The plus-size, petite and maternity wear market reached $42 billion in 2005, and accounted for 54% of the total women’s clothing market. Since 2000, this market experienced a 12% increase in current dollars, and outpaced the growth in total women’s clothing market by 10%.

In 2005, the plus-size segment was valued at roughly $32 billion, accounting for over 75% of the total plus-size, petite and maternity wear market. Between 2000 and 2005, the market was driven by women’s desire to accept and flatter their full bodies through fashion-forward clothing. The maternity clothing segment accounts for only 3.7% of the total plus-size, petite and maternity wear market with sales of $1.5 billion. However, since 2000, the maternity wear segment experienced growth of 36%. The petite clothing segment, valued at $8.9 billion in 2005, remained flat owing to the lack of offerings from manufactures and retailers.

The plus-size, petite and maternity wear market reached $42 billion in 2005, and accounted for 54% of the total women’s clothing market. Since 2000, this market experienced a 12% increase in current dollars, and outpaced the growth in total women’s clothing market by 10%.

In 2005, the plus-size segment was valued at roughly $32 billion, accounting for over 75% of the total plus-size, petite and maternity wear market. Between 2000 and 2005, the market was driven by women’s desire to accept and flatter their full bodies through fashion-forward clothing. The maternity clothing segment accounts for only 3.7% of the total plus-size, petite and maternity wear market with sales of $1.5 billion. However, since 2000, the maternity wear segment experienced growth of 36%. The petite clothing segment, valued at $8.9 billion in 2005, remained flat owing to the lack of offerings from manufactures and retailers.

Growth in the market is likely to slow down as mass merchandisers and national chains have launched a more extensive selection of plus-size and maternity clothing. However, despite recognition of the plus-size market, retailers have not fully explored the possibilities in the segment.

This Mintel report includes six years of specific sales data, providing a factual and impartial presentation of the market as a whole. Mintel also evaluates the performance of individual sectors in the market, and provides information about the major companies and brands. Using the SPSS forecasting package, Mintel creates a five-year forecast of U.S. retail sales, revealing potential opportunities for growth and product development.

Plus-size is defined by the clothing size 14 or larger worn by women 5’4” or taller. The petite-size includes clothing for women 5’4” or shorter that is specifically categorized in the petite apparel category.