|  Author | Topic: Athletic Wear Search Article - Calgary Herald (Read 6,279 times) |
bodacious
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Karma: 0 |  | Athletic Wear Search Article - Calgary Herald
« Thread Started on Jun 1, 2005, 5:45pm » | ![[Quote]](http://images.proboards.com/buttons/quote.gif "[Quote]") |
Please read this article from the Calgary Herald and let us know what you think of the quotes. We're very happy with the article and how well we were represented but we're shocked and offended by Chip Wilson's (Lululemon) quotes. Please let us (and anyone else who'll listen) know what you think!
Work it Out: Part 3 in a five-part series looks at why exercisewear is so hard to find for women in the plus-size category
Calgary Herald
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Page: F1 / FRONT
Section: Real Life
Byline: Gwendolyn Richards
Source: Calgary Herald
Series: Making Fashion Fit
Heading to the gym in an old T-shirt and faded spandex shorts, only to be surrounded by those in trend-setting clothes, makes me feel even more like the odd woman out.
But finding a comfortable, fun outfit as a plus-size woman has proven to be a tougher slog for this girl than an hour on the treadmill.
"If you think you look good, you're so much more prepared for your workout," says Robin Masciangelo, owner of She Athletic Wear in Calgary.
"Everyone wants to look good in whatever they're doing," says Lorna Ketler, co-owner of Bodacious, a Vancouver store that carries only sizes 10 to 24. "I feel more like exercising when I have nice clothes to wear."
But wanting that motivating clothing and finding it in a nearby store has proven challenging, despite widely circulated reports that show 62 per cent of North American women are size 12 or bigger and the most commonly sold dress size on the continent is a 14.
The plus-size market is the fastest growing segment in North America, up 49 per cent since 2000, according to retail research group NPD Fashionworld.
But, while doctors and the media keep pointing out the need for plus-size people to get physical, the fitness wear industry isn't heeding the call.
All this begs the question: Why aren't people like me considered part of the market? If it's a matter of "look good, get motivated," then what about those of us who can't walk into just any athletic store and find something to wear?
Carrying plus-size athletic wear boils down to a question of economics and demand, say retailers such as the wildly popular Lululemon Athletica and the locally owned Helia Sports activewear store for women.
Lululemon founder and CEO Chip Wilson says it takes 30 per cent more fabric to put together larger sizes. That stretchy fabric doesn't come cheap, and he believes women looking for those larger sizes aren't willing to shell out the extra money.
"It's a money loser, for sure," he says. "I understand their plight, but it's tough."
If Wilson charged more for plus-size clothes to recoup costs, he's sure he would be taken to the human rights commission. Plus-size people, he says, are very sensitive.
At Helia Sports on 17th Avenue S.W., shelves are stocked with extra-large clothing, but that means a size 12 in most lines. (Size 12 is an extra-large at Lululemon, too.)
"It's just not really our customer," says Kourteney Penner, a sales clerk at Helia Sports.
When they opened 18 months ago, the store's focus was on smaller sizes, Penner says, but that doesn't mean they are unwilling to carry more plus-size options.
"We have increased our extra-large orders," she says.
They are not, however, actively searching out athletic wear that would work on bodies larger than size 12.
For Michele Forsgren, attempting to buy athletic wear ranks up there with bra shopping and trying to find the perfect pair of jeans. A size 18, she finds it intimidating to go into athletic stores that don't carry clothes in her size.
"I always say to the store clerk, 'I guess fat people don't exercise,' " she says.
In sloppy clothes, Forsgren feels she sticks out at the gym. "I feel like I'm different than everybody else."
That contributes to low self-esteem. And it makes her want to avoid the gym.
Even store owners who want to tap into the plus-size market have their troubles. For instance, many standard lines don't carry larger sizes.
Ketler, of Vancouver's Bodacious, suspects that's because of image concerns. If a brand is perceived as representing all things fit and healthy, seeing that logo on a larger woman is counterproductive.
Ketler and co-owner Barb Wilkins were forced to approach a designer and develop their own line of exercise wear after it became apparent there was little available for those over size 14.
"There wasn't anything fun or with good lines," Ketler said.
As for Masciangelo, when she opened her store just shy of a year ago, she was determined to stock shelves with clothes for women of all sizes. But she butted up against a problem that still pervades retail. There was no consistency in sizes between brands and she struggled to find anything that would fit women beyond size 14.
