Boarding Schools for Girls

Teen girls who have struggled to find fashionable clothing in larger sizes may be in for a more enjoyable shopping experience, as two large retailers have announced upcoming lines that will be geared toward plus-sized girls.

Forever 21's line, Faith 21, will have sizes ranging from XL-2X, while Target's Pure Energy line will go up to a size 30.

Faith 21 will feature of-the-moment pieces like sheer peasant blouses, denim leggings and curve-hugging mini dresses. Pure Energy will have skinny jeans, maxi dresses and sleeveless party tops.

"In the past we've had XL sizes and we would sell out of them so quickly," said Heidi Canalizo, a regional manager at Forever 21. "Our customers have been asking for this for so long and in the past few years we've really decided it's time to get into it. Not everyone is a size 2." (Source: CNN, April 29, 2009)

Clothing market analyst Marshal Cohen told CNN that the move toward larger sizes makes good financial sense. "You're looking at an under $2 billion business that could easily grow to a $4 billion, $5 billion business within ... a year or two," Cohen said.

The U.S. and many other nations have experienced significant increases in teen overweight and obesity rates in recent decades.

Labels: teenagers, girls, overweight

Posted By: Aspen/CRC