The fashion industry is constantly evolving, and one area that's gaining significant attention is the plus size clothing market. As more people embrace body positivity and seek fashionable options for all body types, the demand for stylish plus size apparel continues to grow. This has left many aspiring entrepreneurs wondering: Is there a market for plus size dropshipping?

 

The short answer is: absolutely! Not only is there a thriving market for plus size fashion, but dropshipping is a great way to tap into it without worrying about inventory or upfront costs. In this blog, we'll explore why plus size dropshipping is a lucrative business opportunity, how to succeed in this niche, and the best strategies to grow your store.

 

The Growth of the Plus Size Fashion Market

 

Before we dive into the details of how to succeed with plus size dropshipping, let's take a look at why there's such a demand for this niche in the first place.

 

1. The Rise of Body Positivity and Inclusivity

 

The body positivity movement has taken the world by storm in recent years, advocating for the acceptance of all body types, regardless of size. This cultural shift has had a massive impact on the fashion industry, and it has led to a growing demand for stylish, well-fitting plus size clothing.

 

• Body positivity statistics: According to Credence Research, plus size women make up over 67% of the U.S. population. This represents a huge market that is often overlooked in traditional retail.

 

• Fashion industry shifts: Retailers like Target, H&M, and ASOS have expanded their plus size clothing lines in response to consumer demand, showcasing the rise of inclusivity in fashion.

 

 

The body positivity movement is not just a trend—it's a fundamental shift in consumer values. As this cultural shift grows, more brands are being held accountable for offering diverse, inclusive, and size-friendly clothing options.

 

2. The Gap in Traditional Retail

 

Historically, plus size clothing options were limited, poorly designed, or hard to find. Many brands simply didn't offer trendy or fashionable choices in larger sizes. However, the rise of e-commerce has allowed smaller, niche businesses to cater specifically to this underserved audience.

 

• Limited availability: A survey from JdR Consulting found that 80% of plus size shoppers feel that stores do not offer enough fashionable options in their size. This gap in traditional retail has made online shopping the preferred option for many consumers.

 

• Online vs. offline: A 2023 Statista report revealed that over 43% of consumers preferred shopping for clothing online, particularly for niche categories like plus size fashion, due to the increased availability and convenience.

 

Source: Statista

 

As traditional retailers slowly adapt, there is a window of opportunity for online stores to fill this gap and provide fashion-forward plus size options for consumers who are ready to shop.

 

3. Increased Focus on Online Shopping

 

E-commerce continues to grow rapidly, and in 2023, U.S. e-commerce sales saw a great increase of 7.6%, reaching $1.119 trillion This surge has made online shopping the dominant way people purchase clothes—and plus size shoppers are no exception.

 

• Growth in online shopping: According to The Business Research Company, the global online clothing market is expected to reach $45.6 billion by 2024, with a significant portion of that coming from niche markets like plus size fashion.

 

Source: The Business Research Company

 

• Social media influence: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have become vital tools for discovering new fashion brands, especially those offering unique or hard-to-find plus size clothing.

 

The trend of online shopping shows no signs of slowing down, and the ability to market directly to your target audience through e-commerce platforms gives you a significant advantage in the plus size market.

 

Why Dropshipping Plus Size Clothing Is a Great Business Opportunity

 

The plus size clothing market is a booming industry, and dropshipping offers a cost-effective way to tap into this lucrative niche. Let's break down why starting a dropshipping business in this market is a fantastic opportunity.

 

1. Increasing Demand for Plus Size Clothing

 

The global demand for plus size fashion has been steadily rising over the last few years. According to a GlobalData report, the global plus size clothing market is expected to grow at a 4.5% CAGR until 2027. This rapid growth shows that there's a long-term opportunity for dropshipping businesses in this niche.

 

 

2. Dropshipping Reduces Risk and Lowers Initial Investment

 

Starting a dropshipping business eliminates the need for upfront investment in inventory or warehousing, which makes it an attractive option for new entrepreneurs. You can focus on building your brand, marketing, and customer service while your supplier handles production and shipping.

 

• Lower upfront costs: Traditional retail businesses need to invest in bulk inventory and storage costs. With dropshipping, you can avoid this and only pay for products when customers make a purchase, significantly reducing financial risk.

 

• Scalability: Once your business gains traction, scaling becomes much easier. You can add new products and even expand to new markets without worrying about inventory storage or fulfillment.

 

3. Flexibility to Target a Specific Niche

 

While plus size clothing is a broad category, you can further refine your niche to cater to specific demographics within this group. Whether you focus on plus size activewear, formalwear, or casual wear, there's an endless variety of products you can sell.