It took a chance Internet search and a connection with Bodacious to lead Masciangelo to the Go Figure line.
Created by Vancouver designer Kim Ellis-Durity, the line includes hip skorts, colourful tanks and yoga capris. All come in sizes up to 24.
Go Figure clothes join those from other independent labels and mainstream lines in all sizes at She Athletic Wear.
(In addition, Masciangelo organizes She Athletic Wear by colour, not by size, allowing women of all sizes to shop the entire store instead of heading into the plus-size ghetto.)
Back at Bodacious, Ketler and Wilkins have pondered the dearth of plus-size athletic wear, but can't come up with any reasons why other stores and companies haven't realized they're missing a major market.
"It doesn't make financial sense," she said.
But some companies are recognizing the need to court the plus-size buyer. Coming this fall, Champion is launching a line that will help clothe those looking for choices beyond loose T-shirts and spandex shorts. And some lines are expanding to include the requisite undergarments to keep everything in place. The new Shock Absorber Sports Bras come in sizes up to 40G and are designed to "ban the bounce." (You can check them out and order them or others at www.sportsbras.ca.)
Masciangelo has already ordered stock in the new lines; she remembers her own struggle to find athletic wear when she weighed 200 pounds after giving birth to her first child. With few options, she threw on her husband's boxy shirts and shorts.
"I had to roll the waistband down because it was up at my armpits," she says.
Having been in the same position once, she knows what women like me are still going through.
Now, she's looking forward to showing women that bigger and baggier is not better.
"It's a big leap for some women to go from baggy clothes to something that's a closer fit," she says.
Perhaps because that's all we're used to wearing.
grichards@theherald.canwest.com
- - -
Where to find plus-size gear
- She Athletic Wear, 101 638 11th Ave. S.W., 262-7017
- Sportsbras.ca, Bay 11, 2219 35th Ave. N.E., 270-4250
- Bodacious, www.bodacious.ca
- Go Figure, www.gofigurego.com
Making Fashion Fit
- May 17: Nothing to wear
- May 24: Change your underwear
- Today: Work it out
- June 7: Get it made
- June 14: Act your age
Illustration:
• Colour Photo: Colleen De Neve, Calgary Herald / Andrea black tank top with racer back and shelf bra, $40.
• Colour Photo: Colleen De Neve, Calgary Herald / Robin T-shirt by Go Figure, $34. Colour Photo: Colleen De Neve, Calgary Herald / A Dominique pink and fuschia sleeveless T-shirt by Go Figure, $27. Colour Photo: Colleen De Neve, Calgary Herald / Leigh yoga pant by Go Figure, $66. Photo: Colleen De Neve, Calgary Herald / Lynta bike shorts, $35, by Go Figure are an option for plus-size women.
Idnumber: 200505310003
Edition: Final
Story Type: Series
Length: 1110 words
Illustration Type: Colour Photo Black & White Photo
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...Celebrate Your Curves! |
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Valerie Moffat
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| | Re: Athletic Wear Search Article - Calgary Herald
« Reply #1 on Jun 2, 2005, 2:24pm » | |
the guy at Lululemon wear's quote " Plus-size people are sensitive" burns me! That's his excuse for not providing plus-size athletic wear! Come on! How does he know I wouldn't pay more? Almost makes me want to boycott them. But then, I don't have to cause I can't shop there anyway! Sheesh! Valerie
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Marina Szijarto
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| | Re: Athletic Wear Search Article - Calgary Herald
« Reply #2 on Jun 2, 2005, 3:00pm » | |
FYI
Here is what I wrote to Lululemon in regards to the article.
Dear Lululemon,
Just read an article from the Calgary Herald, and wanted to point out to Mr Wilson, that there seems to be a bit of a discrepancy from his ideas on the web site - "We believe that if we can produce products to keep people active and stress-free, the world will be a better place. We aspire towards elevating the world from ordinary to a place of greatness." Chip Wilson, chief educator and founder"
and the quote in the Calgary Herald - " Lululemon founder and CEO Chip Wilson says it takes 30 per cent more fabric to put together larger sizes. That stretchy fabric doesn't come cheap, and he believes women looking for those larger sizes aren't willing to shell out the extra money.
"It's a money loser, for sure," he says. "I understand their plight, but it's tough."
If Wilson charged more for plus-size clothes to recoup costs, he's sure he would be taken to the human rights commission. Plus-size people, he says, are very sensitive."
