Okay, so today I’m gonna spill the beans on this little experiment I did with “size inclusivity” in my side project. It was a real learning curve, lemme tell ya.
The Idea Spark: I was building this e-commerce thing, right? And I noticed all the models were, you know, sample sizes. Got me thinking, “That’s kinda bogus. Not everyone looks like that!” So I decided to try and make my site more inclusive.
First Steps – Research, baby! I started by digging around online. Looking at brands that were already doing a good job with size inclusivity. What kind of language were they using? How were they displaying their products? It was a deep dive into body positivity and stuff.
The Product Lineup: I had to figure out how to handle sizing. I didn’t want to just slap “plus size” on things. Instead, I tried to offer a wider range of sizes across the board. From XS all the way to 5X. Basically went for it, haha. It meant more work on the backend. More inventory to manage. But I figured it was worth it.
Model Mayhem (but in a good way): This was the fun part. I wanted to use models of different sizes and body types. Finding them wasn’t always easy. Agencies mostly push the same types. So I ended up reaching out to some local photographers and influencers who focused on body positivity. It was awesome seeing the clothes on different bodies. Made the site way more relatable.
Website Tweaks: I changed the language on the site. Less “perfect fit” and more “find your fit.” I also made sure to include size charts that were actually useful. Like, with real measurements, not just vague guidelines.
The Results? Honestly, pretty good! I got some really positive feedback. People appreciated seeing themselves represented. Sales in the larger sizes definitely picked up. It wasn’t a massive overnight success, but it felt good knowing I was doing something a little more ethical.
Bumps in the Road: It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Managing inventory with a wider size range was a pain. Some suppliers weren’t as accommodating. And I definitely had to spend more time on customer service, helping people find the right sizes. But those are the kinda challenges I dig.
Things I’d Do Differently: If I were to do it again, I’d involve a broader range of models even earlier in the process. Also, I’d focus even more on accessibility. Making sure the site is easy to use for people with disabilities is super important.
Final Thoughts: Size inclusivity isn’t just a trend. It’s about making people feel seen and valued. And that’s something worth striving for, even if it’s a bit messy sometimes.
