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The fashion business has long promoted an ideal size, colour, gender, and shape. The desire to be more inclusive has been a topic of discussion for some time, but it has recently acquired traction due to the growth of social media, the expansion of the global market, and evolving cultural norms. The goal of inclusion is to embrace everyone, regardl...
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... However, not all consumers conform to these standards. Inclusivity aims to embrace and celebrate diversity in size, ethnicity, gender, and other characteristics by creating an environment where individuals of different backgrounds feel valued and welcomed [5]. ...
Societal beauty ideals for women were always shaped by cultural, historical, and geographic factors that
contributed to bias and discrimination. The fashion industry is witnessing a change, with inclusivity and
diversity becoming the dominant trends, encompassing age, skin tone, ethnicity, sexual orientation, body
size, etc. The fashion industry has recognized the importance of representing diverse voices and
perspectives. This shift towards inclusivity and diversity is a positive development.
This study examines perceptions of inclusivity in the Indian textiles and fashion industries. A mixedmethods approach is used to study how these industries comprehend, embrace, and practice inclusivity.
The literature review explores size and gender inclusivity, body positivity, and the effects of social media
on the fashion industry. It discusses how brands adopt inclusive approaches to marketing and the overall
shopping experience. Luxury brands, once synonymous with exclusivity, align with the concept of
inclusivity.
A survey of the Indian population indicated that respondents were knowledgeable about inclusivity in
fashion, linking it to "Fashion for All." H&M and Zara were mentioned frequently when discussing
inclusive brands in India. Respondents expressed willingness to support and potentially pay more for
inclusive brands, although some expressed reservations about higher prices.
The fashion industry actively embraces diversity, challenges norms, and advocates inclusivity. Although
progress has been made, significant gaps remain in creating authentic and inclusive fashion experiences
to cater to diverse individuals. As the industry continues to evolve, embracing diversity, challenging
conventions, and promoting inclusivity will continue to shape the future of fashion, making it a more
accessible and empowering space
The definition of beauty has undergone a profound transformation, breaking free from established conventional standards and embracing a broader spectrum of attributes. Historically, societal beauty ideals have been defined by cultural, historical, and geographic influences, perpetuating prejudice and discrimination. In recent years, there has been a shift in the fashion industry as inclusivity and diversity have become buzzwords. Diversity encompasses age, skin tone, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and body size. Achieving inclusivity requires thoughtful consideration of fabrics, styles, and silhouettes suitable for India’s distinct diversity. This study delves into the perceptions of inclusivity within the Indian fashion landscape. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study explores how inclusivity is comprehended, embraced, and practiced in Indian fashion. The literature review highlights topics such as size inclusivity, promotion of body positivity, social media’s transformative effects, and influencers’ role in reshaping the fashion industry. It also discusses how brands embrace inclusive approaches in their marketing and the overall shopping experience. The survey among the Indian population revealed that respondents were aware of inclusivity in fashion, linking it to the idea of ‘Fashion for All.’ They highlight that inclusive brands consider factors such as different body sizes, economic backgrounds, physical abilities, sustainability, and cultural diversity. Brands such as H&M and Zara were often mentioned when discussing the inclusivity of the Indian fashion industry. Respondents indicated a readiness to support and potentially pay more for inclusive brands. The industry embraces diversity, challenges existing norms, and supports inclusivity. Despite some progress, significant gaps exist in creating authentic, inclusive fashion experiences that cater to a diverse spectrum of individuals. As the industry continues to evolve, embracing diversity, challenging conventions, and promoting inclusivity will continue to shape the future of fashion, rendering it a more accessible and empowering space for all.
