BIDC FOCUS GROUP REPORT PLUS SIZE APPAREL

In 2011 Barbados was ranked at number 12 among the top 20 fattest nations of the world. In Barbados, 74% of women and 55% of men were overweight. About 36% of women were considered obese.
With waistlines continuing to expand, the plus-size market is certainly one of the fastest-growing sectors of the women's ready-to-wear industry, experts say. Yet, its potential seems to be continuously eluding manufacturers and stymieing retailers. This is a market waiting impatiently to be listened to and to be catered to.