Diversity in fashion: Why it matters & how to get it right
Fashion is a universal language. It speaks to cultures, identities, and emotions. But for a long time, that language only spoke to a select few. Thankfully, the industry is shifting, and diversity in fashion is taking center stage. From body inclusivity to cultural representation, brands are realizing that people want to see themselves in the styles they love.
But making fashion truly diverse isn’t just about a campaign featuring a wider range of models—it’s about a real commitment to inclusivity in design, marketing, and brand values. So, what does diversity in fashion actually mean? And how can brands of any size genuinely embrace it? Let’s dive in.
What does diversity in fashion look like?
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Diversity in fashion means representation across the board—from the models wearing the clothes to the people designing, marketing, and selling them. It’s about creating space for everyone, no matter their size, skin tone, ability, or background.
- Size inclusivity
For years, mainstream fashion catered to a narrow size range, leaving many people out. But the demand for plus-size, petite, and in-between sizing has grown, and brands like Universal Standard and Good American are proving that fashion should fit people—not the other way around.
- Cultural representation
Fashion is deeply tied to culture, but historically, certain traditions and styles have been misrepresented or appropriated. Today, brands are making efforts to celebrate cultures with authenticity—by hiring designers, models, and creatives from the communities they’re inspired by.
- Adaptive fashion
People with disabilities have long been overlooked in fashion, but that’s changing. Brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Nike are leading the way with adaptive clothing—designed for accessibility without compromising on style. From magnetic buttons to adjustable fits, adaptive fashion is redefining inclusivity.
- Gender fluidity
Fashion has always been a form of self-expression, and the rise of gender-neutral collections is helping people wear what feels right—without labels. Unisex designs, flexible fits, and a break from traditional norms are pushing the industry forward.
How diversity in fashion boosts eCommerce sales
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Diversity isn’t just about doing the right thing—it’s also smart business. Brands that embrace inclusivity see higher engagement, lower return rates, and stronger customer loyalty. Here’s why:
- People buy what they can see themselves in
Imagine shopping online and only seeing models who don’t look anything like you. It’s hard to picture how the clothes would fit, right?
When brands showcase a diverse range of models, customers feel represented—and they’re more likely to make a purchase. Seeing people of different body types, skin tones, and abilities in product images builds trust and confidence in the buying decision.
- Reducing returns with accurate representation
One of the biggest challenges in fashion eCommerce is returns. Many customers order multiple sizes or styles just to see what works, leading to costly returns and wasted resources.
By offering more diverse product visuals, brands help customers make informed choices before they buy. This means:- Better understanding of fabric & fit – When customers see diverse models wearing a product, they can gauge how it will look in real life.
- More accurate sizing expectations – Seeing clothes on different body types helps customers pick the right fit.
- Fewer “trial and error” purchases – The more accurately a customer can picture themselves in a product, the lower the chance they’ll return it.
- Building a loyal & engaged community
Fashion isn’t just about selling products—it’s about building relationships with customers. People want to support brands that align with their values.
By embracing diversity, brands show they’re listening and truly care about inclusivity—not just for marketing campaigns, but as part of their brand identity. This leads to higher customer retention, repeat purchases, and organic word-of-mouth marketing.
But how can fashion brands implement this in a meaningful way? Here are a few actionable steps to help brands turn diversity into a driving force for customer loyalty and engagement:
- Feature diverse voices in your brand story
- Share customer stories and testimonials from people of different backgrounds, body types, and experiences.
- Highlight diverse designers, stylists, and influencers in your campaigns.
- Create blog posts, interviews, or behind-the-scenes content that showcases inclusivity in action.
- Create interactive & inclusive social media campaigns
- Launch user-generated content campaigns where customers can share how they style your pieces.
- Use hashtags that celebrate diversity, such as #RealStyle or #FashionForAll.
- Go live with diverse influencers and brand ambassadors to have real conversations about inclusivity in fashion.
- Partner with diverse influencers & creators
- Diversify influencer partnerships by including people of different ethnicities, gender identities, body types, and abilities.
- Work with micro-influencers who have strong, engaged communities.
- Support up-and-coming creators from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Build an inclusive customer support & shopping experience
- Offer inclusive sizing guides with visual references for different body types.
- Train customer service teams to be knowledgeable about diverse needs (e.g., adaptive fashion, gender-neutral styling).
- Ensure your website is accessible to all customers, including those with visual impairments.
How fashion brands can embrace diversity (Even on a budget!)
For big brands, creating diverse campaigns and collections is often easier—they have the budget for multiple photoshoots, inclusive sizing, and specialized design teams. But what about smaller brands? The good news is, embracing diversity doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
- Representation in visuals
People want to see real diversity in fashion campaigns, websites, and social media. This means showcasing models of different ethnicities, body types, and abilities.
Example: Small and mid-sized brands that can’t afford large-scale photoshoots can use tools like Botika, which generate AI-powered fashion images featuring diverse models. This makes it easier to create inclusive visuals without the high cost of hiring multiple models, stylists, and photographers.
- Expanding sizing & fit options
Even if a brand can’t launch an entire plus-size or petite line right away, offering size-extending options (like adjustable waistbands or stretch fabrics) is a step toward inclusivity.
Example: Aerie’s Real Me collection started as a smaller inclusive sizing campaign, but after listening to customer feedback, they expanded their range to better serve diverse body types. Their commitment to real, unretouched images also boosted customer trust and engagement.
- Inclusive marketing language
The way fashion is talked about matters just as much as the visuals. Using inclusive language in product descriptions, avoiding gender stereotypes, and making size guides clear and non-restrictive helps all customers feel welcome.
Example: ASOS revamped their product descriptions and navigation filters to include gender-neutral language and more diverse terminology. Instead of labeling sections as "Men’s" or "Women’s," they now offer fluid categories like "All Clothing," allowing customers to shop without feeling boxed into a label.
- Celebrating diversity year-round
Diversity isn’t a seasonal campaign—it should be part of a brand’s DNA. Highlighting diverse creators, collaborating with designers from different backgrounds, and making inclusivity a long-term commitment keeps the conversation going beyond one photoshoot.
Example: Savage X Fenty, Rihanna’s lingerie brand, doesn’t just feature diversity during special campaigns—it’s a core part of their identity. Every collection showcases models of different body types, ethnicities, and gender identities. Their approach has set a new industry standard for representation in fashion.
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The future of fashion is inclusive
The fashion industry has come a long way, but there’s still work to do. True inclusivity means moving beyond tokenism and making sure diversity is woven into the fabric of every collection, campaign, and company decision.
As technology evolves, brands of all sizes have more tools than ever to create inclusive visuals, offer adaptive designs, and connect with audiences who have long been left out of fashion conversations. The bottom line? Diversity in fashion isn’t just the future—it’s the now. And brands that embrace it fully will be the ones leading the way.
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