The strong demand for plus-size clothing in the Middle East is not driven by a single factor, but a combination of physical traits, culture, religion and market dynamics. It matches local living realities and aligns with new trends in fashion consumption.
The physical characteristics of the local population underpin this strong demand. The hot climate in the Middle East lowers people's willingness to exercise. Combined with the popularity of Western fast food and a high-oil, high-sugar diet, obesity rates remain high: 68% of the population in the UAE is overweight, and around 60% of adults in Saudi Arabia are obese. Women have an even higher obesity rate due to conservative social norms and more time spent at home, directly expanding the consumer base for plus-size clothing.
Cultural and religious factors further fuel demand. Local religions promote modest dressing. Traditional garments such as women's abayas and men's thobes are naturally loose-fitting and must fit plus-size body types. Meanwhile, in local culture, a full figure is seen as a sign of prosperity and good health, so people have high acceptance of plus-size clothing with no psychological barriers.
In addition, the market environment supports this demand. The Middle East has a single industrial structure and relies heavily on clothing imports. Its population is notably young, with 70% under 30, driving strong consumer demand. With the rise of inclusive fashion and the spread of e-commerce, more brands are launching plus-size lines, further unlocking latent demand. Together, these factors have created a high-demand market for plus-size clothing in the Middle East.
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