Across Australia, women who are 'plus-sized' (above a size 14-16) struggle to find fashion that fits them. We are consistently being treated as if we are second to 'straight sized' women, and asked to shop ranges which are online only, potentially limited in the line availability, and sometimes the extended sizes are in hidden parts of the stores. In some cases, there are limited stores which stock the larger sizes, meaning many of us aren't able to access the fashion to try on for fit and comfort, before parting with our hard earned money.

Companies continue to attempt to find ways to take the money of plus-sized women, without making the effort to ensure we can access the fashion. If the clothing is in stores, there is no advertising of this, so we know we can find our size to try on. Women  who are plus-sized need clothing too. We go to parties. We go to dinners. We work in professional environments. We go to ladies lunches... But for some reason, we find it difficult to find clothing. This must change, or companies will surely continue to lose their money due to a lack of market research, and a lack of ability to see plus-sized women as humans participating in society too, with the money prepared to spend it on fashion which welcomes us. We are not welcomed to fashion when we are pushed to a corner of frumpy dresses dresses, or made to shop online only, with the inconvenience of having to return items if they don't fit (often by post only, as plus ranges are frequently not able to be returned in-store).

Some brands are expanding their sizing for their entire lines, and the larger sizes are selling out quicker than the smaller sizes. It boggles my mind that companies would prefer to see racks and racks of size 6s and 8s go on clearance, as opposed to catering to a wider size range. The companies expanding their size lines are able to increase their profits, through the true expansion of their ranges. Doing it any other way is destined to fail, because we must be able to try on clothes, and further, we don't appreciate being treated like we are nothing more people to make money from, with none of the service that straight sized people receive.

Immediate action needs to be taken by fashion companies, so they can avoid losing more money through failed curve lines. Real market research needs to be made, so women can say the kind of fashion we want (which is usually the same as the lines currently available), and how we want to be able to access our fashion. Brick and mortar fashion companies are already facing the behemoth of online shopping, but big women don't like that, when we cannot trust something will fit. Change your strategies for true inclusion, and the companies will see true growth.