Who Decided This? Why Do Plus Size Brands Stop at Size 24?

Why do plus size brands stop at size 24? Sis, this question has haunted our community for years, and while the landscape has shifted since we first published this piece, the core problem remains. More brands are finally extending beyond a size 24 (thank goodness), but the question still needs asking: why did so many plus size brands stop at size 24 in the first place? And why does this exclusion still happen?

Here’s the thing, this isn’t just about fashion. It’s about access, representation, and the systemic barriers that keep plus size women from fully participating in style culture. Let’s dig into the why, the how, and what’s actually changing. Because y’all deserve answers.

Why Do Plus Size Brands Stop at Size 24? The Problem That Refuses to Disappear

Even with brands like Lane Bryant extending their sizing beyond size 24 (especially after Catherine’s sale), and more indie brands launching with extended size ranges, the disconnect between sizes 10-24 and sizes 26+ remains real. And it’s frustrating as hell.

Plus size photographer and blogger Suma Jane Dark shared her experience, and honestly? It hit different: “It’s really frustrating because I grew up pouring over every page of Vogue, but I couldn’t find stylish clothes in my size. Honestly, anything larger than a size 24 was non-existent. It’s gotten better the last few years, but it really sucks to find ‘plus size’ brands I love that don’t include me.”

And here’s the thing: this isn’t just about individual frustration. It’s about an entire industry that has systematically excluded a significant portion of the market. When we ask why do plus size brands stop at size 24, we’re uncovering systemic issues that go far deeper than simple business decisions. This is about who gets to participate in fashion culture, and who gets left behind.

Problem #1: Manufacturing and Patternmaking Challenges

Before we get into the social or economic reasoning behind why do plus size brands stop at size 24, we need to start where the clothes do. Namely, the design and manufacturing process. Because this is where the exclusion starts, babe.

A lot of designers just don’t know how to design for plus size bodies, because they aren’t taught how to do so. Fashion education has historically focused on sample sizes, leaving plus size patternmaking as an afterthought or completely ignored. It’s like they’re teaching you to build a house but only showing you how to frame one type of foundation. Make it make sense.

Plus size designer and patternmaker Rachel Kacenjar explains the complexity, and honestly? She’s spitting facts: “Plus size fit is hard. There, I said it. We all hold our weight differently, and where there might be 1-3 body types that will wear a size 14, there are more like 4-6 body types that will wear a size 30. Our bodies are beautifully complex.”

This complexity requires specialized knowledge that many designers and manufacturers simply don’t have. When brands do want to be inclusive, they often face manufacturing barriers. Alexis Krase, owner of Plus Bklyn, noted the challenge: “Finding a manufacturer who is willing to work with us to make extended sizes has been so hard. Oftentimes, I don’t get a direct ‘No, we can’t do that’ but am told so many excuses that it may as well be a no.”

This manufacturing barrier is one of the key reasons why do plus size brands stop at size 24. It’s easier to stick with what manufacturers already know how to produce, rather than invest in the specialized knowledge needed for extended sizing. But “easier” doesn’t mean “right,” and it definitely doesn’t mean “inclusive.”

Manufacturing resource websites like MakersRow should include information on whether a manufacturer has the capability and/or will produce plus size clothing, and include a resource list on plus size patternmakers. Because transparency matters, and brands shouldn’t have to guess whether a manufacturer can actually serve their customers.

Problem #2: The Dangerous Myth About Disposable Income

Here’s where it gets ugly, and I’m not sugarcoating this. There’s a persistent, classist assumption in the fashion industry that people over a size 24 don’t have disposable income or don’t buy clothes. This extrapolation is dangerous and discriminatory, and it’s another reason why do plus size brands stop at size 24. And honestly? It’s complete BS.

If 67% of women in the United States are over a size 14, then a significant percentage of women are over a size 24. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks body size data, and the reality is that plus size women represent a massive, underserved market. We’re talking about millions of people who want to shop, who have money to spend, and who are being systematically ignored.

But here’s the catch: when brands don’t make clothes in extended sizes, they create a self fulfilling prophecy. If you don’t stock sizes 26-30, of course they won’t sell. But that doesn’t mean the demand isn’t there. It means you’re not meeting it. Period.

Blogger Marcy Cruz shared her experience, and it’s a perfect example of this cycle: “In my personal experience, I have been told by brands that the larger sizes don’t sell, which makes other brands afraid to expand their size range.”

This creates a cycle of exclusion. Brands assume extended sizes won’t sell, so they don’t produce them. Customers can’t find their sizes, so they stop looking. Brands see low sales in extended sizes (because they barely made any), and use that as proof they shouldn’t expand. It’s circular logic that hurts everyone, and it’s a major factor in why do plus size brands stop at size 24. It’s time to break the cycle.

