British clothing brand Lucy & Yak, renowned for its vibrant dungarees and inclusive size range, has announced a significant shift in its sizing policy that has left parts of its community dismayed. From the spring/summer 2026 season, the brand will phase out its largest and some of its smallest sizes.
The Sizing Shift: What's Changing?
The brand confirmed it will stop producing clothes in size 32 and 4XL. This decision means its new size range will run from a UK 4 to a UK 30. Furthermore, the smallest size, a UK 4, will be moved exclusively into its petite range. This adjustment implies that customers taller than 5 feet 2 inches will likely struggle to find a size 4 that fits them properly, as the petite range currently only extends to a size 16.
The rationale provided by Lucy & Yak centres on sustainability and sales data. The brand stated on its website that sizes 4, 32, and 4XL are currently produced in "very limited" numbers because they "simply aren't selling through at the same rate as others." This leads to excess stock at the end of seasons. The brand's stated "ultimate goal is to keep clothing on people and out of landfill." By trimming these sizes, Lucy & Yak aims to reduce fabric waste, use materials more effectively, and avoid overproduction.
Community Backlash and Wider Industry Context
The announcement, made in January 2026, was met with criticism from loyal customers who had championed the brand for its previous commitment to inclusivity. On Instagram, user @fatpheebs accused the brand of "fatphobia," questioning what happened to "sustainable inclusion." They argued that inclusivity should not be temporary and that the move reinforces a narrative that larger bodies "should be something you aim to get rid of, rather than include."
Podcast host Hannah Ogilvie-Young (@queenbeastsays) echoed this, stating it felt like "yet another brand is turning its back on the plus-sized community 'as if our money doesn't matter.'"
This controversy unfolds against a complex backdrop in the fashion industry. A 2024 study by Mys Tyler surveying over 24,000 women found the average UK size is now a 16-18. Yet, representation remains poor; Vogue's size-inclusivity report noted that less than 1% of looks in the Autumn/Winter 2024 shows featured plus-size models (UK 18 and up). The brand's move also follows actions by others like LOFT, which axed its plus-size range in 2021.
Food freedom psychologist Dr Lara Zibarras highlighted the increasing "pressure to be thin," warning that such trends can isolate people in larger bodies and negatively impact self-esteem, potentially triggering disordered eating habits.
A Clash of Values: Inclusivity vs. Sustainability
The situation presents a difficult conflict between two values often held by conscious consumers: body inclusivity and environmental sustainability. The UK sends approximately 350,000 tonnes of clothing waste to landfill each year, making it Europe's fourth-largest producer of textile waste. Lucy & Yak's decision is framed as a direct effort to combat this issue.
On platforms like Reddit, some defended the brand's choice as pragmatic. One commenter noted that a size 4-30 range is "CRAZY inclusive" compared to many high street retailers and argued that discontinuing poorly selling sizes is a reasonable business and environmental decision.
A potential compromise suggested by supporters was a made-to-order service for the discontinued sizes, even with an additional charge, to serve the community without creating waste. Lucy & Yak has been contacted for further comment on such possibilities.
The brand concluded its statement by acknowledging that "sizing is complex," adding that every decision is "rooted in care — for our community, our planet, and the people who make our clothes." However, for many former advocates, this latest pivot has proven a bitter pill to swallow, highlighting the ongoing tension between commercial reality, ethical production, and true size diversity in fashion.
