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Universal Standard Now Makes Workwear Above a Size 10

The brand proves once again that getting extended sizing right isn’t hard.

By Tanisha Pina Feb 6, 2018, 12:07pm EST

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While a lot popular fashion “disruptors” continue to talk about how difficult it is to extend sizing, Universal Standard — the luxe e-tailer catering to sizes 10 through 28 — seems to just get it done. In November of last year, the brand collaborated with actress Danielle Brooks (of Orange Is the New Black fame) on a small collection, which was followed by a loungewear drop in December and a high-intensity activewear collection in January. Today, the momentum continues with the brand’s first foray into workwear, dubbed The New Executive Class.

You can shop the pieces within the collection individually or together in a starter kit, for those looking to buy a handful of foundational pieces in one purchase. The kit includes a blazer, a fitted dress, a top, and a pair of pants for $450 (it’s like you’re getting the $110 pants for free). The rest of the collection rounds out with basic sweaters and tops, along with standout items like a blazer coat ($230) and a chic jumpsuit ($190).

“Your clothing isn’t going to make you a great executive, but it can be a liability or an asset,” Alex Waldman, the brand’s co-founder and chief creative officer, shared over the phone. “We wanted to create something that put women who were double-digit sizes on an even playing field.”

The workwear collection is a big win for women above a size 10, considering that the category is typically filled with frumpy options that don't bother to take fit, comfort, or style into consideration in the slightest.

“We really want to do nothing short of breaking what exists, because it just doesn’t work,” she adds. “Throwing any old thing at this consumer is not good enough anymore. They have the same taste, the same cultural and fashion influences as everybody else who watches the same shows, who walks past the same windows. They have the money, they want to look great, and we intend to give them as much elbow room in the apparel space as we can.”