For years, the extended-size segment has been overlooked by the fashion industry, with a lack of size-inclusive stylish and ethical options available. For those who wear sizes 14 and up, it can still be a challenge to find garments are sustainable, ethical, and chic.

As the conversation around inclusion and diversity progresses, fashion labels, including earth-friendly ones, are slowly acknowledging this overlooked segment. Several labels now offer inclusive sizes, have plus-size collections, or design exclusively for curvy women.

For the piece, we have looked at labels which are size-inclusive or have extended-sized collections, with a commitment to ethical production, protecting the environment, and giving back to the community.

Ahead, our pick of the best sustainable plus size clothing brands.

Mate the Label, based on the philosophy of ‘dress clean’ from seed-to-skin, introduced extended sizing in 2020, and is our top choice. The extended collection is available in 1X-3X. You can choose from much-loved basics made from organic and natural materials (such as organic cotton and Tencel), dyed with azo-free and formaldehyde-free dyes, and produced with a reduced carbon footprint.

Best Overall

MATE the Label

Certified Climate Neutral, Mate the Label’s garments are cut, sewn, packed, and delivered from within 10-miles of their LA office (the organic yarn is usually sourced from India). The packaging and labels are plastic-free. Embracing circularity through an upcycling program reMATE, you can send back your favorite sweats to be repurposed into a spanking new garment. With a strong give-back policy, Mate has partnered with 1% of the Planet and contributed to non-profits for the BLM movement. What’s more, by transitioning to the direct-to-consumer model, it’s brought down prices, making its comfy clothes even more accessible.

Unless you go thrifting, ethical clothing is rarely as cheap as fast fashion. However, Girlfriend Collective offers excellent value backed with proper credentials and inclusive sizing. The basics are made from recycled materials, such as recycled polyester from post-consumer plastic bottles, Econyl from recycled fishing nets and Cupro, made from the waste of the cotton industry. Partnering with an SA8000 certified factory in Vietnam for making the apparel, it ferries the clothes to you in 100% recycled and recyclable packaging.

Best Budget

Girlfriend Collective

With sizes from XXS-6XL available, there’s plenty of options to choose from. Once your lovely leggings and bras (and other select products) sag at the seams, send them back for repurposing under their ReGirlfriend program.

For PETA-approved vegan and earth-friendly fashion label nu-in, caring for our furry friends is integral to brand ideology. Taking conscious action to create an economically, environmentally and socially responsible company, it’s transparent in detailing the factories and materials it works with and methods it adopts.

Best Vegan

nu-in

Nu-in sells extended sizes from EU46-EU58 (with clear measurement instructions shared) covering dresses, jeans, shorts, tops, and other closet staples. Your order is packed in a compostable and degradable bag, dispatched in an FSC-certified box. Scroll through the Buy For Good initiative, to purchase overstock, where 30% of revenue is apportioned for specific charities.

Manufacturing ethically, minimizing environmental impact and raising awareness about climate justice, luxe label Mara Hoffman has taken a thoughtful approach to inclusive fashion. The fashion house works with recycled, natural and organic fibers such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) organic cotton, Tencel, hemp, and Econyl to create floaty, feel-good fashion. With sizes XXS till 3X, from swim to ready-to-wear, you can also scour for preloved pieces from its Full Circle Marketplace.

Best Luxury

Mara Hoffman

Mara Hoffman is furthering its sustainability efforts through valuable partnerships with companies including Textile Exchange, Nest, and The Ellen MacArthur Foundation. We’re in love with the gorgeous hues of natural rose, organic safflower, and indigo.

Chicago-based Britteny Riordan’s class project on plus-size vintage clothing expanded into an Etsy shop before metamorphosing into a full-fledged body-positive fashion venture. From 60s inspired go-go dresses and delicate lace, pearl and sequined tops to Y2K crops and ‘80s pleated skirts, Riordan’s scoured markets for the nattiest of preloved fashion.

Best Vintage

Luvsick Plus

Available in sizes L (US 10-12) to 4X (US 28-30), you can also pick up accessories-to-go and self-care doodads with these timeless togs.

When it comes to conquering the corridors of power, Certified B Corp Eileen Fisher’s elegant wardrobe staples help you do it in style. With sizes ranging from PP to 3X, the label’s minimalistic aesthetic and pared-back sensibilities make it perfect for the boardroom. It offers ample relaxed options too, perfect for working from home.

Best for Office

Eileen Fisher

Since its inception in 1984, the label’s multi-dimensional approach has connected the dots between people, the planet, and profits. Its efforts include working with organic and responsible fibers and earth-friendly dyes, protecting workers’ rights and empowering women, while building transparency in the supply chain. With Horizon 2030, Eileen Fisher is stepping away from the take-waste-make model to embrace circularity. Raise a toast in her polished silk georgette crepe tailored pants paired with the lightweight Italian cashmere cardigan.

