Plus Size Fashion: Industry looks to cater to more diverse body types

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For decades, there was a disconnect in what sizes the average woman wears, and what's found on fashion runways. But that has begun to change, with many brands looking at the "plus-sized market" as a major opportunity for growth. CGTN's Mary MacCarthy reports from Los Angeles.

Fashion model Vanessa Lunnon's career has taken off

VANESSA LUNNON PLUS-SIZE MODEL "I am a plus-size model, I embrace that term."

She's been strutting the runways from New York to L.A. for fifteen years, but her work is in more demand than ever now - thanks to growing interest in plus-size fashion.

VANESSA LUNNON PLUS-SIZE MODEL "Plus-size is not a niche market. I think brands are recognizing that they can't ignore consumers anymore. Women, and men, have money to spend. And they want to be represented. They want to go into a store, look at a piece of clothing, and find their fit."

Industry numbers estimate that sales of women's plus-size clothing in the U.S. alone now top $21 billion annually - that's close to a fifth of total clothing sales for American women.

A retailer that has always specialized in larger sizes, Lane Bryant, was recently voted the 2nd-favorite brand among American women

And many other stores are trying to move in on the plus-size market Target, Old Navy, and Macy's now carry extensive plus-size collections as do higher-end brands including J. Crew and Ralph Lauren.

MARY MACCARTHY LOS ANGELES "With sales of plus-size clothing rising at twice the rate of sales of traditionally-sized clothing, there's a growing awareness in the fashion industry that all brands - from low-end department stores to luxury boutiques here on Rodeo Drive - ought to cater to ALL sizes."

"The Plus Bus" is a Los Angeles boutique catering exclusively to plus-sized women - and at a time when many brick-and-mortar retailers are shutting down, its sales are quickly rising.

MARCY GUEVARA, OWNER THE PLUS BUS "I really know the power that a great dress, or a fabulous-fitting pair of paints, has. It's very important to me that people feel good. So when we saw this need, my business partner and I really felt we could fit that. That we could help women."

It's a message of body positivity The Plus Bus and other plus-size retailers telling women that fashion and beauty belong to all sizes. And with booming sales, it's a message they're taking all the way to the bank. Mary MacCarthy, CGTN, Los Angeles.