How to carry out the plus-size swimwear business in 2024

The swimwear industry is poised for significant growth, with projections indicating an increase from $12.96 billion in 2023 to $16.89 billion by 2031, experiencing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% during the forecast period (2024-2031).

This growth trajectory is driven by several key factors, one of which is the escalating demand for long-sleeve swimsuits.

The heightened interest in long-sleeve swimwear can be attributed to growing concerns about the health effects of UV radiation on the human body.

With the increasingly severe climatic changes experienced globally, individuals are becoming more aware of the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure, particularly during and after swimming in open spaces such as swimming pools and beaches.

Long-sleeve swimsuits offer enhanced protection against harmful UV rays, shielding the skin from potential damage and reducing the risk of sunburn and related health issues.

As a result, consumers are gravitating towards swimwear options that prioritize both style and functionality, driving the demand for long-sleeve designs.

This trend underscores the importance of innovation and adaptation within the swimwear industry. By recognizing and responding to evolving consumer preferences and concerns, businesses can capitalize on emerging opportunities and establish themselves as leaders in the market.

As we navigate the dynamic landscape of the swimwear industry in 2024 and beyond, understanding and catering to the demand for long-sleeve swimsuits will be integral to achieving sustained growth and success.

Consumer Preferences in Plus-Size Swimwear

In 2021, polyester emerged as the dominant material in plus-size swimwear, accounting for the largest share at 33.4%.

Polyester is favored for its versatility in producing various types of swimsuits, offering attributes such as stretch resistance and shape retention. Additionally, its ease of cleaning and quick-drying properties have made it a preferred choice among manufacturers.

Furthermore, its wrinkle-resistant, durable, and relatively resistant to most chemicals characteristics contribute to extending the lifespan of swimwear. Therefore, the adoption of advanced materials in swimwear production is expected to expedite market expansion on a global scale.

Nylon also holds significance in the industry as a vital fabric type due to its exceptional elasticity, lightweight nature, and smooth fit. It serves as an alternative to polyester in fabric composition.

However, despite its advantages, such as durability and resistance to chlorine, nylon's growth in the market is comparatively slower due to its lower durability and chlorine resistance compared to polyester.

Market Trends in North America

North America stands as the premier regional market for swimwear, with Europe following closely behind. The surge in swimwear adoption across Western European nations has contributed significantly to the substantial market share held by Western countries.

Within North America, market growth is propelled by a continual increase in spending on leisure goods and a growing preference for swimming as a recreational pursuit.

In terms of sales volume, the United States emerged as the dominant force in the market in 2021, capturing over 80% of the market share within North America alone.

It's estimated that an average American woman owns four bikinis, indicating the robust demand for swimwear within the region. Additionally, the popularity of designer swimsuits is notable in North America, attributed to their luxurious embellishments, hardware, and comfort features.

These factors, including the rise in leisure spending, the cultural significance of swimming, and the demand for high-quality designer swimwear, are anticipated to continue driving market expansion in North America.

As consumer preferences evolve and fashion trends continue to influence purchasing decisions, the region is poised for sustained growth and innovation within the swimwear industry.

Selecting the Perfect Swimwear

Selecting the perfect swimwear involves considering various factors to ensure both comfort and style. Here are some key considerations:

Comfort and Fit: The most important aspect of selecting swimwear is ensuring it fits well and feels comfortable. Plus-size individuals should look for options with ample support, such as wide straps, underwire, or built-in cups, to provide adequate support and enhance confidence.

Size Inclusivity: With the increasing emphasis on body positivity and inclusivity, it's essential to offer a range of sizes to accommodate diverse body shapes and sizes. Providing options in extended sizes ensures that all customers can find swimwear that fits them comfortably.

Style and Design: While comfort is paramount, style and design also play a crucial role in selecting swimwear. Offering a variety of styles, such as one-piece swimsuits, tankinis, and bikinis, allows customers to choose options that suit their personal preferences and aesthetic.

Fabric Quality: High-quality fabric is essential for durability, comfort, and performance. Look for materials that offer features like stretch, quick-drying, and UV protection to ensure longevity and functionality.

