Supersize School Uniforms

The soaring levels of childhood obesity has spurred an expansion of plus-size school uniforms.

The high street chain Bhs already has a ‘generous fit’ for plus-size kids, however they are set to expand the range because many pupils can no longer squeeze into traditional-sized clothes.

“One in four 11 to 15-year-olds now classified as overweight or obese”

Dresses will go up to a UK size 18, which is two sizes larger than the average British Woman (a UK size 14).

A size 18 woman typically has a 42in bust, a 34in waist and a 44in hip.

Bhs started its generous fit range three years ago, to provide ‘a fuller cut around the chest, waist, hip and thighs’.

Rachele Hayman, buying director of childrenswear, said: ‘We are visiting schools all the time and we are always coming across boys and girls at sizes that are basically obese.’

Bhs is not the only UK retailer to increase the size of children’s clothes, with one in four 11 to 15-year-olds now classified as overweight or obese.

John Lewis sells blazers up to a 48in chest and trousers up to a 40in waist.

M&S also expanded its sizes last year and Gap has brought in ‘plus’ sizes for casual kids’ clothes.