Fashion isn't just an avenue for creativity and expression — it's also one of the largest industries that's currently valued between $1.7 trillion and $2.5 trillion.
Typically, fashion is usually understood through geographic markets, which include the US, the UK, and China.
However, you can also split the industry into different sectors that are based on specific products: clothing and apparel, footwear, and accessories.
While consumers across the world spending a lot more has led to a ton of growth, that's not the only reason why the fashion industry is growing.
We're also seeing the effects of trends like the shift to e-commerce among brands and retailers — which means that more products are able to reach more customers in more places.
Nevertheless, brands, designers, and manufacturers shifting to e-commerce isn't the only way accessibility is growing in fashion.
Let's discover below how the fashion industry is moving beyond high-end, big-ticket items to focus more on functional and accessible pieces, from everyday clothing and footwear to accessories like bags and glasses.
Expanding Sizing Options for Inclusivity
Although brands release new fashion items multiple times in a year, shoppers can feel limited due to only standard sizes being available on shelves.
But in line with the growth of the body positivity movement in recent years, companies have started expanding their sizing for increased inclusivity and accessibility.
If you look closely at the different independent fashion brands that are focused on meeting the needs of all body shapes and sizes, you're likely to notice Universal Standard mentioned.
Universal Standard is a pretty big player in the size-inclusive apparel segment, making products like shirts, sweaters, and jeans in the size range of 00-40.
On top of proving that inclusivity through size representation can be profitable, the company has also launched new lines for swimwear and intimates to capture broader markets.
Adapting to Varying Needs and Abilities
Another accessibility concern in the fashion industry is the lack of clothes and accessories catering to the needs of individuals with disabilities, but the eyewear brand Nuance is challenging this.
While prescription glasses already accommodate the needs of those with vision impairments like nearsightedness and astigmatism, Nuance’s hearing glasses represent the intersection between sight and hearing to provide uninterrupted listening and improved sound quality to individuals with hearing loss.
Besides personalized calibration and low-latency response, the glasses are available in stylish frame options, namely Square and Panthos.
Meanwhile, in the footwear segment, brands like Zappos and Keen are collaborating with one another to create adaptive shoes that are accessible to every child.
Specifically, the Newport Boundless sandal was developed to make it easier for children with disabilities to slip their footwear on and off.
Characterized by a flexible back-heel design with an adjustable Velcro strap, the sandals provide a customizable fit and can accommodate braces and prostheses without compromising quality and comfort.
Balancing Affordability and Quality
Lastly, recent developments in the fashion industry have proven that accessibility can also be represented in financial terms.
While consumers have mainly associated affordable garments and accessories with the cheap, low-quality manufacturing of fast fashion, Anuent is one of the brands promoting the idea that budget-friendly products can be balanced with premium materials and durability.
For instance, leather bags from high-end designer brands symbolize luxury, power, and social status, but affordable options have emerged to represent the leather bag as a practical and versatile accessory.
In this light, Anuent provides a wide range of equally affordable and stylish bags crafted from top-grain leather, from totes and messenger bags to purses and clutches.
Feel free to explore our website to learn more about our offerings that exude both luxury and durability at accessible price points.
