Selling clothing to plus-size women

[ladyjanelly]

I've got a few non-custom-order 2XL sweater-hoodie projects in my work-stream and I'm wondering how to handle a couple of issues and I'm hoping to get some feedback from anyone who wants to give it, but especially you ladies who are around that size.  I apologize in advance for anything I get wrong and hope I don't offend anyone.  

Using upcycled materials for plus sizes is a little different than using stock fabric, in that it requires quite a bit more labor to go along with the larger amount of sweaters.  There is more piecing required to make it large enough and to keep it from having too much non-altered space.  Also, "found" zippers only come 22", maybe 24" and are too short for the plus sizes so I need to buy new decorative hooks that are almost the same cost as the sweaters themselves.  

So to be fair to myself, the finished 2XL product needs to be around 1.5 times the price of a medium.  But I feel bad charging more, I feel guilty that i don't have any of that size up yet, and I feel it's being condescending to explain why it's more in my product notes even though I know I probably should so it doesn't look like I'm taking advantage of the larger size ladies.  

Does that makes sense at all?  I don't even know for sure what my question is, I just would like your thoughts and maybe that'll give me a starting place to tease through my own emotions on this issue and figure out what I'm even asking.

Thanks for any feedback,
-J

Comments

[bethac.livejournal.com]

I am busty, and so I buy usually 1X size tops, and everywhere I have shopped (even online places like Roamans, Newport News and Woman Within) have a cost increase usually starting at 2X for the reason you stated. Even with shoes the prices seem to go up some past a certain size. I wouldn't feel bad about it, it does cost more to make so a bit of an increase seems to be par for the course. I am not sure you need to post any explanation when you list the items for sale on why it may cost a little more, since it seems to be standard. And I also would not feel bad about not having plus size stuff up. It's better in my opinion to learn how to do larger size clothing well or not do it at all, since it seems sometimes some places think you should just tack on extra fabric, and not bother with anything else. And it seems from what you say (non-altered spaces and what to do about zippers) that you are one who has looked into it and learned what to do in order to make a great firring item. Not sure if any of that helps or makes sense, but I am happy to answer any question you may have, Good luck, your stuff looks awesome by the way! Elizabeth

[ladyjanelly.livejournal.com]

I'm using this chart to double-check that I've increased all the right areas by the right amounts. http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/files/s-and-g.pdf plus ease to make sure they're comfortably loose.

I think I'm going to talk about the positives of the garments without blatantly saying "this is why it's more", like: Closes with a 22" zipper plus 3 pretty clasps that look beautiful open or closed, made of 6 unique sweater colors and textures, etc