These days, size inclusivity is more than just a trend—it's a promise many fashion brands are making. You’ve got companies like Universal Standard, who range from 00-40, and Good American, who won’t let retailers tuck plus sizes away in a different section. Brands like Loud Bodies and Girlfriend Collective are making a splash with their commitment to showcasing all body types.

But let's be real—despite this progress, a lot of brands, especially the smaller ones, are still sticking to the usual XS, S, M, and L. So, what's the deal?

Why is it so tough to expand the size range of women's clothing?

The short answer? It’s expensive. Making a size-inclusive line isn’t as simple as cranking out the same design in a bunch of different sizes. It all starts with pattern grading. You create a pattern for a sample size, typically a small or medium, and spend ages tweaking it to perfection.

Then, the real fun begins—grading that pattern up for larger sizes and down for smaller ones. This isn't just a matter of pushing a button. Each size needs to be carefully adjusted to ensure it still fits like a dream. For instance, if you’ve got a pair of pants that hug the waist and hips and then flare below the knee, the waist and hips expand as the sizes go up, but the flare shouldn’t grow at the same rate. And let’s not forget the inseam—size doesn’t magically correlate with height. As you can imagine, every new size often needs a full fit check to make sure it’s on point.

And then there’s the fabric. A size 18 dress can use more than twice the fabric of a size 2. So, while the labor costs might stay the same, the fabric costs shoot up. For example, if a size M dress requires $25 in fabric and $25 in labor, a size XXL could need $35 in fabric plus the same $25 in labor.

That extra cost adds up fast, especially for smaller brands just trying to keep their heads above water. The challenge is even bigger for luxury brands, where fabrics can range from $60-a-yard Italian wool to $1,000-a-yard hand-beaded textiles. You can see why some brands might shy away from producing larger sizes.

Sure, brands could charge more for larger sizes, but that’s not exactly popular with customers. Instead, prices tend to go up across the board, or brands might offer certain styles only in straight sizes while keeping the plus-size options separate—and often made from less expensive materials to keep the overall price consistent.

So, what are some of the best brands for size-inclusive concert black clothing?

Adrianna Papell is a great place to start, offering everything from plus sizes to Petite-friendly black dresses. Their Tuxedo Mermaid Gown is a standout for black-tie and white-tie concerts.

Another option is Lulus, which has budget-friendly dresses, like this sleeveless low-back black maxi dress, in sizes XXS to 3X. Just remember, for most concert dress codes, you’ll probably need to add a blazer or shrug to that look.

Here at Black Strad, size inclusivity isn’t just a nice idea—it’s part of who we aim to be. Our goal is to expand our entire line into extended sizes by 2026 and we can’t wait to see our designs on all bodies.

Share Your Style

Now, go forth and dazzle them not only with your music but with an all-black ensemble that hits all the right notes! And don’t forget to share your favorite concert black looks by tagging us @Black.Strad for a chance to be featured and inspire others. Happy shopping and break a leg!