Finally, stylish clothes for every body – Boston Herald

For almost four decades now, the fashion world has mostly excluded people who are a size 16 and up. Plenty of high-end designers have often stopped at a size 14. But at long last, the industry has been evolving, and brands are extending their size ranges.

But one thing still irks some designers and consumers alike: The fashion world continues to use the terms “plus size” and “size-inclusive” interchangeably. They’re two very different things. Because true inclusion really means including everyone of all sizes, rather than separating women into two different camps (“standard” sizing being those running a size 00 to 16, and “plus size” being 16 and up). So if we’re really going to be “inclusive” we wouldn’t be separating the two size ranges at all—we’d be including them both. That’s especially true when you consider that the average (and therefore arguably “standard”) women’s size in America is 16, according to a study in the International Journal of Fashion Design.

Take designer Gita Omri, whose collections include Silky Bomber Jackets ($435 on gitaomri.com) and Point Pleated Skirts ($450 on gitaomri.com), sold in sizes ranging from 00 to 30. “I don’t want to be called plus size. Because that is not accurate,” Omri said. “Sizes 0 to 14 are just as important to me as the larger sizes and get just as much attention to detail and fit. I just want to create womens wear for women regardless of size at a luxury price point.”

Omri does have one example of excellent sizing: ”If there is a brand worth emulating in this space,” says Omri, “its Universal Standard.” I couldn’t agree more: Universal Standard’s pieces are friendly to both every body and every wallet. They sell great-fitting jeans in everything from high-rise cropped cuts ($75 on universalstandard.com) to denim joggers ($75 on universalstandard.com), and well-made basic tops, dresses, coats, and sweaters—all in sizes 00 to 40.

There are others that design for all bodies and don’t compromise on style. There’s Altar Houseline, which spotlights sustainable materials out of Portland, Oregon, and sells sizes from XS to 6X. Think velvet burnout dresses ($198 on altarpdx.com), their fun Zora Cardigan in Deco Floral ($98 on  altarpdx.com), and the flirty and swingy 70s Deco Chore Coat ($98 on  altarpdx.com).

Or check out Wray NYC, founded by designer Wray Serna, who leans on artistic inspiration in her cutouts designs, mod shapes, and bold patterns—in sizes from XXS-6XL. I love her graphic and psychedelic Nikki Dress in Black Swirl ($175 on wraynyc.com), as well as her Bad Dress in Terrier Plaid ($245 on wraynyc.com).

Best of all, designers like these are making not just sizes that fit the spectrum of physical sizes, their designs are thoughtful and masterful at flattering every kind of body shape, too. So everybody—literally, every body—can not only have something to wear, but can look spectacular in, too.