This study analyzes the visual image effects regarding the design changes of sleeves and shoulders on plus-size women in their 20s and 30s to propose ideas for plus-size women’s clothing production and design. Based on a plus-size women’s basic raglan sleeve shirt, six types of raglan sleeve shirts with various design elements were developed using a 3D virtual imaging program to analyze the visual image effect of each pattern’s features. The results showed that the A-shaped sleeve silhouette, exemplified by Pattern A2, makes the upper body look longer and slimmer as a whole. It also conveyed a sense of refinement and attractiveness, displaying positive effects regarding body shape and aesthetic perception. Meanwhile, O-shaped silhouettes, such as Pattern B1 and Pattern B2, showed positive effects regarding comfort and mobility, while Y-shaped silhouettes, such as Pattern C1 and Pattern C2, created a visually confident appearance. Furthermore, the research examined the effects of static images and dynamic videos on evaluation outcomes. The results showed that dynamic images enhanced immersion and vibrancy, thereby increasing focus on the apparel evaluated. The results of the visual image evaluation can be used as a basis for designing not only raglan sleeves but also overall sleeve shapes.

This study analyzed the presence and effect of sexual appeal of plus-size models using Victoria's Secret's Instagram content. A content analysis using roBERTa deep-learning model found that, plus-size models’ sexual appeals increased number of likes and comments, but explicit sexual appeals resulted in less positive sentiments than thin models’.

This study utilized data to classify and characterize the body types of plus-size adult men aged in their 30s and 40s. Diversity is an important factor in the era of inclusive design, and discussion about size diversity to include the plus size should be accommodated. Data from 493 adult men classified as obese (with a World Health Organization criterion ≥25 BMI) were used for the analysis. The results of the study are as follows. Six independent factors were extracted using factor analysis for cluster analysis, which were then classified into five types. Type 1 (29.01%) was identified as body type I with the smallest degree of obesity. Type 2 (15.4%) was identified as body type Y with wide shoulders and a thin waist. Type 3 (14.2%) was the largest body volume (body type O), while the fourth (19.27%) identified as body type H has a large height and upper body. Lastly, type 5 (22.11%) has a long lower body and a slim abdomen, referred to as body type X. This study presents a basis for the development of various clothing sizes utilizing the body shape characteristics of plus-size men in their 30s and 40s. Follow-up research is needed to develop patterns for plus size men and to design various products.

In Brazil overwieght people represent 58,2%, in the USA 40% of women’s population. Plus size is a standard of USA fashion industry that applies to woman who wears more than 12, and in Brazil it begins on 44. They are frustrated, because retails provide few options and don’t understand them.

Over the past few years, companies have started moving into specific niches in plus-size fashion. The purpose of this study was to verify the marketability of young plus-size clothes in the USA. Data were collected from female consumers aged from 20 to 39 who have experience of purchasing plus-size items. A total of 282 responses were used for statistical analysis. The research result is as follows. First, the obesity stress is affected more by the subjective obesity level than by the objective obesity level and by how people recognize their body types. Second, from an analysis of the factors affecting the shopping orientation of plus-size consumers, style consciousness, pursuing reasonable, emphasizing comfort, and body consciousness are found to be important factors. Third, even if responders are aware of their exact body size, they actively look for the correct size. Fourth, fit evaluation of plus-size products is based on the factors of size fit and movement fit. The respondents were unsatisfied with chest and arm measurements, which deviate widely by body type for tops. Fifth, the overall dissatisfaction with the plus-size market is attributed to the fact that the product assortment range from which to select styles is narrow, and trend reflection is low. Sixth, the respondents tended to avoid fabrics that make their body type more obvious, textures that give the impression of a larger body size, or stiff textures. These results show that the psychological and physical characteristics of obese consumers should be considered to develop products for the young plus-size market.