Size-inclusive women's apparel on the rise

Fashion industry's move toward a more inclusive market is fuelling the growth of women's plus-size clothing.

Shifting attitudes toward body-positivity are changing the way consumers perceive what is beautiful, leading to growth of size-inclusive women's apparel.

Valued at $20 billion in 2015, the market has generated almost $23 billion last year and is expected to exceed $46 billion by 2021, according to figures from Germany-based business intelligence firm Statista.

According to the firm, women's plus-sizes start typically at sizes 10 to 14. However, the average dress size in the US ranges from 14 to 18, meaning larger sizes are the new average when it comes to apparel.

Extended sizing is also a growing trend in the ladies' underwear and swimwear sector.

It is not surprising that many major brands and retailers are expanding their selections to include plus-size pieces. Among them are fast fashion labels H&M, Asos, Mango, Boohoo and Missguided.

Sportswear giant Nike, which has been very visible in its inclusivity campaign, has started incorporating plus-size mannequins at its London flagship to highlight the "full range of athlete figures". This comes two years after the debut of the company's women's plus-size clothing collection, with pieces ranging from 1X to 3X.

A number of luxury brands jumping in the bandwagon as well. Nordstrom private labels Halogen and Caslon cover sizes up to 28 while Neiman Marcus caps out at a size 24, with a few formalwear pieces extending to 26 and 28.

Plus-size clothing, however, require additional fabrics and may take longer for designers to make. These add to the production costs. Fashion experts estimate that plus-size versions are 10 percent more expensive than regular size apparel.

Here at Global Sources, we have an extensive list of verified suppliers and manufacturers offering a diverse range of size-inclusive pieces. The selection includes shirts, blouses, dresses, skirts, lingerie and swimwear. The products below are some of the standouts.

Flounce off-shoulder chambray top

Company: Guangzhou Leader Show Garment Co. Ltd

Guangzhou Leader Show Garment Co. Ltd offers the LB-0815-06 model, a woven chambray top with an elastic off-shoulder neckline, flounce layer and 7.25in sleeves. The plus-size garment has a flowing silhouette and an overall length of 17.5in. Chest measures 56in while waist size is 58in.

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Plunging monokini with angel sleeves

Company: Guangzhou Norboe Garment Co. Ltd

The TC 252 model from Guangzhou Norboe Garment Co. Ltd is a plus-size monokini with a plunging neckline and angel sleeves. It is made of 100 percent polyester and comes with colorful floral print. Product weight is 300g.

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High-slit plus-size maxi dress

Company: Ningbo Easyget Co. Ltd

From Ningbo Easyget Co. Ltd, the model ESG10278 plus-size maxi dress features a high-slit. The off-shoulder dress comes with floral patterns and is made of stretch fabric. Size ranges from M to XXXXXL.

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Contrast-color underwire bikini

Company: Sindy Garments Co. Ltd

The model XC19040405 plus-size bikini from Sindy Garments Co. Ltd consists of a push-up underwire top and a contrast-color bottom. The top is made of 92:8 nylon-spandex and comes in sizes 34B to 40E. The bottom uses 90:10 nylon-spandex. Various colors and prints can be adopted. Custom orders are accepted.

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Multicolor printed plus-size halter bikini

Company: Xiamen PC Garments & Weaving Co. Ltd

Xiamen PC Garments & Weaving Co. Ltd's model PCSS1721/1723/1725//1727/1729/1732 halter bikini has a molded underwire cups, detachable and adjustable shoulder straps and 100gsm pure polyester full lining. The 180gsm 80:20 polyester-spandex shell comes in customizable multicolor pattern. The swimwear has Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification.

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Digital-printed Dacron plus-size swimsuit

Company: Xingcheng Daiaiyin Knitting Garment Fty

Made of 85:15 polyester-spandex Dacron fabric, the model FFE-1820 plus-size bikini from Xingcheng Daiaiyin Knitting Garment Fty features digital-printed pattern. Fabric weight is 200gsm. The swimsuit has detachable cups and pure polyester lining. Size ranges from XL to XXXL. Colors and dimensions can be buyer-specified. Each set is packed in a polybag.

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String lace plus-size monokini

Company: Huangyuxing Garments & Weaving Co. Ltd Jinjiang

Huangyuxing Garments & Weaving Co. Ltd Jinjiang's model PL-01 monokini features a string lace chest. It adopts 91:9 nylon-spandex, weighing 190 to 200gsm. Sizes range from L to XXXXL but these can be customized. OEM and ODM orders accepted.

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Tricolor blocked plus-size pullover hoodie

Company: Nan'an City Shiying Sexy Lingerie Co. Ltd

From Nan'an City Shiying Sexy Lingerie Co. Ltd, the model LC251565-10 plus-size pullover hoodie comes in a tricolor blocked design. It has ribbed cuffs, split side seams and a drawstring hood. OEM and ODM orders are accepted.

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Backless monokini with rainbow color stripes

Company: Xingcheng Modern Golden Age Swimwear Co. Ltd

Made of 200gsm 82:18 nylon-spandex, the model 14 plus-size monokini from Xingcheng Modern Golden Age Swimwear Co. Ltd features rainbow color stripes. It comes in a backless design and has polyester lining. Hues and sizes can be customized.

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Size-inclusive women's apparel on the rise

The trend in eCom selling: L.N.S.

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