Plus-Sized Fashion Hard to Make

Monday, 25 October 2010 | by Pat's Picks

Given the obesity epidemic in this country, I’ve always thought the fashion industry’s dislike of plus-sized models was—especially from a business standpoint—irrational. But the LA Times says making plus-sized clothing requires more than just a bigger pattern. Different techniques, fit models, even fabrics have to be used. Up to size 10, patterns can be adjusted easily because the “body’s proportions expand in a more universal manner in the lower sizes.” But “boxy, shapeless styles” emerge as sizes increase, in part because most design schools don’t teach students how to create clothing for a plus-sized audience.