When clients order promotional products, it can be challenging to accommodate everyone’s size and preferred styles. Inclusive sizing, which refers to extended size ranges as well as offering unisex products, is the solution.
Until recently, most size ranges went from XS-XL or 2XL if you were lucky. But now many companies offer sizes XXS-3XL or even 4XL and 5XL. Previously these would be only available when ordering specifically plus-size items, but now they are available in the standard sizing range.
Many companies are beginning to offer unisex styles as well. These are items that have a gender-neutral cut and therefore can accommodate any gender identity.
Beyond practicality and ease, inclusive sizing makes consumers feel comfortable and confident. When expanding style ranges, companies enable people to find clothes that actually fit. After all, bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and clothes should reflect and honor that.
When thinking about products for a company shop or gifting, providing choices is really important. Offering multiple styles in inclusive sizing, according to Nicole Tennison, brand manager and graphic design lead at Vancouver-based distributor Fairware, “shows that you’re thinking of everyone.” She explains that offering options allows recipients to “select what they genuinely want.”
Despite the clear advantages of inclusive sizing, it’s not yet a standard among all clothing manufacturers, which means offering it can give you a competitive advantage. According to Doug Jackson, president of Minnesota-based apparel supplier Storm Creek, “the demand for inclusive sizing is growing, and offering a wider range of sizes allows us to reach more customers.”
Inclusive sizing also helps with sustainability. There is nothing worse than getting a new garment and quickly realizing it doesn’t fit. When you create branded items that make people feel confident in their own skin, they are much more likely to hang on to them. “If people like what they are wearing, the chances of it ending up in a landfill decrease,” says Jackson.
Here are some examples of inclusively sized apparel items that will be sure to make anyone look and feel their best.
The Unisex Overachiever Pullover checks both boxes as a unisex style offering sizes XXS-4XL. This pullover is made with comfy materials that are 100% recycled. It comes in three neutral colorways and is a great layering piece. When featured in one distributor customer’s company store, it sold out in under 15 minutes, according to Jackson.
Storm Creek / PPAI 438091, Gold / stormcreek.com
This Unisex Regular T-shirt comes in 30 colors, including some trendy spring options like dusty mint (pictured), light pink, sand and dusty purple. The classic tee, made of 100% organic fair trade cotton, comes in sizes XS-5XL and offers a loose casual fit with a ribbed crewneck.
Organic Tee Star / PPAI 821574, Standard-Base / organicteestar.com
This Unisex Denim Jacket, available in sizes XS-3XL and in four colorways, is a timeless layering piece in a unisex cut. Jean jackets have been in style for a long time and will continue to be, as they are incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down. Every purchase contributes to the Plant with Threadfast program, in which the company plants one tree for every case sold, helping to offset its carbon footprint.
alphabroder / PPAI 156993, Platinum / alphabroder.com
The super-soft Nantucket Crewneck Sweatshirt is a midweight crewneck with a textured knit and ribbed cuffs and waistband, making it a great piece to throw on for chilly mornings or evenings. It’s a unisex garment offered in sizes XS-3XL and comes in six colors, with both neutral and trending color options.
Lane Seven Apparel / PPAI 630869, Standard-Base / lanesevenapparel.com
Spring flowers aren’t possible without a few showers, and this custom Rain Jacket is the perfect choice to stay dry. This jacket comes in men’s sizes XS-5XL and women’s sizes XXS- 5XL. These jackets are fully customizable by mixing and matching different elements in the 11 colors offered. It’s also outfitted with a fully adjustable hood, up to four pockets and underarm vents, making it functional and comfortable.
Hexa Custom / PPAI 767010, Standard-Base / hexacustom.com
The Men’s MAXSON Softshell Jacket is a great layering piece that has inclusive sizing in both the men’s and women’s options. The men’s specifically offers S-5XL, as well as tall options for L-5XL (in black and navy). It’s made of comfortable 100% polyester and comes in seven colors. This jacket is anti-pill, waterproof, breathable and designed for easy movement, as well as easy to take care of and comfortable.
PCNA / PPAI 113079, Platinum / pcna.com
This Women’s Varsity Tank will be a go-to garment during warmer weather. It comes in sizes XXS-3XL and is made with 93% recycled materials. It also offers UPF 50+ sun protection, which makes it great for wearing outdoors. It comes in four colors, including a trendy mauve (shown). It’s fitted, soft and stretchy for your next game of pickle ball or happy hour.
Storm Creek / PPAI 438091, Gold / stormcreek.com
Brookshire is a freelance writer and former PPAI Media intern.
