Sustainability in fashion often focuses on materials, carbon emissions, and labor standards. However, a critical dimension is frequently overlooked: social inclusion, especially size diversity. If sustainable fashion is truly for all, it must embrace every body type, not just straight-size models.

The Current State of Runways

According to the Vogue Business Spring/Summer Size Inclusivity 2025 report, among 8,763 looks across 208 major fashion shows, only 0.8% featured plus-size models (US 14+), and 4.3% were mid-size (US 6–12). The remaining 94.9% were straight-size (US 0–4). The trend is disheartening: SS25 mirrored SS24. By AW25, representation dropped further: 97.7% straight‑size, 2.0% mid‑size, and just 0.3% plus‑size. These numbers demonstrate a concerning backslide in inclusivity.

A Political Backdrop

This regression coincides with a resurgence of conservative beauty ideals and the wider public embrace of weight-loss culture, magnified by drugs like Ozempic, reinforcing ultra-thin norms. The industry's move backwards isn’t merely aesthetic, it reflects broader political and cultural pressures that oppose diversity and inclusion.

Integrating Size Inclusivity into Sustainability

To be truly responsible, fashion brands must:

Include all sizes in their collections – Extended size ranges signal that styles are intended for every body.
Show diversity on runways and in marketing – Visibility is powerful; it challenges narrow beauty standards and builds connection.
Use size-inclusive product design – Rethink pattern making and prototypes to ensure garments flatter various shapes authentically.
Support social sustainability – Size inclusivity promotes equality, combats stigma, and fosters confidence across socio-economic groups.

Practical Actions for Brands

Expand size ranges thoughtfully beyond “base sizes.”
Cast diverse models—mid and plus-size—consistently, not just as token gestures.
Communicate size inclusivity on labels, websites, and social media.
Invest in design tools and manufacturing processes (e.g., size‑inclusive CAD, pattern grading).
Engage communities through collaborations with size-positive influencers and activists.

Why Now?

With political forces pushing back against broader social inclusion, sustainability isn’t just about the planet, it’s about who’s included and who’s left behind. Brands that champion size diversity now are leading toward a more equitable future.

The Stakes

Ignoring size in sustainability efforts widens the gap between consumer needs and brand values. A clothing line that embraces diverse bodies speaks volumes about inclusivity, and contributes to a more resilient, socially just fashion ecosystem.

In Summary

Runways remain overwhelmingly straight‑size: 94.9% SS models in SS25; 97.7% in AW25.
Political and cultural trends are reinforcing narrow beauty.
True sustainability must include social justice, and size diversity is a practical starting point.

Fashion brands cannot claim sustainability while excluding larger bodies. It's time to see all sizes in design, on the runway, and in every ethical garment, because sustainable fashion truly means inclusion.

Plus-Size Is Not a Trend: Shocking Figures of Representation Declining