Anthropologie and Worldwide Standard Unveil Size-Inclusive Spring Collection

Anthropologie,a brand under Urban Outfitters Inc., has partnered with Universal Standard, known for its commitment to size inclusivity, to introduce a new spring collection. The collaboration features 13 pieces, reimagining Universal Standard’s popular items with fresh patterns. Shoppers can find shirts, jeans, dresses, and a jumpsuit within the collection, with prices ranging from $118 to $268. Initially, the collection is available exclusively online through Anthropologie, with select styles and expanded sizes offered via its rental service, nuuly. The full collection will be available on Universal Standard’s website in May, offering a wider range of sizes and styles.

Expanding Wholesale Presence

This collaboration marks a important step in Universal Standard’s strategy to broaden its wholesale presence. The brand is scheduled to launch in major retailers such as Nordstrom and macy’s, as well as with Wantable and various boutiques across the nation this year. This expansion aims to make Universal Standard’s inclusive designs more accessible to a wider audience, ensuring that more consumers can find clothing that fits and flatters.

Ramon Martin, Universal Standard’s chief creative officer, emphasized the importance of these partnerships.

Wholesale partnerships are a natural next step in broadening access for all shoppers.
Ramon Martin, Universal Standard chief creative officer

Martin further explained that by collaborating with mass retailers, universal standard can leverage its expertise in fit and quality to reach new customers, thereby growing its buisness and promoting inclusivity. This strategic move allows the brand to tap into established retail networks and reach consumers who may not be familiar with Universal Standard’s direct-to-consumer model.

Size Inclusivity at the Forefront

The initial launch at Anthropologie features sizes 14 to 24.Nuuly will offer select styles in sizes 00 to 24, with denim extending from size 00 to 40. The complete size range will be available on the Universal Standard website in May, according to a company spokesperson. Universal Standard designs its pieces starting at size 18,reflecting the size of the average American consumer,a principle upheld in the Anthropologie collaboration. This commitment to size inclusivity ensures that a wide range of body types are catered to,reflecting a growing demand for representation in the fashion industry.

Universal Standard was founded in 2015 with a mission to provide womenswear in sizes 10 to 28. The company has since expanded its offerings to include basics, swimwear, and underwear, with an extended size range, catering to a diverse customer base. The brand’s dedication to providing high-quality, well-fitting clothing across a broad spectrum of sizes has positioned it as a leader in the size-inclusive fashion movement.

Strategic Move for Anthropologie

For Anthropologie, the collaboration presents an chance to enhance its plus-size offerings. Heather Mineau, divisional merchandise manager at Anthropologie, highlighted the strategic importance of this partnership.

This collaboration is part of anthropologie’s broader strategy to differentiate its product offerings.
Heather Mineau, divisional merchandise manager at Anthropologie

Earlier this year, the retailer introduced an in-house, year-round resortwear line, Celandine, to capitalize on the increasing consumer interest in travel and resort fashion. This move, along with the Universal Standard collaboration, demonstrates Anthropologie’s commitment to staying ahead of consumer trends and offering a diverse range of styles and sizes.

In Urban Outfitters Inc.’s most recent earnings report in Febuary, Anthropologie reported an 8.3% increase in net sales. Anthropologie is the company’s largest segment, accounting for approximately 45% of total sales.Urban Outfitters Inc. also owns Free People and its namesake brand, showcasing a diverse portfolio of retail brands catering to different consumer segments.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Anthropologie and Universal Standard represents a significant step towards greater size inclusivity in the fashion industry. By combining Anthropologie’s reach with Universal Standard’s expertise in fit and quality, the partnership promises to deliver stylish and accessible options for a broader range of consumers. The collection’s availability across multiple platforms,including Anthropologie,Nuuly,and Universal Standard’s website,ensures that more shoppers can experience the benefits of inclusive fashion.

Is Size-Inclusive Fashion Finally Reaching the Mainstream? An Exclusive Interview

The fashion industry’s long-standing exclusion of plus-size shoppers is finally being challenged, and this collaboration between Anthropologie and Universal Standard is a powerful symbol of that shift.

