ABLE’s Roadmap to Moving Body Inclusivity Forward.
After years of offering leather bags and jewelry, we dipped our toe into apparel with the launch of a small collection (think five or six pieces small). As we continued to grow our collection with two designers and a tight budget, we quickly realized how our limited sizing was actually limiting our mission. Our size range at the time (XS-XL) was typical to the industry, but it also left out the 70% of women in the U.S. who wear a size 14 or larger. We couldn’t empower women – all women – if we weren’t making pieces available in their sizes.
As we began the process of adding more sizes, we hosted a focus group with customers who loved our brand, but wore sizes larger than we offered. These women were honest and vulnerable about their experience and struggle with fashion’s lack of inclusivity, and their insight ended up impacting our entire design process, from sketch to investment. With invaluable and ongoing community feedback, we were able to create pieces in more sizes that made more women feel seen, included, and (best of all) empowered.
“To get the amount of clothes I just got that fit and make me feel pretty would’ve taken multiple shopping trips in multiple stores and a lot of discouragement.” – Julia
We are convinced that if we can add more sizes, other brands can too – and we want them to! That’s why we’re releasing our honest, step-by-step process for how we thoughtfully added more sizes (including tips for hosting your own focus group!). Read and download our Roadmap to Moving Body Inclusivity Forward.
Our timeline for adding more size + fit options at ABLE
As we continue in our journey to body inclusivity and extend our size and fit options across all categories, we now understand the key to true success is not just being inclusive with what we offer, but including our community in the process.
ABLE’s Roadmap to Moving Body Inclusivity Forward.
After years of offering leather bags and jewelry, we dipped our toe into apparel with the launch of a small collection (think five or six pieces small). As we continued to grow our collection with two designers and a tight budget, we quickly realized how our limited sizing was actually limiting our mission. Our size range at the time (XS-XL) was typical to the industry, but it also left out the 70% of women in the U.S. who wear a size 14 or larger. We couldn’t empower women – all women – if we weren’t making pieces available in their sizes.
As we began the process of adding more sizes, we hosted a focus group with customers who loved our brand, but wore sizes larger than we offered. These women were honest and vulnerable about their experience and struggle with fashion’s lack of inclusivity, and their insight ended up impacting our entire design process, from sketch to investment. With invaluable and ongoing community feedback, we were able to create pieces in more sizes that made more women feel seen, included, and (best of all) empowered.
“To get the amount of clothes I just got that fit and make me feel pretty would’ve taken multiple shopping trips in multiple stores and a lot of discouragement.” – Julia
We are convinced that if we can add more sizes, other brands can too – and we want them to! That’s why we’re releasing our honest, step-by-step process for how we thoughtfully added more sizes (including tips for hosting your own focus group!). Read and download our Roadmap to Moving Body Inclusivity Forward.
Our timeline for adding more size + fit options at ABLE
As we continue in our journey to body inclusivity and extend our size and fit options across all categories, we now understand the key to true success is not just being inclusive with what we offer, but including our community in the process.
