Human lifestyle has undergone tremendous change from traditional ways. In the past, due to lack of machines, facilities and equipments, humans had to put in tremendous amount of time and effort to get their job done. Even traveling from one point to another proved to be a Herculean task consuming in several days or even months depending on the distance to be covered. Traveling to international locations was the privilege which only the rich could afford. However, industrial revolution, scientific inventions, discoveries, and tremendous developments in information technology have made life more comfortable and convenient for humans. Automated machines have simplified our daily routine activities such as washing, cleaning, cooking etc. But this aspect has had led to one major problem – the problem of obesity and overweight. Busy lifestyle, lack of healthy diet, intake of junk food, aerated drinks etc. are some factors contributing to ever increasing cases of obesity each successive year. Obesity can also be caused by some genetic disorders. Obese people are ridiculed and subject to constant ridicule in the society of today where slim curvy figures and muscular toned bodies are in vogue.

People fail to realize that obese people are no different from them. There are instances where overweight men and women have to face much difficulty to get things of their size such as shoes, clothes, accessories like belts, caps, jewelry etc. Plus size clothing refers to clothes designed to suit obese or overweight consumers. While in the U.S. they appear as size 14, in the UK it begins from label 18 and above for women and size XXL for men. These clothing are patterned and stitched according to the statistical data collected from survey projects. There has been a considerable in both the demand and supply of oversized garments in the global context. Here is a brief overview:

Australia : With considerable rise in demand for plus size clothing stores like Target, Myer and David Jones offer wide range of styles specifically to cater to overweight consumer segment. Just like in the UK, large size begins with size 14 and above. This size however equals size 12 in the U.S. Other reputed brands in Australia are City Chic, Taking Shape, Maggie T, Embody Denim, Sara, Basque Woman etc.

United Kingdom: Houses about 60 different brand names that cater to the apparel requirements of plus sized women. Elvi, Feminine Plus, Evans, Ann Harvey are some chain stores comprising only plus size garments for the woman of today. On the other hand, Fenwicks, New Look and Debenhams have shelves lined with extra large size. Large size begins from 16 which equal U.S. size 12.

Thus with so many designers and stores manufacturing clothes for plus size figures, even the obese can look at their best and get clothes to suit every occasion be it a Valentine’s Day, Christmas, dance party, romantic dinner or chic formals. Besides, there are ample styles, colors, designs, quality, brands and plus sizes to choose from. During discount seasons, both men and woman can get the best bargains for their plus size clothes.