retention, repeat purchases, and stronger community engagement.
The Role of Digital Fashion & Media
Inclusivity shouldn’t be limited to the runway. Brands can utilize digital fashion technology to create immersive and personalized experiences year-round. Platforms like Veesual enable brands to showcase designs on various body types, offering a more authentic and relatable shopping experience.
Visual AI Experience that shoppers need | veesual.ai
Additionally, social media campaigns featuring diverse models representing various ethnicities, body types, genders, and abilities resonate with audiences, spark important conversations, and enhance consumer trust. Inclusivity isn’t just a trend; it’s a movement shaping the future of fashion.
Conclusion | The Future of Inclusive Fashion
Next wave of conscious consumerism | scmp
The journey toward inclusivity in fashion is far from over. While progress has been made, the industry must continue evolving to ensure representation extends beyond token gestures. True inclusivity requires ongoing commitment, rethinking design processes, amplifying diverse voices, and making accessibility the norm, not an exception.
Consumer-driven demand has already proven that inclusivity is both a moral and financial imperative. As brands continue to integrate diversity into their ethos, the industry moves closer to a space where fashion genuinely belongs to everyone, reflecting the richness of the human spectrum.
References
- https://www.econyl.com/magazine/social-community/unraveling-the-layers-of-diversity-and-inclusivity-in-fashion/
- https://www.mintel.com/insights/retail/diversity-in-fashion/?utm
- https://ebsedu.org/blog/how-inclusive-is-the-fashion-industry
- https://www.teenvogue.com/story/victorias-secret-2024-runway-show-promised-inclusivity-where-was-it
- https://thred.com/style/is-fashion-doing-enough-to-be-disability-inclusive/
- https://home.knitup.io/learn/design_resources/6-gender-fluid-fashion-brands-you-need-to-know
- https://styleandthegang.com/5-fashion-brands-reflecting-cultural-heritage/
- https://www.huffpost.com/entry/models-over-50_n_58cbcf07e4b00705db4e642f
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/annahaines/2021/06/24/the-fight-for-adaptive-fashion-how-people-with-disabilities-struggle-to-be-seen/
- https://fashionlawjournal.com/adaptive-fashion-designing-for-accessibility-and-inclusivity/
- https://www.comfa.co.uk/news/sensory-friendly-clothing/
- https://www.bustle.com/style/sensory-friendly-clothing-neurodivergent-autism
- https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/plus-size-clothing-market