Why Plus Size Clothing Availability is Still Limited in Dubai Mall?

Come on, shopping at Dubai Mall is like being in a fashion heaven. But if you're a plus size and require stylish, excellent-fitting clothes, you probably already understand the hassle of making.

The problem is: Why is one of the world's biggest malls still not having sufficient options for those big sizes?

Plus-size fashion is booming all around the globe. But this lack is seen everywhere. In fact, fashion is for everyone.

So today we’re going to explore further reasons why plus-size clothing selection remains so minimal in Dubai Mall.

1. Market Demand and Consumer Preferences

The most common retail excuse heard is that the demand isn't high enough. But here's the catch: how can people show demand when supply is near zero? 

Consumers who do actually want trendy plus-size clothing tend to buy online because they're tired of searching through malls and ending up with nothing.

That negative cycle would lead one to believe that no one in Dubai cares about plus size, when the reality is that there is a market, but it's just not being catered to.

Ask those if they ever walk into a mall with over 1,200 shops and are unable to find a well-fitting pair of jeans?

That's not because there's no demand, but the actual reason is that retailers are missing out.

2. Retailer Strategy and Stocking Practices

Consumers tend to get what they think will be faster movers. They take up less shelf space, cost less to stock and sell faster in traditional models.

So, when there's space sharing by brands in Dubai Mall, they opt for what's safe.

How to solve this issue? This strategy frustrates and excludes plus-size consumers. Instead of experimenting with a small but quality plus-size offering, many brands avoid the category in its entirety.

And those that do offer plus sizes hide them in the back of the store, as an afterthought.

3. Cultural and Regional Factors

One more reason stems from cultural influence. Fashion and body image in the Middle East have their own standards.

Loose abayas and kaftans are what is classically trendy, so most shops simply presume plus-size customers will just buy those instead of fashion-driven Western-style attire.

But that assumption was in the past. The plus-size consumer in Dubai today wants options available in standard sizes, like casual wear, business outfits, and party wear.

This means all the same options as everyone else. Limiting fashion options to only modest wear denies consumers the variety of what they actually want to wear.

3. Economic Considerations

If we consider it from a commercial perspective, it costs more to produce plus-size clothing.

Extra fabric, more complex designs, and sometimes even added heavy-duty stitching. Such required details make well-fitting, long-lasting garments.

Retailers tend to include that cost in their pricing and determine that it isn't worth the margin.

But the point is, people are already paying a premium for quality plus-size clothing because they know how hard it is to find.

By ignoring this market, retailers aren't saving money or their market, they're leaving profit on the table. 

4. Limited Designer Interest

Let's face the truth, and that is, high fashion designers have not been the champions of inclusion that they claim to be.

Even international runway and ramp walk shows hardly ever include plus-size models, and when they do, it's like having a special guest rather than the rule.

This lack of interest trickles down to retail. When top designers don't make plus-size lines, their stores in Dubai Mall don't sell them either.

And even if you do see a larger size at a designer store, it will probably look like the standard design stretched out. 

5. Lack of Skilled Tailoring for Plus Sizes

Another generally underrated problem is tailoring. Plus-size fashion is not just a case of adding inches to miniatures.

It's about different cuts, handling large pieces of fabric, and it’s stitching. Plus, there are not enough manufacturers in the region that have similar experience in tailoring in this category.

The result is clothes that mathematically "fit" but don't feel or look right. Without investment in the proper design and tailoring, plus-size fashion in shopping malls will remain lagging.

6. Slow Trend Adaptation

Trends come to Dubai very quickly. You’ll see them in Zara, H&M, and other fast-fashion retailers overnight. However, for plus-size fashion, trends creep in late or not at all. 

Plus size consumers are often stuck with last season's fashions when smaller sizes receive the fresh styles.

This slow adaptation discourages shoppers who want to feel current and stylish. Fashion is supposed to be about expression, but limited access makes it feel more like settling for whatever’s available.

7. Marketing and Awareness Gaps

Here's something that you may have notice: even when a brand does carry plus size, it's barely advertised.

You rarely see plus size models in Dubai Mall ads, billboards, or windows. And when there isn't exposure, people assume that the options don't even exist.

This shopping gap is the very reason that a majority of consumers prefer going online shops instead.

For example, when you shop online collections like the Big Boyz Collection, you view the tops designed on real plus size model, which instantly creates faith.

You know exactly what you're purchasing. That's something a majority of mall brands are still lacking.

8. Perceived Profitability Issue

In the end, it's about money. Retailers generally believe plus-size style is too niche and profitable enough to warrant a commitment to floor space. This way of thinking is old school in an era where inclusion is the new norm.

If Dubai Mall brands started selling genuine plus-size collections, not in secret racks, but speciality sections.

They would genuinely find a repeat customer base willing to buy more and come back more often. 

Conclusion

Dubai Mall is one of the world's most glamorous shopping destinations, but its thin plus size fashion is a blind spot for the fashion industry.

The fact is, plus size customers aren't asking for special treatment. What they are looking for is equal treatment.

They want the same assortment, the same style, and the same shopping experience as everyone else.

And if malls don't get on board soon, online destinations will continue to take market share over this growing base of shoppers.