Christy Dawn’s dreamy vintage-inspired cottagecore dresses are more than just ‘gram worthy fashion. The label’s strength lies in mutually beneficial relationships with stakeholders and the responsible sourcing of materials, including deadstock, to create sustainable fashion. With sizes available in standard, petite, and 1X to 3X, Christy Dawn’s intentional fashion is an enduring classic.

Best for Occasions

Christy Dawn

In 2019, it delved deeper into nurturing its connection with Mother Earth, through regenerative agriculture to create the ethereal Farm-To-Closet collection. Partnering with the Oshadi Collective, Christy Dawn leased an arid patch of land in India. Working closely with the farmers and artisans, cotton was grown, woven, naturally dyed, and block printed. Each gossamer piece from the collection is akin to a midsummer’s night dream.

With the purpose of helping plus-size women find conscious, well-crafted clothing without compromising on flair, co-founders and sisters-in-law Naaz Gulati and Harroop Kaur founded Hours. Coming from a family well-entrenched in the fashion business, Gulati and Kaur’s beautiful line of season-less clothing fits sizes U.S. 14 to 28.

Best Outerwear

Hours New York

The label works with ethical suppliers and uses upcycled fabrics. The outwear collection of relaxed cardigan dresses and breezy jackets in easy drapes and rich shades in inclusive sizes instantly elevate your outfit. Perfect for layering, Hours has created a personalized size guide for each piece, so that you can nail the fit. Gulati is even available for a one-to-one style session to amp up your style.  

What to Look for in Sustainable Plus Size Clothing

The rules for buying plus size sustainable clothing are the same as buying conscious fashion which is comfy and makes you feel great.

When it comes to inclusive sizing, LA-based Mate the Label’s much loved basics are available in extended sizes of 1X-3X, made from organic and natural materials (such as organic cotton and Tencel), dyed with azo-free and formaldehyde-free dyes, and produced with a reduced carbon footprint. For special occasions, Christy Dawn’s dreamy vintage-inspired cottagecore dresses are enduring classics and are available in standard, petite and 1X to 3X sizes.

Check Certifications

Navigating the world of sustainable certifications can be confusing, but they’re evidence that a brand is not indulging in green washing and is committed to being earth friendly. Some of the frequently seen labels are Certified B Corporation, Global Organic Textile Standard, and Forest Stewardship Council. We love brands which are transparent about their processes.

Check True Measurements Before You Buy Online

While shopping online, due to the absence of a consistent sizing system, it’s tricky to get the perfect fit. Check actual measurements (rather than just the size) and also the return policy. This will save you time, resources and prevent buyer’s remorse. Due to sizing issues, it is reported that customers return approximately a whopping 40% of their online shopping.

Explore Indie Labels

Indie labels have plugged the lack of options in mainstream plus-sized fashion with sexy classics and timeless favourites. While we haven’t been able to include all the brands we love, this list is a great starting point. Invest in great quality clothing which will last you for seasons and are worth every penny spent.

Why Trust Treehugger?

To make this list of retailers, we researched the market to highlight brands that embrace all body shapes and sizes, and also make responsible economic, social, and environmental choices.

  • Why don’t more clothing brands offer plus sizes?
  • Even though statistics point out that Canada and the US together account for over 200 million women who wear US size 12 and beyond, fashion has been sluggish to cater to this segment, despite the opportunity it presents. Unfortunately, many brands don’t see it as a viable option, even though the market is pegged to stand at a staggering $21.4 billion dollars.Even when it comes to ethical fashion, despite rapid strides made by labels to produce intentionally and take environmental stewardship, not enough has been done to address body diversity. Some of the reasons given by labels for not adding extended sizes to their collections includes lack of available resources and an increase in related costs, which prevents them from catering to this segment with integrity.
  • Why is clothing in plus sizes more expensive?
  • Unfortunately, it is true that brands have been charging more for plus size clothing. The market for extended sizes for long has been dominated by fast fashion retailers, and several labels have been called out for the lack of price parity among different sizes of the same outfit. Some brands argue that for developing extended size tiers, additional expenses (such as fabric and labor) are required, thus price upwards. Other labels maintain price parity, resorting to alternative solutions to nix any cost differentials that might occur, putting their customers ahead of commerce.

Even though statistics point out that Canada and the US together account for over 200 million women who wear US size 12 and beyond, fashion has been sluggish to cater to this segment, despite the opportunity it presents. Unfortunately, many brands don’t see it as a viable option, even though the market is pegged to stand at a staggering $21.4 billion dollars.

Unfortunately, it is true that brands have been charging more for plus size clothing. The market for extended sizes for long has been dominated by fast fashion retailers, and several labels have been called out for the lack of price parity among different sizes of the same outfit. Some brands argue that for developing extended size tiers, additional expenses (such as fabric and labor) are required, thus price upwards. Other labels maintain price parity, resorting to alternative solutions to nix any cost differentials that might occur, putting their customers ahead of commerce.

Writer Neeti Mehra is a slow-living coach and a sustainability consultant who also has years of experience writing about luxury markets. Her favorite subjects include seed-to-skin fashion and circular initiatives.