Adidas Launched Its First Size-Inclusive Collection with Universal Standard

Erin Nicole Celletti
Updated
But is it too little too late?

The plus-size fitness fashion world is expanding, with Adidas now launching its first plus-size collection in collaboration with Universal Standard. Back in 2017, Nike launched its own collection sized up to 3XL, and in 2018 indie brand Girlfriend Collective expanded its offerings up to a 6XL, according to NYLON.

This collection marks Adidas's first time making clothes in a wider size range, per the The Cut. "We want the industry to keep witnessing that inclusion is the only way forward. Together with Adidas, we want to change the way fashion looks at women and the way women look at fashion," said Universal Standard's cofounder Alex Waldman in the brand's press release. "This is to the benefit of the industry, the consumer, the idea of diversity, and to creativity itself." While the sentiment is important, we can't help but wonder if Adidas is a little late to the game.

Regarding the decision, a spokesperson from Adidas told Teen Vogue, "Inclusive sizing is an important part of adidas’ commitment to enable more women to participate in sport by creating a more diverse range of products for them. This is the first step in the journey, with much more to come." The statement continued, "We are always a work-in-progress and are constantly challenging ourselves. In this instance, it is to continue making sport more accessible to women. We wanted to do this the right way and work with Universal Standard as the true experts who share our commitment to creating a future for women in sport that is without boundaries." To develop its most inclusive range yet, the brand said it wanted to do it the "right way" by partnering with an expert like Universal Standard who already has a mission to "extend fashion freedom across the industry."

Adidas' own sizing currently goes up to 2X while the collection with Universal Standard goes up to 4XL, the collaborative line celebrates body diversity and is embedded in Universal Standard's "ALL OF US, AS WE ARE" initiative embracing "fashion freedom." Previously, Universal Standard launched its own fitness collection, GAME by Universal Standard, in 2018 with sizing up to 4XL. On Instagram, the collab has received positive comments including, "THIS IS HOW YOU DO A CAMPAIGN! YASSSSSSSSSSSSSS!" Another commenter wrote, "This is a great first step!!👏🏼 Excited to see more styles and even more sizes with Adidas signature style in your full size range🙌🏼."

Pieces in the collaboration range from $40 to $90 and are available on adidas.com and in select Adidas stores in New York, Santa Monica, and Portland, Oregon. Universal Standard and Adidas say they are working together on a follow-up collection for early 2020.

While a size-inclusive collection from Adidas feels long overdue, hopefully more big-name brands will follow in Adidas's footsteps and launch their own respective collections ASAP.

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue