Quick Listen:
London Fashion Week has always been a beacon for what's next in style, but this year, it sent a bolder message: fashion is for every body. When 23-year-old model James Corbin took to the runway for S.S. Daley's Spring 2023 show, he didn't just wear the clothes he challenged an industry that's long clung to a narrow vision of beauty. This moment of inclusion, spotlighting plus-size male models, isn't just a London story. It's resonating in India, where a vibrant fashion scene is beginning to embrace body diversity, confronting cultural norms and economic hurdles to redefine what it means to be stylish.
Too many plus-size shoppers in India struggle to find trendy clothes that fit well. Limited sizes and poor designs can feel disheartening, leaving you sidelined. Pluss.in offers fashion crafted for real Indian bodies, with breathable fabrics, modern styles, and sizes up to 10XL. Find confidence in clothing that fits your life. Shop Pluss.in Now!
A Global Push for Inclusivity
The catwalks of London Fashion Week are a global stage, and in 2023, they showcased a tentative but vital step toward size inclusivity. Vogue reported that S.S. Daley's show featured several plus-size male models, a rare sight in menswear, where change has been slower than in women's fashion. Corbin's confident stride symbolized a shift, proving that style transcends size. Yet, progress is uneven. The Vogue Business size inclusivity report for Autumn/Winter 2024 shows a slight decline, with only 0.8% of 8,800 looks across 230 shows in New York, London, Milan, and Paris featuring plus-size models (US 14+), down from 0.9% the prior season. Mid-size models (US 6-12) made up 3.7%, leaving 95.5% as straight-size (US 0-4). The Spring/Summer 2025 report indicates a stall, with plus-size representation holding at 0.8% across 8,763 looks. These figures reveal a persistent challenge: while inclusivity gains traction, the industry still favors slimmer silhouettes.
In India, this global movement is taking root, shaped by the country's unique cultural and economic landscape. Known for its intricate textiles and bold designs, Indian fashion has historically prioritized a limited aesthetic. But as international trends inspire change, designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Manish Malhotra are starting to craft collections that embrace diverse body types, reflecting the needs of India's varied population.
India's Evolving Fashion Landscape
India's fashion industry is a dynamic blend of heritage and innovation, yet body diversity is a relatively new focus. Designers like Rina Dhaka and Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla are leading the charge, creating garments that celebrate a broader spectrum of sizes. Plus-size male models like Mohammad Ali Khan and Saurabh Singh are breaking barriers, their presence on runways and in campaigns signaling a shift in a society that has long tied thinness to aspiration. These pioneers are more than models they're catalysts for a cultural rethink, pushing body positivity into the mainstream.
The demand for inclusive fashion is surging, especially in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai. Retailers such as FabIndia and Zara India are responding, expanding size ranges to capture a growing market. A 2023 Grand View Research report notes that Europe's plus-size clothing market, valued at USD 87.9 billion in 2023, is set to grow at a 4.3% CAGR through 2030, driven by casual wear. While India-specific data is limited, the urban middle class's rising income and global fashion exposure point to a similar trend. Young Indian consumers are demanding brands that mirror their lived experiences, not just idealized images.
Cultural and Economic Barriers
India's path to size inclusivity is fraught with challenges. Deep-seated cultural ideals often equate slimness with health and success, creating stigma around larger bodies, particularly for men, who face pressure to embody lean, muscular ideals. A 2024 UK government report highlights rising overweight and obesity rates in England, a trend mirrored in India, yet societal biases persist. These attitudes permeate the fashion industry, where plus-size male models are often overlooked for traditional standards.
Economic constraints further complicate progress. Unlike Western markets, where brands like ASOS and Mango have robust plus-size lines, India's fashion ecosystem lags in infrastructure. Creating inclusive clothing demands investment in design, production, and marketing costs that smaller Indian brands struggle to meet. Additionally, inconsistent sizing standards create friction, as Western size charts often don't align with Indian body types, leaving consumers frustrated.