Interviewer (senior Editor): Dr. Anya Sharma,a leading expert in fashion retail and consumer behavior,welcome. This partnership between Anthropologie and Universal Standard,a brand known for its size inclusivity,signals a meaningful move within the fashion industry.Can you elaborate on the broader implications of this collaboration?

Dr.Sharma: The Anthropologie and Universal Standard collaboration is indeed a landmark event, representing a crucial step toward greater size inclusivity in the fashion world.For years, plus-size women have been underserved by mainstream brands, frequently enough facing limited choices and higher prices for clothing that fits their bodies. This partnership signifies a growing recognition among major retailers that excluding a significant segment of the population is simply bad business. It’s a move toward a more equitable and representative fashion landscape. Consumers are increasingly demanding body positivity and ethical practices, and retailers are responding to this market shift.

Interviewer: The collection itself features a range of styles and sizes, initially launched online with an expanding presence in stores and rental services. What does this multi-channel approach suggest about the future of plus-size fashion retail?

Dr. Sharma: The multi-channel distribution strategy adopted here is exceptionally smart. By offering the collection online through Anthropologie, via the Nuuly rental service, and ultimately on Universal Standard’s website, the brands are maximizing their reach and catering to diverse shopping preferences. This highlights a vital trend: omnichannel retail strategies are becoming increasingly crucial for success in the inclusive fashion market.For a brand to succeed, it must provide options for purchasing – including online and offline shopping, rental, and even subscription options. This strategy caters to a wider range of customers, making the collection accessible to a broader audience.

Interviewer: Universal Standard has been vocal about its mission to provide high-quality clothing across an extensive size range. How does this focus on fit and quality contribute to the success of partnerships such as this one?

Dr. Sharma: The emphasis on fit and quality is non-negotiable for success in the size-inclusive market. For too long, plus-size clothing has been seen as a secondary line, with lower quality materials and less attention to design detail. Universal Standard’s commitment to using premium fabrics, superior construction, and offering a truly inclusive size range (addressing various body types and shapes) acts as a powerful differentiator. This commitment to craftsmanship builds customer loyalty and attracts discerning shoppers who value quality and feel deserving of properly-fitting, stylish apparel.

Interviewer: this collaboration also represents a strategic step for Anthropologie,broadening its plus-size offerings. How does this align with broader shifts in consumer preferences and market trends?

dr.Sharma: Absolutely! Anthropologie’s move is smart on multiple levels.The brand is tapping into a growing demand for sustainable and ethical apparel. This expands the brand’s appeal to customers who prioritize inclusivity and social duty. Anthropologie’s decision shows consumer demands are finally being heard: plus-size shoppers want the same fashion-forward styles, quality fabrics, and elegant designs that are offered to other size ranges. This is more than just social responsibility; it’s smart business.

Interviewer: Beyond this specific partnership, what key takeaways can we glean about the future of size-inclusive fashion?

Dr. Sharma: Several key trends emerge:

• Demand for ethical and diverse representation in fashion is rapidly growing: Consumers, particularly in younger demographics, are pushing brands to reflect the diversity of their customer base.
• Improved fit and quality are no longer optional but essential for success in the plus-size market: Brands can no longer afford to treat plus-size lines as an afterthought.
• Omnichannel strategies will be crucial for brands to reach a wider audience: Offering flexible shopping opportunities across multiple platforms is essential.
• Partnerships and collaborations will be key: Brands with expertise in different areas can collaborate to leverage each other’s strengths and expand their reach.

Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. sharma,for these insightful perspectives. it’s clear that size-inclusive fashion is not just a trend, but an essential shift in the industry.

Dr. Sharma: My pleasure. It’s a movement driven by both social responsibility and shrewd business sense. Brands that embrace inclusivity are not only doing the right thing ethically; they’re also unlocking significant market potential and building a more loyal, diverse customer base.

Final Thought: This partnership sets a significant precedent for the future, hopefully inspiring other brands to prioritize size inclusivity and move toward a truly representative fashion landscape. Share your thoughts on this crucial progress in the comments below, or discuss on social media using #SizeInclusiveFashion #PlusSizeFashion #fashionretail.