Fashion Trends: Keeping abreast of current fashion trends can help guide your selection of swimwear styles and designs. However, it's also important to offer timeless classics that appeal to a broader audience and have enduring popularity.

Customer Feedback: Pay attention to customer feedback and reviews to understand their preferences and address any issues or concerns they may have. Engaging with customers and soliciting their input can help you tailor your swimwear selection to better meet their needs.

By carefully considering these factors, businesses can curate a selection of swimwear that caters to the diverse needs and preferences of plus-size customers, ensuring they find the perfect swimwear that makes them look and feel confident and comfortable.

Choosing the Right Suppliers

Choosing the right suppliers for wholesale plus-size women's clothing involves several crucial steps to ensure quality, reliability, and compatibility with your business model. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Understanding Wholesale and Dropshipping Models: Before selecting suppliers, it's essential to understand the differences between wholesale and dropshipping. In wholesale, you purchase inventory upfront and store it yourself before selling to customers. Dropshipping involves partnering with suppliers who ship products directly to customers upon purchase, eliminating the need for inventory storage.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Suppliers:
a. Quality: Assess the quality of the clothing offered by potential suppliers to ensure they meet your standards and align with your brand image.
b. Reliability: Choose suppliers with a track record of reliability in terms of product availability, timely delivery, and customer service.
c. Pricing: Compare pricing structures among different suppliers to find competitive rates that allow for a reasonable profit margin.
d. Size Inclusivity: Confirm that the suppliers offer a diverse range of plus-size women's clothing to cater to your target market effectively.
e. Minimum Order Requirements: Evaluate minimum order quantities and financial commitments required by suppliers to determine feasibility for your business.
f. Shipping Options: Consider shipping options and costs offered by suppliers, especially if you opt for dropshipping, to ensure efficient and cost-effective delivery to your customers.

Pros and Cons of Wholesale vs. Dropshipping:
a. Wholesale:
Pros: Greater control over inventory and fulfillment processes, potential for higher profit margins per unit sold.
Cons: Upfront investment in inventory, storage space requirements, risk of unsold inventory.

b. Dropshipping:
Pros: No need for inventory storage, lower upfront costs, flexibility to offer a wider range of products.
Cons: Less control over shipping and fulfillment, potential for longer delivery times, lower profit margins per unit sold.

List of Five Wholesale Suppliers

Here is a detailed breakdown of five wholesale suppliers specializing in plus-size women's clothing:

KakaClo:
KakaClo offers a diverse range of plus-size women's clothing, including dresses, tops, bottoms, and swimwear.
Pricing: Competitive pricing with discounts available for bulk orders.
Key Features: Wide selection of trendy styles, reliable quality, and responsive customer service.

FashionTIY:
FashionTIY is a comprehensive wholesale platform offering a wide variety of plus-size women's clothing, accessories, and fashion items.
Minimum Order Requirements: Flexible minimum order quantities to accommodate businesses of all sizes.
Shipping Options: Multiple shipping methods available, including express shipping for faster delivery.

Dear-Lover:
Dear-Lover specializes in trendy and fashionable plus-size women's clothing, including dresses, jumpsuits, and lingerie.
Product Quality: High-quality fabrics and craftsmanship ensure durability and customer satisfaction.
Size Inclusivity: Extensive range of sizes to cater to diverse body types and preferences.

FashionGo:
FashionGo is a wholesale marketplace connecting retailers with suppliers offering a wide selection of plus-size women's clothing and accessories.
Pricing Comparison: Transparent pricing structure with competitive rates and discounts for bulk purchases.
User-Friendly Platform: Easy-to-navigate website with advanced search and filtering options to streamline the sourcing process.

Trendsi:
Trendsi is a wholesale platform specializing in trendy and affordable plus-size women's clothing, including activewear, loungewear, and outerwear.
Special Offers: Regular promotions and discounts available to help retailers maximize profit margins.
Customer Satisfaction: Positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers attest to the quality and reliability of Trendsi's products and services.