How makers can be size inclusive; thoughts from hailey Michelson, owner of fat fits clothing community

Hello friends, I’m so excited to be chatting with you all. While some of you know me as the creator of Fat Fits, I actually got my start in the small business world through a different venture. In 2017 I started my own jewelry business, Sun and Moonstone Co, and in 2021 created Fat Fits. Fat Fits offers a place for larger bodied folks to find unique, thrifted and vintage plus-size clothing in Missoula. 

When exploring this collaboration between Fat Fits and Missoula Makers Collective, founders Rachel and Bailey asked me to write this post about how makers can be more inclusive to folks with larger bodies. Here’s my take.

I’ve always loved fashion and design. As a young child I would frequently raid my mom and grandma’s jewelry collections, old silken scarves, and slips that easily transformed into beautiful dresses on my three to four year old body. I loved getting up in the middle of dinner to scamper off to my bedroom to throw on another dress or tutu on top of my already puffy and exuberant outfit. I slayed at mixing prints, sporting bold colors and expressing my fun loving self through my clothing at a young age. As I grew older and as my body got larger, I had a harder time finding clothes that fit my body and my style.

Fat people are stylish AF. We just aren’t given as many opportunities to wear amazing, unique, handmade and locally designed clothing. That’s where you all come into the picture. I thought it could be helpful to troubleshoot some common questions about making your brand more size inclusive.

Is there really a market for plus-size handmade wearables?

YES!! For this piece I’m focusing on women and femme identifying folks. In the US 68% of women wear above a size 14. Carrying plus-sizes is an important way to make your brand more inclusive, and carrying plus-sizes is also a smart move financially.

What sizes should I carry if I want to be more inclusive??

If possible I would encourage you to extend your sizes to at least to a 3X and if you can go up to a 5X that’s even better. If you decide to do this, please continue reading and make note of my points on marketing. 

I don’t have the money for a full size range, but I want to be more inclusive in my sizing. Any ideas on how to start?

I get it! Adding all new sizes can be a bit of a hefty commitment. Try adding custom orders with super duper clear measurements and an individual consultation with the customer. Make sure to pay special attention to the person’s measurement and any special notes they have about their body. If you decide to go this route, be sure to advertise this on your website, social media and at in person events. 

I don’t see larger bodied folks popping by my booth. Do you really think they’d want to buy my stuff?

Absolutely!!! I get why you might think that but let me break this down a bit. Plus size folks have been excluded from many areas of fashion -Large chains, local boutiques and independent makers. There is sadly and justifiably an assumption by larger body folks that they will continue to be excluded from these spaces. I used to not even bother looking through handmade wearables in an attempt to prevent myself from feeling disappointed and excluded. I rarely go into local boutiques because I’ve had too many experiences wandering uncomfortably around a store that doesn’t have anything that will fit my body. If larger bodied folks are not explicitly welcomed and shown that there are items for us then we won’t stop by. 

I’m afraid I’ll get stuck with all of the larger sizes and that they won’t sell as well.

I get that, I would encourage you to give it a try though. Like I said earlier 68% of women identifying folks wear a size larger than a 14 which is traditionally the equivalent of size large/xl. That is a huge amount of people who are being left out. If you do decide to carry larger sizes it's essential that you are clear and explicitly welcoming in your marketing materials and signage. Be diligent about promoting your extended sizing with authenticity and excitement. Connect with plus-size models and friends to include them in your marketing. 

How do I choose which pieces to make in extended sizes?

Ideally all of them! But if you have to pick and choose, don’t limit yourself to stereotypes of what you think larger bodied folks should wear. We want exactly what everyone else is wearing. Give us crop tops, biker shorts, all the fun things!

I don’t make clothing items, how can I be more inclusive?

Great question! If you are a jeweler, I encourage you to offer your necklaces in varying lengths or provide necklace extenders. I encourage makers to use a mix of body types in marketing materials and social media posts. Lastly, promote and uplift makers who offer size inclusive wearable creations. 

I hope you found this helpful! Please feel free to  utilize me as a resource if you decide to take your business in this inclusive direction. I want to buy your creations.  I want to support your business. Let me. Include me and those like me, and be a part of the movement to make handmade items more inclusive.