Size discrimination is a thing, especially when it comes to shopping for fashionable clothing. And Nordstrom is the latest retailer to address the issue of inclusive sizing, courtesy of a new sales initiative.
CTV News reports that the fashion retail chain has been seeking to “fill in the gaps” that lie in standard sizing policies where the majority of womenswear brands run from sizes 2 to 12, and most plus-size brands start at size 18. By working with a number of fashion brands, Nordstrom is reportedly on a mission to see sizes 0, 2, 14, 16 and 18 more readily available.
“Style and fashion apply to everyone,” said Tricia Smith, Nordstrom executive vice president and general merchandise manager for designer, women’s and kids apparel, in a statement. “They’re not created for a limited group of sizes. We don’t view being size inclusive any differently than the need to be more inclusive across the board–whether it’s ethnicity, size or body type. In our opinion, petite and plus sizes shouldn’t be considered special categories. They’re just sizes.”
Nordstrom will launch the initiative this week at its new Century City store in Los Angeles by integrating all sizes in its denim section. The retailer will also use a diverse range of mannequins to illustrate the new approach to sizing.
The retailer says it is working with roughly 40 brands on a similar initiative for the holiday shopping period, aiming to cover activewear, ready-to-wear and swimwear.
So far, brands expected to participate include Topshop, Rag & Bone, Madewell, Caslon and Halogen; the latter two belong to the chain’s private label.
Nordstrom has plans to further its expansion of the sizing model for spring 2018, rolling out the inclusive sizing products in 15 stores.
About time!