 

• Diverse product selection: Dropshipping allows you to offer a wide range of plus size products, from basic wardrobe staples to trendy and seasonal pieces, making it easier to attract different customer segments.

 

• Opportunities for personalization: You can also take advantage of the body positivity movement by offering personalized customer experiences through your website, social media, or customer support.

 

 

Challenges of Dropshipping Plus Size Clothing

 

While the plus size clothing market is full of potential, there are some challenges unique to dropshipping in this niche. Understanding these obstacles is crucial for building a sustainable and successful business.

 

1. Sizing and Fit Issues

 

One of the primary concerns in the plus size market is sizing. With such a diverse customer base, ensuring the proper fit for all body types is essential. Since you won't be handling the products yourself, there's always a risk that your customers will receive clothing that doesn't fit properly, which could lead to returns and negative reviews.

 

2. Limited Control Over Product Quality

 

When you're dropshipping, you don't physically handle the products, which means you have limited control over quality. If a supplier's quality is inconsistent or doesn't meet your standards, it could affect your business's reputation.

 

 

3. Competition in the Market

 

The plus size market is growing, which also means that it's becoming more competitive. To stand out, you'll need to offer unique products and establish a strong brand identity that resonates with your audience.

 

4. Shipping Times and Costs

 

Because you're relying on suppliers to fulfill orders, shipping times and costs can vary. Long delivery times can lead to frustrated customers, and high shipping costs may erode your profit margins.

 

Top Plus Size Dropshipping Suppliers

 

Finding the right supplier for your dropshipping business is critical to ensuring product quality, timely delivery, and customer satisfaction. Here are some of the best suppliers for plus size clothing:

 

1. CJdropshipping

 

CJdropshipping is one of the leading platforms for dropshipping plus size clothing. They offer a wide range of trendy and high-quality plus size apparel at competitive prices. They also provide fast and reliable shipping services, making them a popular choice among entrepreneurs in the fashion niche.

 

• Advantages: Extensive product selection, global shipping options, easy integration with platforms like Shopify, and excellent customer service.
• Recommended for: Entrepreneurs looking for a wide variety of plus size products and dependable shipping times.

 

 

2. Printful

 

If you're interested in custom designs for plus size clothing, Printful is an excellent choice. This print-on-demand supplier allows you to design your own apparel and sell it under your brand. They offer a variety of sizes, including plus size options, making it a great fit for your business.

 

• Advantages: High-quality prints, customizable designs, no inventory management, and integration with major e-commerce platforms.
• Recommended for: Entrepreneurs who want to offer unique, branded designs in addition to ready-made plus size products.

 

3. T-Pop

 

T-Pop is an eco-friendly dropshipping supplier that offers sustainable plus size clothing options. Their product catalog includes a range of eco-conscious apparel, and they focus on reducing their carbon footprint, which aligns well with the values of many modern consumers.

 

• Advantages: Focus on sustainability, eco-friendly packaging, and transparent shipping policies.
• Recommended for: Entrepreneurs focused on offering eco-friendly plus size fashion to a conscious consumer base.

 

4. Apliiq

 

For a more fashion-forward approach, Apliiq specializes in offering custom and unique apparel, including plus size clothing. Their product range includes trendy, streetwear-inspired options that are perfect for customers looking for something different.

 

• Advantages: Customization options, unique designs, and high-quality materials.
• Recommended for: Entrepreneurs who want to cater to a trendier audience with custom-designed plus size clothing.

 

How to Start Your Plus Size Dropshipping Business: A Quick Guide

 

Now that you understand the market potential, challenges, and top suppliers, let's quickly go through the essential steps to launch your plus size dropshipping business.

 

1. Choose Your E-commerce Platform

 

Popular platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce are ideal for setting up your store. They offer easy integration with dropshipping suppliers and provide various customization options to help you build your brand.

 

 

2. Select the Right Supplier

 

Choose a reliable supplier who offers high-quality plus size products, competitive prices, and timely shipping. Be sure to test the products yourself before listing them on your store.

 

3. Design Your Website

 

Make your store visually appealing and easy to navigate. Use high-quality product images, provide detailed descriptions, and include a clear size guide for customers to choose the right fit.

 

4. Market Your Store

 

Leverage social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to engage with potential customers. You can collaborate with plus-size influencers, create compelling ads, and utilize SEO strategies to improve visibility.

 

Conclusion

 

The plus size clothing market is growing, and dropshipping offers a fantastic way to enter this lucrative niche with a low upfront investment. However, it's important to be aware of the challenges, such as sizing, product quality, and shipping times. By partnering with reliable suppliers and implementing effective marketing strategies, you can create a thriving business in this rapidly expanding market.