Size Inclusive Brands With The Planet In Mind
Image credit: Wray
Enjoying a sustainable wardrobe should be for everyone, so we are highlighting our favourite size inclusive brands which are low impact along with being super stylish.
A barrier we often hear about when people can’t commit to supporting sustainable brands is size inclusivity. It’s a big problem in the sustainable fashion niche but it shouldn’t be. In technical terms many brands often make items to order in an effort to minimise waste. This method is arguably the perfect stage for producing larger sizes, however many brands are still woefully lacking in this area.
We believe that the beautiful sustainable and ethical brands we feature on this website shouldn’t be for the few, they should be for everyone. We all deserve to wear beautiful clothes, made responsibly and slowly and in line with our values, no matter our clothes size. We’re taking this opportunity to spotlight a few of our favourites that are overing extended and inclusive sizing in all areas of life and style.
Day/Won – Activewear
Day/Won was created in 2017 by world renowned model Candice Huffine because she couldn’t find a comfortable pair of leggings in her size to run the Boston Marathon. Ever the challenger, Candice approached a New York manufacturer who made her a prototype pair to wear when she competed. This began the journey of Day/Won, a brand created with size inclusivity and sustainability at its core. After being educated on sustainable issues by said manufacturer, Day/Won produce locally in Upstate New York on a made to order basis. They use fabrics including recycled polyester and deadstock fabrics. The prints are done digitally to avoid excess water use. And they cater to sizes 0-32(US), so basically all the sizes!
Lora Gene – Elevated Basics
For us, a B Corp Certification is a sure fire way to tell that a brand know’s it’s sustainable chops. Lora Gene is one such brand, but has gone even further to provide her beautiful pieces in sizes 8-28 (UK). Lora’s elegant sensibility can be seen throughout her collections. From the cut of her slip dresses, to the nuanced colour palette she uses. Having recently collaborated with writer and influencer Aja Barber, Lora is emphatic that every body deserves wearable, timeless options. And Aja would not collaborate with any brand that didn’t sincerely mean it.
Alder – Outdoor Apparel
Shouldn’t everyone have the opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy our natural environment? That’s why Mikayla Wujec and Naomi Blackman created Alder. They believe that getting outdoors shouldn’t warrant high grade technical spec apparel, which lets face it, doesn’t always come in inclusive sizing. They design for happy womxn, with an earth friendly sensibility. All of their pieces are designed with comfort in mind, so you can forget you’re wearing it and just enjoy your surroundings. They only use eco friendly fabrics and are happy to disclose the name of the factory where your piece of clothing was made. Their limited collection is available in sizes XS-4XL.
Wray – Loungewear
Wray Serna is looking to put fun back into fashion. Her size inclusive label Wray is inspired by her love of Fine Art. Using exciting materials like Tencel (made using sustainably sourced wood pulp) and linen, the range is colourful and full of character. So if you prefer not to hide in the shadows wearing a boring sack dress, Wray is definitely for you. However we’re totally here for the loungewear. Available in sizes XS-5XL and in a variety of fun prints and colours, the lounge sets are too good to just wear in your house. Wray get big sustainable brownie points for transparency too. Each of their factories is listed and described, right down to environmental and social policy. Wray is now also available to rent via Hurr.
Proclaim – Underwear
Produced exclusively in Los Angeles, California, Proclaim is a breath of fresh air in the lingerie world. The brand was founded by Shobha Philips, who couldn’t find nude underwear to match her skin tone. Not only does Proclaim offer an inclusive range of bras and briefs in a variety of skin tones, but sizes range from S (A-C Cup) to 3X (D-DDD Cup). Everything is produced at a factory that adheres to strict Californian Labour Standards. Workers are paid a fair hourly wage, not by piece rate, a method of pay which has come under fire in LA recently for promoting unsafe work environments. All of the pieces are made from Tencel and REPREVE (Recycled Polyester) making them uber comfortable and low impact.
Christy Dawn – Boho Babe
You’re a girly girl at heart, and you love vintage but find it hard to come by something cute in your size. We hear you, and we think you’ll love Christy Dawn. Created in the US, the brand seeks to tread lightly on the planet. They only use deadstock or organic cotton to make their dreamy, vintage style dresses. Their ‘Farm to Closet’ initiative works with Oshadi Collective to help regenerate the land in Erode, India, that has been damaged by cotton production. The feminine designs are available in 1X-3X in the extended range. Plus they even tell you who makes your dress and where.
DL1961 – Denim
Denim isn’t always that easy to come by in inclusive sizing, leaving some people in the size 16 or above category to avoid jeans all together. And we don’t blame them, finding comfortable denim is a must. Thats why DL1961 are the winner’s when it comes to this category. Their styles are ones we actually want to wear, and they come in 14w-24w. As an eco aware brand DL1961’s entire range is created with the planet in mind. A traditional pair of jeans uses around 1,500 gallons of water to manufacture, theirs’ uses just 10. This is thanks to a water recycling system that treats 98% of the water the mill uses. They also use Ozone technology and lasers to create the vintage effects on their jeans.
Snag
As the fastest growing UK based inclusive sizing tights retailer, Snag takes its responsibilities seriously. Not just as an employer (they ensure a living wage throughout the entire supply chain) but also to their customer. After feedback they discovered that customers struggle to find black leggings as they often go see through, especially in larger sizes due to fabric stretch. Their new leggings are designed using sustainable viscose to be completely opaque, as well as lower carbon emissions. Plus they have pockets! Need we say more. Next up a range of sustainable viscose t shirts will join the range. Featuring designs by artist Taynee Tinsley they will expand the brand’s eco friendly apparel offering.
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Disclaimer: The people and models in the images featured are not associated with The Vendeur and do not endorse it or the products shown. This post may contain affiliate links. Prices correct at time of publishing.
