Aries Increases Inventory of “Plus” Size Apparel

PORTLAND, Ore. - Aug. 14, 2013 - PRLog -- Leading Women’s athletic apparel, supply and specialty gear retailer, Aries Apparel has bucked an industry trend of avoiding plus-size workout apparel.  The company, in fact, announced that it has increased inventory of “plus” sized workout apparel.  

The Huffington Post and other business analysts’ have reported that national retailers such as Lululemon have developed their business strategy around not offering their popular yoga pants and other workout apparel in size larger than size 12.  The average dress size among American women is a 14, according to a 2011 report from Women's Wear Daily.

By reversing the trend, Aries is setting out to service a market that is tremendously underserved.  “We have always listened to our customer and we have seen a real demand for “average” sized workout gear as well as “plus” sized workout apparel.  It has been very well received and gives us a great position to better serve our customers,” said Diana Marsden, owner of Aries Apparel.

The definition of plus-size clothing varies, with PLUS Model Magazine setting the break-off point at size 12, while The New York Times and the Chicago Tribune have put it at size 14. The average dress size among American women is a 14, according to a 2011 report from Women's Wear Daily.

In recent months, prominent brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch have drawn criticism from consumer advocates for messages that have seemed to reinforce their labels as status symbols for the young, white and classically attractive.

These companies have in essence opted to maintain their images as wardrobes of the slim instead of expanding their potential sales. Consumers are expected to spend about $332 million on athletic wear sold at plus-size women's clothing stores this year, according to an estimate from market research firm IBISWorld -- a figure that doesn't capture purchases made in stores that also sell non plus-size items.

A majority of plus-size women complain that they have trouble finding desirable clothing styles and difficulty locating apparel of high quality, according to a 2012 report from the research and consulting firm The NPD Group.

Late last year, Cordelia Storm, a coach at a nonprofit parkour gym in Seattle, Wash., launched a petition on Change.org to pressure Lululemon to offer plus-size options. "Wouldn't it be amazing if Lululemon took an active stand in showing women of all sizes being athletic?" the petition asked, calling for the company's support for "fitness at any size."


About Aries Apparel
Founded in 2008, Aries Apparel offers sport-specific athletic apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories for passionate, confident, and dynamic female athletes of all ages and skill levels. Aries Apparel is committed to serving female athletes and providing a premium consumer experience. A strong partner in the community, Aries sponsors many local female athletic clubs, leagues, school organizations and women's organizations. Aries was honored by Apparel magazine as a top innovator in 2013.  For more information visit Aries Apparel online at www.ariesapparel.com.