One of the fastest-growing areas for licensing in the women’s apparel industry over the past two years has been the so-called “plus-size” market, which has attracted designers such as Isabel Toledo, a raft of celebrities from Jessica Simpson to Melissa McCarthy, and TV properties such as Empire.
The men’s equivalent, the “big-and-tall” market, keeps a lower profile, but it also has represented a sector of increased interest over the past couple of years. Licensors that have been active have included sports leagues, apparel brands, and celebrities. Among the last group are athletes who need to shop the big-and-tall departments themselves.
Most recently, former MLB baseball player Mo Vaughn introduced a line of casual athleisure, weekend, and “night out” apparel in sizes 1XL to 4XL through MVP Collections, a company he launched with ex-Kellwood executive Diane Cutuli. He follows Shaquille O’Neal into the market; Shaq paired with Peerless Clothing in 2014 for a line of big-and-tall (along with smaller-sized) suit separates and sport coats sold through Macy’s.
Other examples of licensing in the big-and-tall range have included actor Blair Underwood teaming with K&G for a line of men’s tailored suits and accessories, which included big-and-tall sizes; all four major leagues, which have deals with Waitex subsidiary Profile for big-and-tall fan apparel (and big-and-tall authentic apparel as well, in the case of Major League Baseball); and sportswear brands including Russell Athletics.
As is the case with licensing agreements in the women’s plus-size market, some of these deals encompass all sizes, with big-and-tall items included among them, while others focus on the big-and-tall end of the spectrum exclusively.
Read our previous stories on licensing in the plus-size market here and here.
Comments are closed.