Diversity and inclusion have become key values in the fashion industry, challenging old beauty standards and promoting representation for all. At Ayana Active, we have inherited those values and created an activewear line that is comfortable, stylish and uplifting for every body. Several brands are leading the charge alongside us to create a more inclusive future.

Size Inclusivity

Brands like Savage x Fenty and Universal Standard are redefining what it means to cater to all body types. Savage x Fenty, Rihanna’s lingerie line, offers an extensive size range and promotes models of diverse shapes and sizes. This approach challenges the traditional idea of beauty in fashion. Similarly, Universal Standard provides clothing in sizes ranging from 00 to 40, setting new benchmarks for size-inclusive fashion.

Racial and Ethnic Representation

The push for greater diversity in race and ethnicity is also growing. Activists like Bethann Hardison have been instrumental in increasing the presence of Black models on runways and in campaigns. Additionally, the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s (CFDA) Diversity Initiatives aim to make the fashion industry more racially diverse, promoting inclusivity across design teams and leadership roles. One of the CFDA’s most significant initiatives, IMPACT, was launched in 2021 and inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. This program was created to connect their minority members through a talent directory, featuring jobs, internships and freelancing opportunities that were previously difficult to access.

Gender-Neutral Fashion

Brands such as Telfar and the Phluid Project are leading the charge for gender-neutral fashion. By designing clothes without adhering to traditional gender norms they create accessible, unisex fashion that empowers individuals to express themselves freely.

Adaptive Fashion for People with Disabilities

Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive and Zappos Adaptive are breaking barriers by designing clothes for people with disabilities. Both brands launched their accessible lines in 2017. Since then, these brands have prioritized functionality without sacrificing style, incorporating features like magnetic closures and adjustable seams to make fashion accessible to all.

As we move forward, we can expect the fashion industry to continue growing more inclusive, representing a broader spectrum of people and bodies. Learn with us next week with our journal about how inclusivity in the fashion industry is beginning to extend on the runway and in the business world.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates from Ayana Active as we continue to redefine the boundaries of fashion, sustainability, and empowerment. Follow us on Instagram @ayanaactive.