Size Inclusive Fashion in Australia: Redefining Style for Every Body

There’s a quiet revolution unfolding in Australia’s fashion scene—and it’s all about celebrating every body. Size inclusive fashion is moving beyond tokenism to become a true conversation: about style, investment dressing, and age-conscious elegance. With women aged 35–55 seeking pieces that feel both luxurious and thoughtfully scaled, brands like Bohemian Traders are part of a movement to redefine what “inclusive sizing” truly means—crafting clothes that flatter curves, honour individuality, and speak to life-stage confidence. Let’s explore how this shift is producing smarter wardrobes and stronger brand trust.

What is size inclusive fashion?

What does “size inclusive” actually mean in fashion?

There’s a quiet revolution unfolding in Australia’s fashion scene and it’s all about celebrating every body. Size inclusive fashion is moving beyond tokenism to become a true conversation: about style, investment dressing, and age-conscious elegance. With women aged 35–55 seeking pieces that feel both luxurious and thoughtfully scaled, brands like Bohemian Traders are part of a movement to redefine what “inclusive sizing” truly means - crafting clothes that flatter curves, honour individuality, and speak to life-stage confidence. For Bohemian Traders Founder and Creative Director,Emily Berlach,  this mission is deeply personal. After growing and birthing three children, now teenagers, her body changed permanently. That transformation sparked a lifelong commitment to fit, inclusion, and authenticity. Emily fits every style on her own body, ensuring it moves, drapes, and flatters across sizes. This lived experience fuels a constant pursuit of better inclusivity in every collection.

True size inclusive fashion means garments are designed with body diversity in mind, not merely extending labeling (e.g., adding "XL") but rethinking proportions, stretch, and waist-to-hip grading SizebayGood On You. It’s about fit, comfort, and style that respects curves, not flattens them. In Australia, where the average woman wears size 14–1. Inclusivity isn’t aspirational,it’s essential. This is why Bohemian Traders Founder and Creative Director fits every garment 

Why does size inclusive fashion matter right now?

Why is size inclusive fashion vital for Australian women today?
Only about 21% of local brands cater to women size 14 and above, while 73% of Australian women actually fall into that range as found by The Au Magazine. This disconnect creates wardrobe frustration and limits investment dressing options. Beyond fit, inclusive fashion also signals cultural inclusion—a step toward representing women at every stage of life with style that is thoughtful and empowering, not one-size-fits-all.

How can women of every size style inclusive fashion pieces? 

How do you style size inclusive clothes to  feel luxe?

• Invest in elevated basics: classic white shirts, well-cut blazers, timeless linen separates.
  
  
• Mix tone and silhouette: pair a shirt dress with tailored outerwear, or soft prints with structured layering.
  
  
• Tailor as luxury: edits like adjusting shoulders or taking in waists elevate fit without blowing budgets.
  
  
• Lean on natural fabrics: linen, crepe, and breathable cotton (common across Bohemian Traders as an inclusive brand) hold shape beautifully and lend longevity.
  
  

Is the industry catching up or still missing the mark?

Is size inclusivity still a marketing buzzword or becoming real change?

Unfortunately, representation remains limited: at Australian Fashion Week 2024, only 1.1% of runway looks were plus-size and 8.7% mid-size, while over 90% were straight-size (AU 4–8), despite the average Aussie being a 14–16 as reported by News.com.au. Yet, the shift is happening. Bohemian Traders is  investing in inclusive grading, authentic casting, and mindful designs.

In Australia’s evolving fashion landscape, inclusivity is no longer optional. It’s essential. 

As women aged 35–55 rethink their wardrobes in favour of pieces that feel personal, elevated, and inclusive, brands like Bohemian Traders have the opportunity to lead with both sophistication and authenticity. By celebrating every shape, embracing thoughtful design, and styling inclusively, today’s fashion can redefine elegance for every body, at every stage of life.

FAQ

1. What is considered plus-size in Australia?
   Typically around AU 18 and above, though it varies by brand. Some consider size 14+ plus-size depending on fit and spectrum.
   
   
2. Why don’t more brands offer inclusive sizing?
   Inclusive design demands additional resources for grading, pattern-making, testing, and photography. It is more than scaling, it requires thoughtful design to ensure fit and proportion are flattering across sizes.
   
   
3. Does inclusive fashion cost more?
   For the brand, yes. Made-to-order or ethically produced larger ranges can carry higher costs but well-designed inclusive pieces are offered at consistent pricing at Bohemian Traders.
   
   
4. How can I choose the right size when brands vary so much?
   Always check measurements over sizes. Waist, bust, hip, in cm, looking for grading notes or inclusive imagery. Fit tips like wrap silhouettes or adjustable styles help ensure a flattering fit.
   How to measure.
   
   
5. What makes an inclusion strategy feel genuine vs. tokenistic?
   Real inclusivity involves proportionate design, inclusive marketing imagery, extended size availability, and brand transparency—not just adding a size or one model, but building relevance into every aspect of the collection.