The Tamesis
This season, some major brands have included medium- and plus-size models in their shows — including Balenciaga and Givenchy. This isn’t the first time: In previous seasons, these high-profile moments have hinted that luxury brands might start thinking about larger body sizes and take advantage of major opportunities missed by mid- and plus-size consumers. But a lack of consistency — and an overall decline in representation across the broader schedule — suggests these efforts remain isolated.
Against a backdrop of rising conservatism, excessive self-optimization, and increasing use of GLP-1, these inclusive moments, while positive, do not bring the same level of hope as before. In fact, they serve as a stark reminder that curvy models on the catwalks are becoming increasingly rare and increasingly visible as the rest of the models continue to shrink.
Of the 7,817 looks shown at 182 fashion shows and conferences for Fall/Winter 2026, 97.6% were available in straight sizes (US 0-4), 2.1% were medium (US 6-12), and 0.3% were large (US 14+). The results are down slightly from last season, when straight-size looks accounted for 97.1% of the total, mid-size looks accounted for 2% (a number that has been essentially flat over the past three quarters), and plus-size looks accounted for 0.9%. This means that plus size representation has dropped to the same levels we saw in the Fall/Winter 2025 collections, which is the lowest level since Fall/Winter 2025. fashion business Started tracking size inclusivity three years ago.
As in previous seasons, fashion business Every fashion show and presentation analyzed fashion show Calculate the proportion of straight, medium and plus sizes in total looks based on official schedules from New York, London, Milan and Paris. We contacted each brand to ask them to verify the data and were informed that if they did not respond, fashion business will be used. Size ranges are based on typical sample sizes for direct sizing and established definitions of Medium and Large.
Buyers and casting directors agree that the decision lies with the brand. “[The lack of size inclusivity] “From a brand perspective, there are enough curvy women who are ready to walk,” said Chloe Rosolek, casting director for this season’s show at London-based size-inclusive designer Karoline Vitto. “The main limitation continues to be the range of sizes that brands offer to their wholesale partners,” added Tiffany Hsu, chief merchandising officer at Mytheresa and fashion venture officer at parent company LuxExperience Group.
