Expansion Sales in the Plus Size Fashion and Clothing Industry - Essay Example

Research methods report Part one With the blazing reports regarding increased and expansion sales in the plus size fashion and clothing industry, people might assume that the retail outlets may start the plus size band wagon. Most of the businesses that deal with fashion have continuously emphasized on skinny models at the expense of the full-figured ones. This report evaluated the future of clothing industries and fashion that deal with plus sized women and men. Plus size and fashion forward have gained distinctions within women in the fashion industries. Most of the traditional industries offer sizes 12 only, which locks out the plus sized women. Nevertheless, this report point towards the expanding trend in full figure retail among the clothing fashion industries. According to this report, it had several strengths in exploring the future trend of plus sized female clothing. For instance, there was the full use of good presentation skills in presenting the main ideas. The recent data collected in the report prove that retailers who forego the need for dwelling in plus size fashion will fail to enjoy the market profits. There was proper use of English and flow of ideas in explaining the crucial themes of research. More so, the report shows that the average sizes for women dresses have improved from size eight to fourteen. Nevertheless, there were several weaknesses of the report in delivering the data collected. For instance, there was no proper presentation of the online or offline businesses that adhere to the requirements of the full figure customers. This is unlike the market of skinny women that retail in numerous clothes of all kinds. For a long time, clothing and fashion industries have neglected the plus sized market to cater for women who are size 14 and above. The report could curb the weakness by having a proper plan and time while collecting data. Opportunities for the research relate to a need for additional retailers of plus size clothes. Since the average size of most people is changing from size 12 and above, retailers should foresee a means of making profits. The increasing full figure people increases the demand for such clothes that manufacturers and fashion industries should take note. The challenges faced relates to the process of collecting data. The report had limited information from the library and local shops regarding the retailers of plus size clothes. Such a challenge requires a plan for the next research regarding plus size fashion and clothing. For instance, the research could try and use visitations to the local retailers. More so, the questions should entail asking the retailers of skinny clothes why they hardly store plus sized clothes. In a nutshell, the objective of the report aimed at evaluating the trend of plus size clothing and fashion industries. This is in relation to the increasing size of people in the entire world. The trend of clothing is now changing, which requires additional future research on plus size clothing for men and women. Nevertheless, the report was directive, and it utilized the benefits of open questions. The open questions enhanced the client to gain a chance to verbalize his understanding of the discussion. Part two Abstract The media globalization has paved a way for television and print ads to utilize images of thin women bodies to promote products. Through the images, people get bombarded with perfect bodies and beautiful women (Barret, 2000). The question here is: who determines an idea body? Many past researches have shown that women and men do feel negative regarding their body image in most parts of the world. In this connection, this report evaluates a research based on the trends of plus size clothing industries. Introduction Today, an average female, is size 14, which is a plus-size that occupies at least 60% of women population. What does this imply for the future of the fashion industry? The media keep on reminding people that they are becoming bigger than earlier days (Bell, 2005). For instance, the Center for Disease Control shows, in the last thirty years, the occurrence of obesity and overweight has improved among children and adults. The records do not only show statistics regarding obesity, but also show people are giving birth to heavy weight and large size babies. Considering the increasing size, length and weight, it is not a surprise to notice an interest in the plus-size fashion industry. Designers and retailers have come to recognition that the demand for a plus-size industry has posed crucial strides in the fashion industry (Barret, 2000). While evaluating the current modeling industry, people might argue that the plus-size models have gained respect in such an industry that requires skinny models. Methods The methods in the research emphasized on obtaining answers to several questions. For instance, the main question was; what are the potential and current needs of women for the plus-size fashion? More so, the sub-questions were: what are the approximate weight of women and their trends? What makes the plus-size industries succeed or fail? Are customers satisfied with the supplies? If yes, which aspects should such industries improve? There is a relationship between, fashion industry, body image and an ideal woman. In most of the current magazines and catwalk shows make use of thin women or male (Barret, 2000). Even though, some of the fashion shows and magazines have utilized normal female, most of them are never willing to change the use of their emaciated models. The unfortunate part of the plus size fashion is that some companies use computer generated body images to portray an ideal body for most women. The research used several methods of obtaining useful information starting from magazines, internet, reports and library books. There are some full-sized female and models willing to air their voice against discrimination in the job opportunities and society (Bell, 2005). More so, Silhouette, mood and consumer are the nuance within the design process that the research utilizes. For instance, there are fashion industries that have taken the risks of producing flattering silhouette clothes for plus sized women. Another justification of the report indicates that at least two-thirds of American women populations are either obese or overweight. This implies a massive necessity for plus-sizes of 12, 14 and 16. Most nations such as America are in dire need of plus-size clothing because of the increasing consumers (Jurack, 2000). Moreover, Mintel states that in the United Kingdom, at least a quarter of women population are size 18 and above. The increasing number of plus-sized people in the entire world calls for people