Stretch Snaps Up Plus-Size Sales - stretch fabrics popular with plus-sizes

DSN Retailing Today, April 2, 2001

Target addresses this trend in casualwear with stretch Cherokee jeans and twills.

Capris are also expected to remain strong in plus, despite being a waning fad in misses. "Capris are doing particularly well in plus. We've noticed bigger increases here; it's more flattering than shorts for the plus customer, but lets them be fashionable and comfortable when it's hot," notes Cox. "There was about a 25 percent sales increase in capris in 2000 and holding into 2001," she says, referring to Riders.

Capris will also be featured in 2001 at Lands' End, Lane Bryant and in lines like Delta Burke--featured at JCPenney domestically and at Zellers in Canada.

By keeping a variety of fashion-forward skus in the plus section, career or casual, merchants and manufacturers increase their potential for positive results.

WHAT'S RINGING THE REGISTER$

Plus-size suiting separates: Salespeople say they can't keep them in stock. They're speaking of plus-size suiting separates in pale shades of tan, popular across all channels this spring.

Kmart:

Jaclyn Smith

Suit jacket: $29.99

Matching pants: $19.99

Sears:

Apostrophe Woman

Suit jacket: $68.00

Matching pants: $40.00

JCPenney:

Worthington Woman

Suit jacket: $54.00

Matching pants: $40.00

Lane Bryant:

Venezia Jeans Clothing Co.

Suit jacket: $59.50

Matching pants: $39.50