At Sunsetiva, we believe fashion is at its most powerful when it’s truly accessible to all. Since our founding in 2022, we’ve challenged the industry’s narrow definition of beauty by creating thoughtfully designed pieces for women of all shapes and proportions. Today, we’re exploring the philosophy behind inclusive fashion and offering practical style guidance for celebrating your unique body.
Beyond Size Charts: Understanding True Inclusivity
Inclusive sizing goes far beyond simply scaling patterns up or down. Our design team approaches each garment with multiple body types in mind, considering how proportions, fit preferences, and styling needs vary across the size spectrum. This holistic approach ensures that every Sunsetiva piece maintains its intended silhouette and function regardless of size.
The Science of Fit: How We Design Differently
Creating truly inclusive fashion requires technical expertise and commitment. Our approach includes:
Body Scanning Technology
We leverage 3D body scanning data from thousands of real women to understand how bodies differ beyond simple measurements. This allows us to address common fit challenges like gaping waistbands or tight upper arms that standard sizing often overlooks.
Fit Models Across Sizes
Unlike many brands that design on a size 4 or 6 model and then simply scale up or down, we work with fit models representing each size cluster (XS-S, M-L, XL-2XL, 3XL-5XL). This ensures proportions remain appropriate and flattering throughout our size range.
Flexible Design Features
Many Sunsetiva pieces incorporate thoughtful elements like:
- Adjustable waistbands that accommodate different hip-to-waist ratios
- Strategic stretch panels that move with your body
- Convertible styling that allows personalized fit adjustments
- Reinforced seams in high-stress areas for durability regardless of size
Finding Your Signature Silhouettes: Style Guidance by Body Shape
While we encourage experimentation beyond conventional “rules,” understanding your body’s natural architecture can help you identify pieces that make you feel most confident.
Celebrating Curves
For hourglass and pear-shaped figures with defined waists and fuller hips:
Our Coastal Contour Dress features a wrapped bodice that defines the waist while an A-line skirt skims over hips. The stretchy jersey-blend fabric offers structure without constriction, moving with your body throughout the day.
Style Tip: Highlight your natural waist as your narrowest point. Wrapped styles, belted pieces, and high-waisted bottoms generally create balanced proportions.
Embracing Athletic Builds
For rectangular and athletic frames with shoulders and hips in similar proportion:
The Urban Elevation Jumpsuit creates subtle curves through strategic seaming and a softly defined waistband. The wide-leg silhouette adds movement and dimension while the V-neckline draws the eye upward.
Style Tip: Add visual dimension with layers, texture, and subtle structure. Pieces with architectural details often work beautifully with your natural lines.
Accentuating Fuller Busts
For apple shapes and fuller-busted figures:
Our Horizon Line Blouse features a V-neckline that elongates the torso while princess seams provide structure without clinging. The slightly longer back hem offers extra coverage and creates a flattering line.
Style Tip: Create vertical visual interest with V-necks, open collars, and longer pendants. Choose pieces with defined waistlines positioned at your most comfortable point.
Elongating Petite Frames
For those under 5’4″ regardless of size:
The Daybreak Collection is specifically proportioned for petite frames, with adjusted rises, inseams, and sleeve lengths. The Petite Momentum Pants feature a high rise that sits at the natural waist and a slim cut that elongates the leg line.
Style Tip: Seek pieces with vertical elements, appropriately scaled patterns, and properly positioned waistlines. Monochromatic outfits create an unbroken visual line that adds height.
Real Women, Real Style: Community Spotlights
Our commitment to inclusive fashion comes alive through our community. These Sunsetiva customers share how finding their signature pieces transformed their relationship with fashion:
Melissa, Size 16
“After years of settling for ‘whatever fits,’ finding Sunsetiva’s Confidence Collection changed how I see myself. The Empire Evening Dress actually accommodates my fuller bust without gaping or pulling, while defining my waist. I no longer feel like I’m compromising—I’m finally wearing designs that were truly made with my body in mind.”
Amara, Size 2
“As someone with a petite athletic frame, most clothes either swallow me or constrict movement. The Sunrise Utility Jacket fits my shoulders perfectly while the adjustable waist lets me create definition when I want it. The fact that the sleeves actually end at my wrists—not my fingertips—shows attention to detail that’s rare to find.”
Jamila, Size 22
“The Dawn-to-Dusk Maxi Skirt was the first piece I’ve owned that’s both appropriately proportioned AND made from luxury fabric. The weight of the material creates beautiful drape without clinging, and the side slits are positioned perfectly for movement without exposing too much. It’s revolutionized my workwear options.”
Beyond Body Type: Dressing for Comfort and Confidence
While understanding your body’s architecture can be helpful, authentic style transcends rigid categorization. We encourage you to:
- Prioritize physical comfort – Clothing should never pinch, restrict movement, or require constant adjustment
- Trust your emotional response – The pieces that make you stand taller are your true style allies
- Challenge outdated “rules” – Your body isn’t “wrong” for clothing; poorly designed clothing is wrong for your body
- Consider proportion over size – How elements relate to each other matters more than any number on a tag
- Build a wardrobe that serves your actual life – Fashion should enhance, not complicate, your daily activities
Our Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Inclusive fashion is a journey, not a destination. We actively seek feedback from our community to refine our fits and expand our offerings. Through our Perfect Fit Feedback Program, customers help us identify opportunities for improvement across our size range.
Styling Services for Every Body
Need personalized guidance? Our Signature Styling service connects you with trained consultants who specialize in dressing diverse body types. These complimentary virtual sessions focus on identifying pieces that complement your unique architecture while supporting your lifestyle needs.
Join the Conversation
How has finding properly fitting clothes changed your relationship with fashion? What pieces make you feel most confident? Share your experiences in the comments below or join the body-positive conversation on Instagram with #MySunsetivaStyle.
