SEATTLE (BRAIN) — REI Co-op announced it will carry expanded women's apparel sizes on its website and in 34 stores by the end of the year and also will offer Zize Bikes, designed to safely accommodate riders over 200 pounds.
The expanded sizes up to a 20 will be available at every store by early next year. Cycling clothing manufacturer Kitsbow made a similar decision in May.
In addition to apparel, REI said its "inclusive sizing program" will include footwear, backpacking packs, and running vests to offer more options.
"Developing inclusive size runs correctly takes much more than just sizing up or down," said April Zito, REI general merchandising manager for apparel. "To fit a broader array of bodies, manufacturers must invest in various tools to build new designs and bring quality inclusive sizing to market. We have a way to go, but by listening to what our customers need most, we're proud to offer the majority of our best-selling outdoor styles in more sizing in a variety of colors."
In the past few years, REI has expanded apparel lines for Prana, Columbia Sportswear, Kuhl, The North Face and its Co-op brand. This year it will add more sizes from brands across new categories, including Terry, Gregory, Nani Swimwear, Athleta, and Pearl Izumi.
Joan Denizot started Zize Bikes in 2005 as a direct-to-consumer retailer to fill a need for safe bikes for people over 200 pounds.
