#fastcodesign

“We developed an online survey to find out more about plus-size respondents and their typical shopping experiences, and we received 80 responses, including both women (84%) and men (16%), ranging in age from 15 to over 50. Most had a waist size from 40 to 52 inches, a shirt size from XL to 4X, and pant sizes between 16 and 52.

Their responses to our questions about the layout and design of plus-size sections were striking:

Only a quarter (25%) said they typically found the plus-size area accessible and unobstructed.

Only 18% said the plus-size section was welcoming. Only 18% said they could locate plus-size mannequins in the store.

Only 15% of the respondents said they could easily locate the plus-size area once they entered a store.

Only 14% said they could easily locate images of people who looked like them in the store.

Only 13% said the plus-size section was easy to navigate. Only 13% said they could see the store entrances from the plus-size section.

Only 11% said they could easily find the fitting rooms from the plus-size section.