Though many household fashion names offer options only up to a size 10 or 12, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows, the average American woman wears a size 16-18. Despite this reality, a report from Coresight Research shows plus-size apparel currently makes up just 20.7 percent of the entire women’s clothing market.
Among the brands capitalizing on this market for inclusive sizing is QVC. For more than 30 years it has offered sizing from XXS to 3X, it said. The home shopping platform’s latest line—a collaboration with fashion designer Jason Wu—continues this investment in size inclusivity.
The J Jason Wu line—launched Wednesday on QVC.com and the QVC apps—features all items in sizes XXS-5X (0-32) with prices ranging from $44 to $120. Wu will make his first live QVC appearance Friday, when he will share the inspiration for his collection and give viewers and inside look at how it came together.
“We are ecstatic to have Jason Wu and his first full collection, J Jason Wu, launch exclusively at QVC,” Rachel Ungaro, vice president and general merchandise manager of apparel for QVC and HSN, said in a statement. “Jason understands how to dress and style women of all sizes; his aesthetic aligns with our goal of celebrating all body-types through chic and affordable fashion for everybody.”
The J Jason Wu line features a selection of modern and sophisticated mix-and-match staples, including suiting, sweaters, blouses, jumpsuits and dresses. The collection bears the custom prints and unique fabric development characteristic of Wu’s fashion sensibilities.
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“I love creating clothes for women who are not only confident but fiercely powerful and truly know who they are and what they stand for,” said Wu said, who rose to prominence when he created former First Lady Michelle Obama’s white chiffon gown for the 2009 inauguration ball. “This, with QVC, is the perfect opportunity to share my designs with women everywhere and celebrate all body types, shapes and sizes.”
The home shopping platform held its first body-positivity and size-inclusivity summit Sept. 29, underscoring its commitment to serving shoppers of all sizes. The free digital event featured “fireside chats,” a beauty panel, fitness sessions, guidance on finding the best fitting clothing, tips on dressing for remote work and other programming for a multi-sized audience.
QVC parent company Qurate Retail released its Q3 earnings last week, reporting “strong” gains in revenue. QxH, a business unit that combines QVC US and HSN operations, saw revenue rise 7 percent, Qurate said. Growth in home and accessories led the way, partially offset by declines in apparel and electronics, it said.