Fashion
Word on The Street: Wet Seal is Officially Back Including Plus Sizes!
Wet Seal officially made its comeback this week with the launch of its plus size/curve line.
The fast fashion retailer shut down last year after filing for bankruptcy in 2017. The company, which has been around since 1962 and whose core customer demographic is between the ages of 13 and 40, was then acquired by Gordon Brothers Brands, who relaunched the company in early June as solely an e-commerce business.
Wet Seal waited on launching its plus size line, instead focusing on its collaboration line with YouTube stars and 23-year-old twins Niki and Gabi DeMartino, called Niki & Gabi, as the kickoff to their comeback.
Ramez Toubassy, the president of both Wet Seal and Gordon Brothers Brands told California Apparel News about the relaunch of such an iconic store brand and how their focus will be more online:
“The biggest challenge, with all the mall-based Wet Seal stores closing, was figuring out how to let our customers know that we were back in a big way online. With so many companies trying to grab their attention, traditional media methods have a limited impact. We have opted to take a more organic and entrepreneurial path by rebuilding the customer base in an authentic way, heavily using email and social media to let people know we are back.”
“We really hope bloggers and influencers will start to see Wet Seal as a canvas for them to express their unique fashion point of view, and we plan to dedicate significant resources to building these programs for the foreseeable future.”
The plus size/curve line launched on Thursday, July 19th, coincidentally the same day California-based plus size company Soncy launched, using solely influencers to promote its brand. 
However, one major difference between Wet Seal Plus and Soncy is sizing. Wet Seal Plus offers sizes XL – 3XL, with some of leggings sized OS (one size). Soncy offers up to a 6X, 10 – 32.
Wet Seal is promoting their plus size line as being available in sizes 14 to 24. And as we always have said, it’s all about looking at the size chart and the measurements per size.
In comparing Wet Seal’s size chart above to Soncy’s, it appears that Wet Seal’s 3XL is the equivalent of a size 22. So keep this in mind when shopping the new Wet Seal Plus line. Prices range from $8.99 for a basic sports bra to $42 for a distressed denim jacket. 
We also compared their sizing to fellow “junior plus” fast fashion brands Forever 21, debshops and Charlotte Russe – measurements for their size 3X are as follow:
Forever 21: Bust 49-51″, Waist 42-44″, Hips 52-54″
debshops: Bust 47-49″, Waist 40-42″, Hips 50-52″
Charlotte Russe: Bust 49.5-51.5″, Waist 43.5-45.5″, Hips 54-56″
It appears that Wet Seal’s sizing is slightly bigger than those three brands with the exception of Charlotte Russe’s hip measurement, which is the same.
The verdict here is that in terms of sizing, Wet Seal can give these other brands a run for their money and make a successful comeback. However, with Soncy and other brands using visibly plus models, it would make sense for Wet Seal to insert a size 3X model into the mix to show diversity, especially with them using the hashtag #WetSealGetsReal on social media.
We also hope they will follow Charlotte Russe’s lead and add a 4X to their size range, which will still be equal to a size 24/26 but in junior plus, that would be a major move.
According to California Apparel News, the brand will drop 100 new styles every week and will be launching sunglasses and beauty products later this year.
Click here to shop Wet Seal’s new plus size/curve line.
What do you think of Wet Seal’s relaunch? Will you be shopping the line? Follow us on social media @plusmodelmag and let us know!
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Plus Size Fashion Inspiration from YOU! Our fabulous readers share plus size fashion inspo on Instagram!
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Feature
SwimStar All Stars Partnership With Renowned Plus-size Model and Swimsuits For All Ambassador, Denise Bidot
Inclusive Swimwear Brand Collaborates with Prominent Plus-Size Model Denise Bidot to Empower Aspiring Models…
Swimsuits For All, a pioneer in inclusive swimwear, proudly introduces its inaugural SwimStar All Stars campaign in partnership with renowned plus-size model and Swimsuits For All ambassador, Denise Bidot. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, nearly a decade following Denise’s groundbreaking “Beach Body, Not Sorry” campaign with Swimsuits For All in 2015, which showcased unretouched imagery aimed at promoting unapologetic confidence.
