Plus-size fashion for Vietnamese people

Besides inviting plus-size models for photoshoots or fashion shows, many Vietnamese fashion brands have expanded their clothing sizes or focused on developing separate big-size product lines for people with fuller figures.

Celebrating the beauty of diversity

While the catwalk and fashion photoshoots were previously the "sacred ground" of tall, slender, and thin girls, the emergence of plus-size models has now somewhat conveyed a more inclusive spirit, celebrating diverse beauty.

Plus-size model Truong Diem Quynh wore a design by Vu Thao and performed in an event organized by the Dutch Consulate in March 2025.

Photo: Provided by the interviewee

"No need to hide in baggy clothes, Rap has XL sizes for ladies to shine and showcase their full, alluring beauty," the brand's introduction to its Season 190 collection for Spring/Summer 2025 created a huge buzz in the fashion world. Three women with different body types wearing the same designs represented professional models, women with average-sized figures, and plus-size women. Le Trung Hau, the founder of the brand, stated that the big size line reflects Rap's inclusive and progressive fashion philosophy, with a message celebrating diverse beauty.

On fashion forums and social media, many people share that they love and want to support Vietnamese fashion, but because of their different body shapes, they often can't find the right size. They find it easier to shop from international brands because they have a wider range of sizes. According to fashion experts, optimizing production costs and minimizing excess inventory are reasons why Vietnamese brands focus on producing clothing in standard sizes.

The Arabic brand celebrates diverse body types by launching size XL.

Photo: Provided by the interviewee

Globally , plus-size models have achieved significant status and made substantial contributions to the success of fashion brands. In Vietnam, designer Do Manh Cuong is considered a pioneer in selecting and giving plus-size models a platform. His Autumn/Winter 2022 show featured professional models, housewives, the elderly, children, and a lineup of plus-size models such as Nguyen Ky Ky and Truong Diem Quynh… “The real life of fashion is the customer. Many people don’t have ideal body shapes, so they feel insecure and lack confidence when they see tall, slender models wearing beautiful clothes. These ‘non-standard’ models also contribute to spreading a more approachable and authentic beauty,” the designer shared. By choosing a diverse group of models in terms of age and body shape, he aims to create a connection and similarity between the advertising images and the actual wearers.

The potential of plus-size fashion

With over 7 years in the profession, Truong Diem Quynh is currently one of the most famous plus-size models in the industry. She has photographed and walked the runway for many young designers as well as established designers such as Do Manh Cuong, Vu Thao, An Closet, etc. Quynh says that her journey as a plus-size model has helped her completely overcome her previous feelings of insecurity and self-consciousness about her appearance. With the support of her husband, she has changed her perspective on her flaws – instead of hating them, she chooses to love them and develop her existing strengths even more.

Cindy Plus's Ao Dai dress hides imperfections for plus-size women.

Photo: Provided by the interviewee

Ms. Le Thi Thanh Huyen ( Hanoi ) became involved in plus-size fashion in 2022 after saving up a certain amount of capital. She nurtured the plan to create plus-size clothing because she had once felt frustrated wanting to buy beautiful clothes for her mother but couldn't find a size that fit. Starting with plus-size office wear designs for women weighing 60-105 kg, Ms. Huyen continued to develop a line of plus-size ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dresses) that conceal imperfections and plus-size swimwear. To date, Cindy Plus has become a trusted address for many women with fuller figures and even people with disabilities.

Ms. Huyen is confident in the potential for growth in the new market, but believes that for a plus-size brand to thrive, its products must have their own unique identity and distinctiveness. Her biggest wish is to bring her collection to the fashion runway. "I will invite my customers to be catwalk models to spread confidence and inspire others. They are proof that weight is just a number, true beauty lies in the aura and confidence of each individual," she said.

According to Mr. Le Trung Hau, although still relatively young, the plus-size fashion market in Vietnam is opening up many clear opportunities as the number of customers needing to wear larger sizes is increasing. "If serious investment is made in design, materials, pattern-making techniques, etc., plus-size fashion will not only remain a niche market but can become a potential segment for brands to build a loyal customer base and create a distinct difference on the Vietnamese fashion map," Mr. Hau stated.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thoi-trang-size-lon-cho-nguoi-viet-185250405202148356.htm