Sustainable fashion has an embarrassing accessibility problem: sustainable size inclusive brands are bloody hard to come by. And with average size in the UK being 16 (European 44), it seems like these small brands (which sustainable brands often are) could really do with a bit of educating.
Why are there so few sustainable size inclusive fashion brands then?
- The most ridiculous explanation I’ve heard so far is that the ‘ideal size’ for a woman is smaller than 14.
- Thus, it’s seen as a waste of effort to market bigger sizes when the point is for these people to lose weight… I see red. I see MURDER RED.
- A more legit explanation offered for this is the fact that when we go into bigger sizes, a brand has to almost make a whole new collection.
Bigger bodies are different shape-wise, so just adding centimeters to a pattern won’t do. Instead, a whole new pattern has to be made. Obviously, this doesn’t mean that bigger sizes shouldn’t be made!
Thankfully, with body positivity being such a norm these days, the aforementioned views are losing their potency and significance.
With body positivity being such an important issue, being size-inclusive could be a serious competitive advantage for sustainable fashion brands.
14 Sustainable, Size Inclusive and Affordable Fashion Brands in 2026
According to certain studies body positivity was the 4th most important reason for choosing sustainable fashion brands over fast fashion. There is a market for sustainable, size inclusive fashion and it’s growing fast.
And as the market grows, so do the opportunities. Most sustainable brands are small and relatively new. And many of them also recognize the size-issue and have already addressed it.
The second big issue is that people think sustainable fashion is always expensive. This is also not true. Yes, sustainable fashion is more expensive than fast fashion, but we all know by now why that is!
If you don’t know, it’s because people are paid for making those clothes, and raw materials are sources in an environmentally friendly manner. Instead of lamenting the prices, we need to change our mindset:
Instead of thinking “Sustainable fashion is expensive” we need to learn that “Sustainable fashion costs exactly what fashion should cost“. There are loads of ethical clothing brands that every single one of us CAN afford because you’re not supposed to buy 5 T-shirts at once.
Buy less and buy better. And for heaven’s sake, wear what you have!
Read also: 10 Ways How Capitalism Destroyed the Fashion Industry
1. AFF & JAM
A London-based brand run by 2 female artists. Their brand name comes from the founders’ origins: Africa (Ghana) and Jamaica. They hand-paint and print each garment themselves, which makes their pieces unique.
I’m sure I don’t need to tell you why I love this brand. Anyone who can provide me with a unique garment, goes to the top of my list! And it doesn’t hurt that their products are just gorgeous.
2. AMANIA
From vibrant prints to delicious colours, this size inclusive and affordable brand hits every criteria for a fashion brand worth checking out! Amania Afrik offers what they describe “cultural clothing” with a distinct African vibe and oh, it is gorgeous.
They have everything from kaftans to trousers to accessories and make sure that you do not blend in the crowd. Because who would want that?!
3. Girlfriend Collective
A completely sustainable size inclusive active-wear brand that uses recycled plastic to make their clothes! Recycled plastic, like polyester, is one of the most sustainable options to go for.
I particularly loved the statement on their home page: “Trash looks better on you than it does polluting the planet.”
Check out Girlfriend Collective
4. Day Won
A size-inclusive active-wear brand operating in the US. They use recycled materials and produce on-demand, which is exactly what the planet needs! No more clothing waste from over-production.
They’ve got bold prints and flashy statements so if you’re not afraid to be noticed, this one’s for you!
5. Dariadéh
*this brand is a bit more on the pricier side but when we consider the cost per wear, the prices are completely justified.
Dariadéh is a German company specializing in being as ecological and ethical as possible. They make a donation from each order to social and ecological charities, and use 0% polyester.
6. Hissy Fit
Among the most budget-friendly and sustainable size inclusive brands is Hissy Fit! And it appears to excel in all the right areas. Situated in the UK, they craft garments from surplus materials sourced from major brands like Boohoo, thus contributing to the mitigation of fashion waste.