My idea of a 'world of greatness' would include a celebration of all people. Too bad it isn't part of Lululemons. I guess I'll take my money and support someplace else until Lululemon is really interested in supporting healthy lifestyles for the whole community.
Marina Szijarto
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Robin M
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|  | Re: Athletic Wear Search Article - Calgary Herald
« Reply #3 on Jun 2, 2005, 3:09pm » | |
As a female consumer I was absolutely SHOCKED by what Mr. Wilson had to say! Not only does he imply plus size women don't have a sense of fashion, he implies that they're too cheap to pay for it!! As for his argument about not being "fiscally feasible" ... does he charge 30% less for the extra small garments they make? I don't think so!! So wouldn't that offset the cost of the larger size garments he could make?!
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fluffygirrl
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| | Re: Athletic Wear Search Article - Calgary Herald
« Reply #4 on Jun 2, 2005, 3:47pm » | |
Just wanted to respond to the whole "cost" issue that was brought up in the Calgary Herald article. It is indeed TRUE that is costs more to make larger size clothes because more fabric is used. It is also true that in the majority of stores that stock larger sizes charge more for those items. Its like if you want to purchase eggs at the grocery store. If you want/need the bigger eggs, you pay more for them.....because they ARE bigger. You get what you pay for! I dont think that people who need larger size clothing have a problem with this. I know I don't! Im used to paying more for my clothes, and I understand the reason for the cost difference. So the representative from Lulumon is ill informed, in my opinion. And as for larger sized people being "sensitive".........well.....its not their larger size that makes them sensitive, its being discriminated against that does. That goes for people of ANY size. Lulumon needs to give its head a shake.
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Lisa
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| | Re: Athletic Wear Search Article - Calgary Herald
« Reply #5 on Jun 3, 2005, 3:34pm » | |
what a bunch of crap!
first of all, most of us do pay more for our clothes... even Cotton Ginny charges between $5-10 more for the plus size line then the same items in their so called regular line.
but this argument has always amazed me anyway because a) fabric is not terribly expensive -- at least not the clothing that I am mostly buying - so if its a dollar or two more a yard that affects a few more inches to accodmodate my body in an outfit? b) there is a much bigger difference between a size 0 and a size 12 then there is between a size 12 and a size 16 for example... but since the size 16 is seen as plus then they charge more. Yes, I agree with whoever noted that they don't charge less for wearing a smaller size. If fabric price was really a significant issue then retailers would have started charging that way a very long time ago....
the *average* size in North America is a 14.... its amazing in this age of consumerism and profit-bottom-lines that wholesalers, clothing designers and retailers still let their fat-phobia stand in the way of profit! Lisa
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cynthia
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| | Re: Athletic Wear Search Article - Calgary Herald
« Reply #6 on Jun 4, 2005, 4:54pm » | |
when i saw this article it made me sad. I previously worked in the junior's garment industry at a local but well known company & heard straight from the horse's mouth(or rather the other end of the horse) what "reasons" (read "excuses") they give as to not make larger sizes ("we can't find fit models" "material is too expensive"(i've seen the price charts & it is really not expensive at all!) & the topper- "our clothes wouldn't look good on larger people"<they make jeans & tees!>) it still is appalling that manufacturers can't seem to understand that the majority of people out there are 12-14+.
the funny thing was that though is that the majority of the girls working in the same company were all size 12 & up and most couldn't even wear the clothing that they were helping to create. those who couldn't, like me, were made to feel bad because they couldn't and those who could were actually used as fit models and told to keep their weight down or were teased & made to feel terrible and insecure if they gained a pound or 2.
i find it really disgusting and irresponsible that manufacturers are promoting such small sizes (size "0"- come on!!).
when i actually asked them why they didn't even consider making larger sizes they literally laughed at me and said "it's not our market".
all i can say is manufacturers like lululemon are really missing out as the majority of the market is definitely larger than the preteens they try to sell to and despite their perceived "healthy lifestyle" image, they really are promoting the opposite.
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lynn
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| | Re: Athletic Wear Search Article - Calgary Herald
« Reply #7 on Jun 5, 2005, 2:05am » | |
The Struggle the women that are over a size 14 have when buying clothing is not limited to every day wear. It also reaches into other markets, for example wedding dresses and evening wear.
I know from personal experience that so many of these women struggle and are left to settling for a dress that is not what they want, but in fact what will fit.
