Indian Fashion Retailers Expand Plus-Size Assortments as Inclusive Sizing Gains Ground

Virgio, Myntra, Westside, The Indian Garage Co. and NEWME are broadening extended-size fashion ranges, pairing dedicated fit development with demand data and lower-inventory production models. The shift positions plus-size apparel as a core assortment opportunity rather than a niche category.

— Source publishedTue, 28 Jul, 2026, 11:00 IST·First seen Tue, 28 Jul, 2026, 11:26 IST·Source Inc42 · Buzz

What happened

Virgio · Indian fashion retailers and D2C brands are expanding plus-size ranges using dedicated fit development, customer data, low-inventory production and

Key facts

  • India apparel retail market estimated to exceed $193 billion by FY30
  • NEWME plans sizes up to 5XL and 6XL
  • Target return rate below 20%-25%
  • Target repeat purchases above 40% over 12 months
  • Inclusive sizing expected to become mainstream assortment planning by 2030

Why this matters

Target partnerships or acquisitions in plus-size design, fit-tech and small-batch production that can accelerate mainstream extended-size assortments.

What to watch

  • Myntra, Westside, Reliance Retail, Shoppers Stop or major private labels adding extended sizing across their core fashion categories.
  • Evidence of dedicated plus-size fit teams, standardized measurement systems or fit-tech partnerships among Indian retailers.
  • A rise in size-filter search volume, conversion rates and repeat purchase from extended-size shoppers.
  • Reduced return rates for brands using separate fit blocks versus simple size grading.
  • More brands adopting made-to-order, demand-responsive or small-batch production for extended-size fashion.
  • Offline chains increasing size depth per store and featuring plus-size mannequins or integrated floor merchandising.
  • Competitive price compression if large retailers use private-label scale to challenge specialist plus-size brands.
  • Launch extended sizes concurrently with mainline drops instead of treating them as a separate seasonal capsule.
  • Invest in dedicated plus-size pattern blocks, fit testing panels and product-page fit guidance rather than simply grading up standard designs.
  • Use pre-orders, limited runs and regional demand data to determine size-depth by style before scaling inventory.
  • Build size-inclusive creator networks and customer-review programs that show garments across body types.
  • Expand adjacent opportunity areas including workwear, occasionwear, denim, athleisure, lingerie and trend-led youth fashion, where assortment gaps remain large.
  • Rework store allocation and visual merchandising to make extended sizes discoverable without segregating shoppers.
  • Track returns, repeat purchase, conversion by size, stockout rates and full-price sell-through as core profitability measures.

Also reported by