This inclusive brand serves as a genuine source of inspiration, boasting a unique ‘reversible range’. These garments are ingeniously designed to be wearable in two ways, effectively doubling their versatility by allowing you to wear them inside out or upside down.
7. Mata Traders
A Fair Trade-driven brand that wants to make a positive impact in eradicating global poverty through fashion. The brand’s headquarters are in Chicago, but their team extends all the way to their garment workers in Nepal and India.
8. Popsy Clothing
This adorable women-led company is an affordable sustainable fashion brand. They create size-inclusive, colourful clothing and accessories from delightful graphic fabrics.
Popsy also offers a FREE alterations service when you request for edits as you’re ordering. The prints on their colourful garments are the brand’s original design and they aim to make their customers feel amazing as well as look amazing.
And a thing about a Popsy dress: it has pockets!
9. Son de Flor
A beautiful dress brand inspired by the founders’ mother’s dress sense. This women-led brand creates princess-worthy dresses out of linen, which is one the most sustainable and comfortable fabrics available.
Find out more about the brand from my Son de Flor review.
10. Seasalt Cornwall
Predictably, based in Cornwall, England, this brand is very much seaside-influenced in their design aesthetic. Focusing on outer-wear, they know the importance of quality when we’re up against the forces of nature.
11. Nooworks
I’ll spill the beans: I LOVE the look of this brand! Colourful, vibrant, in your face. Just like me!
Owned and run by women in California, this sustainable size inclusive brand works with artists to bring you completely unique, limited edition clothing.
12. Poplinen
A Los Angeles-based sustainable brand putting you, the customer first. No matter what size or shape you are. If your size is not available, or you have other special requests, they welcome you to e-mail them in case there’s a possibility for customizing your order.
Last but not least, couple loungewear / underwear brands for ya:
13. TomboyX
Comfortable, colourful and sustainable size inclusive underwear. Their agenda is not feminism or trans-rights, but instead a human agenda. Because we’re all worth the same at the end of the day.
So, obviously they will have your size, and if they don’t, send them your measurements and they will make them for you.
14. Kade & Vos
I fell in love with a statement by a customer on their home page: “Kade & Vos is poised to disrupt the industry with its acceptance of all body shapes and sizes.” The rebel in me is purring.
Run by 2 passionate women, this brand advocates to fight against the fashion industry’s exclusion of bigger size people. They’re not just a clothing brand, they are activists!
You must check out their KADE & VOS UNIVERSITY, which is a resource library that includes books you need to read, quizzes, and educational videos from behind the fashion scenes.
Sustainable Size Inclusive Brands – Conclusion
How it’s even possible that many fashion brands don’t have sizes over UK16 goes beyond any sense. People are different size and shape, and they always have been. Nothing has changed, except perhaps that there are much more clothes available today than there were 30 years ago (enough to dress 6 generations worth of people).
So, how can it be that despite there being so much more clothes available, there are no sizes? Fashion is a way for us to express ourselves, and at its best, it can improve our self-confidence. But when there are no sizes available, the industry is sending a very clear message that some of us aren’t worth feeling confident.
It’s outrageous, and it needs to change. NOW! Thankfully these aforementioned sustainable size inclusive brands are paving the way for a new mainstream fashion movement: sustainability. Do not let the prices scare you, but remember this:
Buy one plus-size dress / T-shirt / pair of trousers and wear it for years. When you take care of your clothes and wear them for a longer time you decrease your waste and carbon footprint significantly (20% for every 9 months). And more importantly, you save a shit-ton of money! Which means that yes, YOU CAN AFFORD SUSTAINABLE FASHION.
What do you think of these brands? Do any of them appeal to you specifically? Let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear what you think of these! ♥
Follow me on Instagram and use #styleoutlandish to showcase your style! I’m always on the lookout for outfit inspiration. Get to know me better by listening to my podcast, Random Rambles. If you wish to work with me, check out my services here!