When you are bigger than a 14 and try to go looking for a wedding dress, there are a number of issues that you will face. First the manufacturers size charts are at least 2 or more sizes smaller than what you buy in regular stores. Second many of the stores only carry a few dresses in stock.
Many bridal stores will usher you stiaght into the back of the store to their "plus" section, and they refuse to show you any of the other dresses in the store.
If the do show you the the you are left to try on a sample size 8.
This is very unfortunate because most of the bridal manufactuers are making dresses that go all the way up to 26W and even a few go to 30
All but one retalier has missed the boat on this.
There is one ground breaking store in Vancouver, BC that devoted to plus sized gowns. They carry sizes 16 to 30. If you are intested in the store it's called Tiffany Plus Bridal.
All I can say is it's about time that retalier and manufactueres get with the fact that we are out there and we have just as much money to spend as our skinny counter parts.
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Xxara
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| | Re: Athletic Wear Search Article - Calgary Herald
« Reply #8 on Jun 5, 2005, 4:23pm » | |
What a knob that guy, all he would have to do is make the clothes all the sizes and raise normal cost a couple bucks and he would make that money up from all the smaller size of the extra cost of the plus size fabric...
so if a normal cost of some exercise pant from 0-12 is 30$ and cost 10 to make there is a 20$ profit there.
if a plus is 15 bucks to make then raise the selling price from 30$ for all the size including 0-12 to 35 bucks so for every smaller size he sells, he makes up the difference for one plus size.
Or he could just charge a little more because most of us big ladies are used to companies like sears and what not having the plus size and the reg size cost a few bucks different..
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Xxara
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| | Re: Athletic Wear Search Article - Calgary Herald
« Reply #9 on Jun 5, 2005, 4:34pm » | |
I say we should all go to HIS website for their company and write complaint letters regarding his comments.
cec@lululemon.com
Is the address fro genreal comments.
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shea
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Karma: 0 | | Re: Athletic Wear Search Article - Calgary Herald
« Reply #10 on Jun 18, 2005, 7:55pm » | |
I just wanted to post a comment in response to lynn's recommendation of Tiffany Plus Bridal - sure they are devoted to carrying the larger sizes, but good luck getting your dress in time for the wedding.
My friend has less than 2 weeks to go to her Wedding date & still no dress!! She's getting the runaround from the shop & they are blaming the manufacturer.... yet when she inquired on the status of her dress a month ago - the man at the shop LITERALLY laughed at her. They also have a strict "no liability" policy printed on their receipts.
Tiffany Plus Bridal is more than willing to provide fashion for the plus sized bride to look at, dream about & pay hard earned money to order..... but where is the actual dress when it's time for the I-Do's??? 
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lynn
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| | Re: Athletic Wear Search Article - Calgary Herald
« Reply #11 on Jul 2, 2005, 12:14am » | |
To shea I'm sorry that happened does she get her dress yet. they might comp the alterations for all the problems, tell her to ask.
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shea
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Karma: 0 | | Re: Athletic Wear Search Article - Calgary Herald
« Reply #12 on Jul 6, 2005, 11:45am » | |
Hi Lynn, Yes the dress came in the Wednesday before the wedding - talk about cutting it close. The matching beaded shawl didn't arrive, but the dress was there & was altered in 1 day free of charge. Too bad the bustle broke before the ceremony. But all in all the bride was relieved & beautiful. I actually went into the shop to help the bride pick out a "back up" dress just in case her's didn't make it in time. Tiffany Plus Bridal staff were great & the gowns were beautiful - lots of options for the Curvy Bride.... just make sure you give yourself "extra" time when ordering, so your dress isn't still in Hong Kong the Monday before your wedding too!!!
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Nursey
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| | Re: Athletic Wear Search Article - Calgary Herald
« Reply #13 on Aug 22, 2005, 9:46pm » | |
 A little unrelated....but as difficult as it is to find plus size clothnig to work out in...I can't find anywhere fun to work out that I feel comfortable. I would love to take some dance classes or aerobic classes that are somewhere in between your granny low impact, and your ultra fit high impact. Anyone have any ideas? 
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Cecily
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| | Re: Athletic Wear Search Article - Calgary Herald
« Reply #14 on Aug 25, 2005, 11:47pm » | |
I love Fit City for Women - they're a very size friendly gym. Their aim is fitness, not thinness. I've been a member there for two and a half years.
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