Do we need plus size ranges?

[AmberNectarine]

Never really thought about this before but it occurred to me today, why the segregation of plus size ranges?

Do they really need wanky names like Curve and Violeta? Can they not just be an extension of the existing offering.

I understand it may not be financially viable to apply this extension to all lines, but do they need to be so separate and 'other'? I'm not and never have been 'plus size', whatever that means, but it would really fuck me off, I reckon.

The long length are fine for me (5'8") but the regular are too short.

I always thought it was to do with price.

Because a pair of plain black size 8 trousers might cost less than the exact same pair in, say, size 28, as there's less material.

But if they're all on the same rail, with a price difference, there would probably be uproar.

Cost of the fabric must be a small part of the cost of a garment compared to making up, transporting etc.

Average British female is supposed to be 5ft 3in tall, weight 11stone and take 16 (or maybe 14) clothes. So why so little choice in petite or plus sizes? Because fashion is supposed to be only of interest to the taller and thinner half of the population?

I've discovered the joys of the Mango Violeta outlet. Some really lovely clothes on there at bargainous prices.

If they are different cuts/styles it makes sense. Not if just bigger versions of the same clothes.

What I wish someone would design is ranges for different shapes. I'm an hourglass, 12-14 and I find it really hard to dress myself even though I should be very standard! Everything gapes at the waist, or strains at bust/thighs. I've been a size 8-10, and 16-18 and I've always found it hard.

I struggle sometimes as I'm 6ft and a size 16 -18 (mostly 18 but they can be a bit big sometimes). Some tall ranges do go up that high but they seem to still be cut for slim people. Arms I find very tight in a lot of ASOS tall stuff for example. And then plus size ranges seem to be cut very short!

It's such a pain to get clothes that fit me well. I got some ASOS jeans today in a 36/36 - perfect on the leg but just a bit too big so will get baggy quickly. But I just would not be able to get the size below on!

To me a plus sized range says that the company has designed it with a larger body in mind and therefore it's more likely to be a good, flattering fit whereas larger sizes of standard ranges are probably just a bigger version of something designed to a smaller sample size which is less likely to be flattering.

beanz yep River Island now do a plus size range, it got launched in February/March- plus size bloggers who are over size 24 whinged because they felt left out... I guess the range is like a trial for them!