to design and venture into fashion that caters for such women and men. In as much as the industry of plus sized women is young, a report from global information helped in acquiring helpful information in the research. For instance, the report stated that the full-figured clothing market for children and adults was 76 billion dollars in 2006 (Bell, 2005). More so, investors in fashion designs and clothing have identified a coming business opportunity in plus size clothing. According to the global report, sales will increase and reach the 100 billion dollars mark at least by 2013. Most customers are willing to expand in the full-figure market for not only clothing, but also other essentials (Rose, 2001). A book in the school library states that manufacturers and retailers realize the increasing number of people willing to purchase plus-size clothes when they get them. What was an insignificant market has now expanded into a fashion and clothing industry (Polan & Tredre, 2009). The research used the internet to check an online business called Charming Shoppes. This website specializes in plus size apparel for women. The expansion and growth of the business assisted in accomplishing the objectives of this research. Rationale First of all, Australia’s Department of Health and Ageing states that the number of obese children and women increases remarkably. Consequently, obesity has become an outbreak in Australia (Rose, 2001). In fact, the records prove that the rates of obesity and overweight among children and adults have increased by twice the number in the last two decades (Taylor, 2002). Such a fact place Australia among the fastest developing nations in the entire world. In addition, this note shows that the fashion and industry of plus-size clothing will experience a significant market in the coming few years, in Australia. Thanks to some companies that have realized the need to appreciate each body image regardless of the size. For instance, more and more plus sized female do polish covers of high fashion magazines (Bell, 2005). More so, there are several fashion shows that allow full figure female to walk in the main stream just as skinny models do. A perfect exemplar is Robyn Lawley, a model from Australia who masqueraded French Elle’s front cover (Jurack, 2000). In the recent days, Robyn featured among the first full figured models for Ralph Lauren. Nevertheless, the successes of plus size models like Lawley are not common in the fashion and modeling industries. The essence of plus size models receiving the honor in the world of modeling is a rare occurrence. More so, the industry of modeling is undergoing a consecutive scrutiny by the fashion designers. For several decades, the common topic of discussion in the modeling market is the fact that the skinny models are extremely thin (Taylor, 2002). The reputes of unhealthy diets and poor eating disorders contribute to the thinness of those models. Nevertheless, in the past decades, a distinct subject of discussion dominates the numerous blogs, magazines and news articles. Fortunately, the plus size modeling companies do obtain additional attention as compared to the situation in the past. According to an argument circulating in the entire world, it implies that an average plus size model does wear a cloth size far from size 14 (Polan & Tredre, 2009). The fashion and clothing industries do claim how they endorse female of distinct sizes and shapes. However, the claim is contrary to what it appears in most popular magazines that feature only the skinny models. Skinny models do not only obtain favor from the modeling industries, but also to job opportunities. Most of the companies are willing to favor the skinny models by giving them numerous chances to apply for jobs as compared to plus sized models. Most of the industries justify their favor by stating that they comply with the desire of viewers. Nevertheless, this research report would argue the opposite. Potential and existing clients desire skinny models simply because the companies have convinced the entire public that skinny is best. The increasing discrimination of full-figured models or an average sized female leads to disputes related to body image. Conclusion Among the most affected population in relation to an ideal body are teenage female because lots of magazines and fashion shows aim at them. It is clear that the objective of a model involves making the products appear the best and encourage people to buy (Jurack, 2000). In as much as most people purchase the products in the hope of gaining a body like that of the model, they should be aware of the extent to which the skinny models are willing to reach. For instance, the skinny models do have poor eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. Gone are the days when people valued healthy bodies, which is a point that the research should have explained deeply. A healthy look has ceased its value because people now value skinny bodies. Most of the stores do stock clothes fit for skinny people such as tight jeans and midriff tops, among others. People believe that they should be thin in order to look good in such items (Bell, 2010). The increasing stores for skinny people make it a challenge for plus size female and male to find fitting clothes. This research proves a shortage of full figured clothes for both genders. Nevertheless, there is an increase of plus size people, which can be a perfect business idea for making money. Fashion designers and shows should join the trend and make use of plus-size models to advertise products like clothes. Of course, people might argue that the public do possess information regarding how the modeling companies are willing to fake the images. More so, plus sized women are gaining popularity in the society especially when they wear the right attire (Polan & Tredre, 2009). The public are now proud of full figured people and have the options of endorsing the role models that are proud of their body figures. References Barrett, T. (2000) Criticising Photographs: an introduction to understanding photographs. London: Mayfield Publishing. Bell, J. (2005) Doing Your Research Project. Maidenhead: Open University Press. [Available as an e-book]. Resource Bell, J. (2010) Doing Your Research Project: a guide for first-time researchers in education, health and social science. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Open University Press Jurack, J. A. (2000) Soft Surfaces: visual research for artists, architects & designers. London: Thames & Hudson. Polan, B. and Tredre R. (2009) The Great Fashion Designers. Oxford: Berg. Rose, G. (2001) Visual Methodologies. London: Sage Publications. Taylor, L. (2002) The Study of Dress History. Manchester: Manchester University Press. Read More