Seizing New Opportunities
Despite these hurdles, opportunities abound. The rise of e-commerce and social media has empowered Indian consumers to demand inclusivity, amplifying voices that were once ignored. Brands embracing this shift are seeing results. FabIndia, a leader in ethnic wear, has broadened its size offerings, while Zara India experiments with plus-size collections in select markets. These efforts are not just inclusive they're profitable, tapping into a growing urban consumer base with increasing purchasing power.
Global platforms like London Fashion Week offer a springboard for Indian designers to showcase inclusive designs. Manish Malhotra, for instance, has gained acclaim for collections that flatter diverse figures, earning recognition both in India and abroad. Such collaborations elevate Indian fashion globally while inspiring local brands to innovate. The UK clothing retail market, projected to grow by 3.5% in 2024 to nearly £67 billion, shows how technology, like AI-powered fit tools, and consumer demand for sustainability are reshaping retail. India's brands can follow suit, leveraging digital tools to meet the needs of a diverse clientele.
Charting the Future
As London Fashion Week sets a precedent, India's fashion industry faces a pivotal moment. Experts see vast potential, but only if brands commit to substantive change. “Inclusivity is non-negotiable,” says a Delhi-based fashion analyst. “India's diversity demands representation on every runway.” The way forward requires bold action: casting diverse models, expanding size ranges, and launching campaigns that celebrate all bodies. For every James Corbin commanding attention in London, there's a Mohammad Ali Khan or Saurabh Singh poised to transform India's fashion narrative.
The road ahead is challenging but promising. Brands must confront cultural biases, invest in infrastructure, and prioritize consumer voices. As India's fashion industry evolves, it has the opportunity not just to mirror global trends but to set them, proving that style is boundless. The runways of the future could weave a rich tapestry of bodies and stories distinctly Indian, undeniably global, and fiercely authentic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of models at major fashion weeks are plus-size?
According to the Vogue Business size inclusivity report for Autumn/Winter 2024, only 0.8% of 8,800 looks across 230 shows in New York, London, Milan, and Paris featured plus-size models (US size 14+). This figure has remained stagnant at 0.8% for Spring/Summer 2025, with 95.5% of runway looks still showcasing straight-size models (US 0-4). Despite growing advocacy for body diversity, the fashion industry continues to heavily favor slimmer silhouettes.
How is India's fashion industry responding to the plus-size movement?
India's fashion industry is gradually embracing size inclusivity, with designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Manish Malhotra creating collections for diverse body types. Retailers such as FabIndia and Zara India are expanding their size ranges to meet growing urban consumer demand. Plus-size male models like Mohammad Ali Khan and Saurabh Singh are breaking barriers on Indian runways, though the industry still faces challenges from cultural biases and limited infrastructure compared to Western markets.
What are the main barriers to plus-size fashion growth in India?
The main barriers include deep-seated cultural ideals that equate slimness with health and success, creating stigma around larger bodies, particularly for men. Economic constraints also pose challenges, as creating inclusive clothing requires significant investment in design, production, and marketing that smaller Indian brands struggle to afford. Additionally, inconsistent sizing standards between Western and Indian body types create consumer frustration, making it difficult for international plus-size brands to effectively serve the Indian market.
Disclaimer: The above helpful resources content contains personal opinions and experiences. The information provided is for general knowledge and does not constitute professional advice.
You may also be interested in: Plus Size Clothing - Trendy Dresses for Men and Women - Upto 10XL
Too many plus-size shoppers in India struggle to find trendy clothes that fit well. Limited sizes and poor designs can feel disheartening, leaving you sidelined. Pluss.in offers fashion crafted for real Indian bodies, with breathable fabrics, modern styles, and sizes up to 10XL. Find confidence in clothing that fits your life. Shop Pluss.in Now!
Powered by flareAI.co