Corissa Enneking, blogger behind Fat Girl Flow, who is a size 26/28, explained: “I get questions on a daily basis from people over a size 24 who are looking for clothing stores that carry their size. People in this size range are used to having zero options, so why look at new product drops? Brands have to do a lot of outreach so that these customers know they can shop there.”

See what she’s saying? The customers exist. They’re asking. They’re looking. But when brands don’t show up for them consistently, they stop checking. And then brands use that as an excuse to not expand. It’s backwards, and it needs to stop.

Limited Size Runs Create the Problem

Part of the problem is the limited size runs that brands do. It’s hard to sell clothes above a size 24 if you don’t have them in stock. This limited production is another answer to why do plus size brands stop at size 24. And honestly? It’s a self-sabotaging move.

Lisa of MustangSallly2 shared: “I personally am shocked to hear that larger sizes don’t sell online because everything I want is gone fast. If I want a 28 jean from Penningtons I need to be on it right away as soon as they are released in August for example.”

This isn’t about lack of demand. It’s about lack of supply. When extended sizes sell out immediately, that’s proof the market exists. Brands just need to actually produce enough inventory to meet it. It’s not rocket science—if something sells out fast, make more of it. That’s how supply and demand works, right?

Problem #3: Representation and Model Casting

Even when brands do extend their sizing, representation often doesn’t follow. And that’s a whole other problem. “Seeing a model who is probably like a US 12 isn’t helpful to me,” says Bea Alexandra, who is an activist, model and plus size blogger. “Why would I buy something if I don’t know what it looks like on my body?”

This is a real barrier. When brands extend to size 30 but only show size 14 models, they’re not actually being inclusive. They’re checking a box without doing the work. This lack of representation is another reason why do plus size brands stop at size 24, or why they don’t effectively serve extended sizes even when they technically offer them. It’s performative inclusion, and we see right through it.

Plus size staple brands like Lane Bryant and Torrid have made progress, but the industry still has work to do. Lane Bryant has extended their sizing beyond size 24, especially after Catherine’s closure, which shows that when brands commit to serving their full customer base, they can make it happen. So if they can do it, why can’t everyone else?

Alexis Krase of Plus Bklyn shared their approach, and honestly? This is how it should be done: “I find a lot of Plus Bklyn models through social media. I get so much positive feedback from customers who are excited to see someone modeling a piece who looks like them. We make it a point to cast diverse models, all of whom aren’t signed, because agencies aren’t signing anyone over a 14.”

This is the model more brands should follow. If agencies won’t sign models over a size 14, find them yourself. Cast the people who reflect your actual customers. It’s not that hard, and the impact is huge. When customers see themselves represented, they’re more likely to shop. It’s that simple.

What’s Actually Changing (And What Still Needs Work)

The good news? More brands are finally extending beyond size 24. Lane Bryant’s expansion after Catherine’s closure shows that legacy brands can evolve. Indie brands continue to launch with extended sizing from the start. But the work isn’t done. Not even close.

When we ask why do plus size brands stop at size 24, we’re really asking about systemic change. Brands need to:

• Actually produce extended sizes in meaningful quantities (not just a few pieces here and there)
• Cast models who represent the full size range they offer (not just the smallest sizes)
• Stock extended sizes in stores, not just online (because access matters)
• Market to extended size customers, not just hope they find the brand (outreach is key)
• Invest in patternmaking and manufacturing that supports extended sizing (this is foundational work)

Large retailers like Eloquii, Lane Bryant, and Torrid can lead the way by requesting plus size models who are larger than a size 16. This will then lead to smaller startup and indie brands being able to hire these models. And in the meantime, brands shouldn’t hide behind the “there are no models to cast!” excuse. Because there are. You just have to look for them.

Follow Plus Bklyn and other inclusive brands’ lead, and cast the people who are reflective of your customer. It’s not optional. It’s necessary.

So, Why Do Plus Size Brands Stop at Size 24?

Stopping at size 24 was never about what customers wanted. It was about what was convenient for brands, what was easy for manufacturers, and what fit existing systems. But those systems were built to exclude, and it’s past time to rebuild them.

When we ask why do plus size brands stop at size 24, the answers reveal manufacturing barriers, classist assumptions, and representation gaps. But they also reveal opportunity. Extended sizing isn’t a niche market. It’s a significant portion of the population that deserves access to fashion, style, and self expression. When brands commit to serving this market, they find it’s not just the right thing to do, it’s good business.

What do you think? We want to hear from you. If you have a friend who has been vocal about this, share this with them too. And if you’re a brand reading this, know that your extended size customers are waiting. They’re just waiting for you to actually show up for them. The question is: will you?