Denise Bidot and Swimsuits For All have jointly unveiled the SwimStar All Stars nationwide search, dedicated to discovering emerging talent in the realm of swimsuit modeling. Encouraging aspiring models to share their personal narratives, the initiative aims to inspire women of all backgrounds, shapes, and sizes. Following a rigorous selection process, Brittany Wilborn, Camryn Henry, and Sharon Clawson emerged as the chosen winners. In January 2024, these models embarked on a transformative journey to Harbour Island, where they had the unparalleled opportunity to shoot alongside Denise under the expert direction of internationally acclaimed photographer and director, Ben Watts.
Reflecting on the initiative, Denise Bidot remarked, “This was a truly exceptional opportunity to celebrate the diversity of plus-size models and cultivate an atmosphere of support, empowerment, and knowledge sharing. The camaraderie on set was palpable, and I am deeply honored to impart the wisdom and insights I’ve garnered throughout my career. Opportunities like these are scarce for plus-size models in the industry, and it has been a privilege to collaborate with the exceptional team at Swimsuits for All to bring this campaign to fruition.”
The models showcased the latest swimwear offerings from the Swimsuits for All 2024 collection, featuring innovative designs tailored to meet the diverse needs of women, including:
Feel-good Fits: Addressing common concerns such as tummy bulges and fit issues, Swimsuits for All offers a range of fits designed to instill confidence and comfort in every body. Incorporating features like Power Mesh for a smooth, flattering silhouette, and adjustable straps for customizable support, the collection caters to various body types.
Bold Prints & Colors for Summer: The summer swimwear collection boasts vibrant colors and captivating prints, injecting excitement and personality into beach and poolside attire. From vivid neon hues to tropical motifs, the collection encourages self-expression and style experimentation.
Liquid Shine: Introducing Liquid Shine, a striking swim fabrication characterized by a glossy, liquid-like finish, adding an edgy allure to beachwear. Available in multiple silhouettes, including bikinis, Liquid Shine ensures you stand out with confidence.
Bikinis that Suit You Best: The Mix & Match Bikini collection offers a personalized approach to swimwear, allowing individuals to mix and match colors and silhouettes for a bespoke look tailored to their preferences.
Beyond showcasing inclusive swimwear designs, the SwimStar All Stars campaign embodies a celebration of women uplifting one another in an industry often marked by competitiveness. Throughout the week-long shoot, models engaged in one-on-one sessions with Denise, fostering meaningful dialogue about the evolving representation of plus-size bodies in swim and fashion.
Jordan Hauser, Senior Director of E-Commerce & Marketing, expressed, “This campaign transcends conventional notions of body positivity and representation in the swim and fashion industries. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and authenticity in reflecting the diverse experiences of our customer base. We are committed to fostering a movement where women find strength in unity, and we are thrilled to embark on this journey alongside Denise Bidot, one of the industry’s foremost advocates for inclusivity.”
The summer 2024 swimwear collection is now available. For further details about Swimsuits For All and the SwimStar All Stars campaign, please visit www.swimsuitsforall.com.
Plus Size Fashion Inspiration from YOU! Our fabulous readers share plus size fashion inspo on Instagram!
…Want to share your style inspo? Click here to follow us on Instagram and hashtag your pictures with #CelebrateMySize. You may be featured on our Instagram page or website.
@plussizewildflower
@msgigggles
@talitakate
@valeriemaroneyy
@curvy_ambassador
@nativeactress
Plus Size Fashion Inspiration from YOU! Our fabulous readers share plus size fashion inspo on Instagram!
…Want to share your style inspo? Click here to follow us on Instagram and hashtag your pictures with #CelebrateMySize. You may be featured on our Instagram page or website.
@pridantas93
@shunitawynne
@nostalgic_nayok
@dlovecurve
@ariwearsthings
@thickfitdee
Plus Size Fashion Inspiration from YOU! Our fabulous readers share plus size fashion inspo on Instagram!
…Want to share your style inspo? Click here to follow us on Instagram and hashtag your pictures with #CelebrateMySize. You may be featured on our Instagram page or website.
@amandaneumanoficial
@aaliyahrenaa
@iheartcandyboo
@organiccurves_
@annemanyi
@johanamaya81
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