J.Crew’s plus-size inclusiveness efforts took a long time. Once known for its exclusive preppy aesthetic, the brand has recently expanded its size range to include plus size fashion. But is it really really committed to serving plus-size shoppers, or is this just a temporary shift?
J.Crew tells plus-size shoppers that the newly expanded size range reaches up to three times.
But here is the problem. Visibility is not the same as value. And if history has taught us anything, that means that a larger size range doesn’t always mean that brands are actually more for plus-sized consumers.
J.Crew’s Plus Size Inclusiveness: What’s changed?
For most of its presence, J.Crew felt like an exclusive club. Plus size shoppers remained outside and checked the menu to realize they weren’t on it. J.Crew was founded in 1983.
Over the years, there have been changes in plus size ways, but they have maintained a more quality hat than fast fashion. When thinking about their style, think of “easy cool.” Striped boat neck tee, crisp button-downs, and amazing chino-like stuff… for some kind of body.
That “specific kind of body” was not plus size.
According to CNN67% of American women wear sizes over the age of 14, but for years, J.Crew simply ignored them. Meanwhile, first fashion brands like Forever 21 and Mall Staple have expanded their size offerings long before J.Crew thinks about it. Even luxury brands, even the last brands that adopted inclusivity, have made progress faster than this.
The first real attempt to acknowledge J.Crew’s plus-size customers came in 2018. Report from Racked The collaboration came with Universal Standard, a brand known for its size diversity approach. The 37-piece collection has been five times more and for a while it seemed J.Crew was doing it right. But after that? silence. There is no follow-up. No expansion. Another short-lived experiment on inclusivity.
Now they’re back. And the question is, did they learn something?
J.Crew Plus Size Fashion: What are the actual items available?
According to Official size chart for J.Crewthe brand currently offers up to three times the clothing (almost size 24). It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s better than where they started. Extended sizing applies to a The range of piecesdenim, dresses, blazers, knitwear, etc.
But there’s a catch as many plus-size shoppers have come to expect.
Not all items on the site are available in extended sizes. Denim collectionfor example, it is still limited, and there are fewer styles to accommodate curved body types. So the real elephant in the room? J.Crew did little to actually sell the plus size expansion.
Where can I find the plus size model?
One of the biggest red flags in J.Crew’s plus size deployment is the lack of expression in advertising. If the brand claims to serve plus-size consumers, but refuses to introduce them, are they really offering them?
Mama Editor Katrina Tigerina Expressing his dissatisfaction with the lack of a plus-size model on J.Crew’s website, he said:
“They have a zero plus size model on their website, so how are we supposed to see how clothes fit our bodies? It gets tiring if the brand doesn’t take that extra step.”
Even on social media, J.Crew hasn’t exactly shouted about its new sizing. There are no dedicated campaigns. There are no major influencer partnerships. There is no real effort to tell plus-size shoppers, “We want you here.”
Customers are aware. a Reddit users I summed it up most:
“Their sizing can be a bit of a problem. They’re almost as important as actual measurements. Just because they’re technically ‘fit’ doesn’t mean they’re flattering or wearable. ”
Their recent reviews “Kirby Kate’s Root Leg Pants” The customer received a 2-star rating for the waist fit not very accurate. See:
For J.Crew extension Resonates with the real thingbrands need to demonstrate a sustained commitment to inclusivity. Without real effort, their expanded sizing may not be like a real change.
Final Thoughts: Is J.Crew worth the hype?
Is it fair to say that the brand is ultimately inclusive? The J. Crew expands to plus size is a necessary step, but it is not a guaranteed victory. The plus-size consumer base is loyal, but not naive. I’ve seen brands claim too much inclusiveness.
Other brands understood that. They don’t just offer a larger size. They pitch boldly. Using a plus size model, we showcase the real body and make inclusiveness feel natural rather than performance.
If you are serious about J.Crew being a leader in fashion of all sizes, you need to prove your commitment by fitting the design properly, keeping your collection in stores and actually marketing to plus-sized consumers. Expression is not a trend. It is necessary.
J.Crew’s plus-size inclusiveness efforts are a step in the right direction, and the plus-size community is paying attention. For now, we’re watching.
Would you like to try out J.Crew’s plus size line? Let us know in the comments!
Source: The Curvy Fashionista – thecurvyfashionista.com
