‘Fat-phobic’: Aussie brand Peter Alexander is charging more for plus size garments

Sleepwear brand Peter Alexander has defended charging more for plus size garments, despite being labelled ‘fat-phobic’ and accused of discrimination.

Peter Alexander is charging more for its ‘Choose Sleep’ nightie in plus sizes. Picture: Peter Alexander

Sleepwear brand Peter Alexander has defended charging more for plus size garments, despite being labelled ‘fat-phobic’ and accused of discrimination.

The Australian label was labelled ‘fat-phobic’ and accused of discrimination after demanding plus size customers pay more for the same item of clothing than standard size customers.

Peter Alexander is charging $10 more for a nightie in diverse sizing ($79.95), compared to the same garment in XS-XL ($69.95) sizing.

But the brand today said the price difference was justified because it used a “different pattern to our regular collection”.

The sleepwear brand was savaged online, with Facebook users circulating side-by-side comparisons of the PJs, and labelling the brand as “out of touch” and “fat-phobic”.

“I thought this was a joke,” one Facebook user wrote when sharing the discrepancy.

Another deemed the decision “laughable.”

Peter Alexander has been branded ‘fat-phobic’ for charging more for this plus size nightie. ($79.95). Picture: Peter Alexander

In a statement, Peter Alexander said: “To ensure comfort and that the fit is right, we utilise a different pattern to our regular collection while still maintaining a beautiful garment”.

“It is these different patterns, along with the size of the production run and to a lesser

extent fabric consumption, that impacts the price of the styles.

“We try and limit this as much as possible, and as the category and production grows, we hope to achieve parity across our collections.”

Peter Alexander’s “Choose Sleep” nightie — in both plus and standard sizing — is made of 100 per cent cotton, with white and pink stripes, short sleeves and a round-neck collar.

This is not the first time a brand has been slammed over pricing differences between plus and standard size clothing.

Calvin Klein, ASOS, Boohoo, New Look and Old Navy have previously been criticised for charging more for curvy garments.

One Australian designer and seamstress said the inflated cost of the plus size garments was unjustified.

“The argument that the plus size items should cost more because they require more fabric doesn’t stand up,” she told News Corp Australia, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

“If that’s the argument then surely a size 8 should be priced differently to a size 10 or a size 12.”

The brand’s ‘Choose Sleep’ nightie costs $69.95 in sizes XS-XL. Picture: Peter Alexander

But another designer and fashion production expert said Peter Alexander was simply charging more for plus size garments because of increased fabric costs.

“It’s because there’s more fabric used. Fabric is usually sold per metre, so for a size 8 you could make two nighties, but for plus size, you’d only be able to make one nightie out of the metre (fabric),” the designer told News Corp Australia.

The P.A. Plus Choose Sleep Tee advertised for $79.95 on www.peteralexander.com.au.

The Choose Sleep Tee advertised for $69.95 on www.peteralexander.com.au.

PLUS SIZE PRICING BACKLASH

In July 2016 ASOS came under fire for pricing discrepancies between a standard size and curve size Boohoo skirt.

“So cute when brands charge extra for the same dress in a couple of extra sizes,” a customer tweeted.

Within hours, ASOS responded, stating: “They may look the same, but they have different pricing models and codes as they’re classed as separate items.”

Boohoo also responded, saying “prices vary from time to time and are subject to change.”

Despite the public outcry for equal pricing, it seems the tradition remains alive and well, with a pricing discrepancy of $10.05 between a standard size and curve size pair of otherwise identical Calvin Klein briefs being sold on ASOS.