With an obesity rate of 5 per cent in India, the plus-size population in the country is in excess of 150 million, creating a huge scope for plus-size clothing.
Currently, plus-size clothing has a share of 0.15 per cent of the total Indian apparel market.
Earlier, plus-size apparel was essentially lingerie and maternity wear, but, of late, western apparel in womenswear and menswear has gained prominence.
Larger sizes, exposure to western culture and awareness about fashion trends have accelerated the demand for fashionable plus-size apparel in India.
Popular international brands specialising in this segment are Evans, Lane Bryant, Igigi and so on, while brands like Next, Marks and Spencer and JC Penney have a special line of plus-size clothing.
Indian brands such as Revolution, Mustard and Royal Classic Polo have also forayed into the segment.
