The fashion industry has witnessed significant setbacks in the past year when it comes to body positivity and size inclusivity. From a lack of size diversity in Fashion Month shows to brands scaling back on plus-size offerings, the strides made toward inclusivity have felt quickly undone. As a plus-size influencer advocating for a more inclusive industry for over a decade, the recent struggles in fashion are both infuriating and heartbreaking, yet sadly not surprising.
In this environment of size disregard from mainstream fashion, smaller businesses that championed size inclusivity became a beacon of hope for many. Wray, a brand that merged stylish, colorful pieces with size inclusivity, quickly became a favorite of plus-size shoppers. However, the announcement that Wray would be closing in March due to founder Wray Serna’s personal health challenges has sent shockwaves through the plus-size community.
Serna, who founded the New York-based label in 2015, explained that her declining health had left her unable to continue the work she had poured so much energy into. “My health has been declining for a while now, and recently, it took a sharp turn. My doctor told me, in no uncertain terms, that I needed to step away before it was too late,” Serna shared with Refinery29. She expressed that running the brand was all-consuming, with no room for delegation, and that she was simply unable to give the creative energy needed to bring her vision to life.
For many, Wray’s closure feels like a personal loss, as the brand had become a staple in many closets. Its distinctive wave print sets and other well-crafted pieces were frequently worn by influencers such as Jessica Torres and Kellie Brown, becoming a symbol of plus-size fashion that was both chic and inclusive. “My mission was simple yet deeply personal: to express my voice as a designer and build a brand that resonated with people — clothing that wasn’t just worn but loved,” Serna remarked. She achieved this mission, according to many shoppers, who described the brand as making them feel confident, seen, and celebrated.
The brand’s commitment to inclusivity, offering sizes XXS to 6X, was evident in the praise it received. Wray not only created fashionable clothes but also adjusted the fit based on real body measurements. Serna’s approach was revolutionary: instead of simply grading designs up from a sample size, she engaged with the plus-size community directly to understand body shapes more deeply. She hired individuals to provide their exact measurements to create a fit standard that truly catered to diverse body types, not just theoretical ones.
This effort stood out to shoppers, particularly those who had often been neglected by other brands. “Wray made cool clothes for fat bodies and never made us feel like we weren’t the target demo. They wanted and cherished us!” said Victoria Edel. Others, like Joanna Spilker, appreciated the respect Wray showed its customers: “Unlike many other size-inclusive brands, Wray never made me feel like I had to pay a price for the privilege of wearing their clothes.”
Wray’s departure marks not just the end of a beloved brand but also a missed opportunity in a fashion industry that still struggles with true inclusivity. Wray Serna’s dedication to creating a brand that honored all body types serves as a reminder of how far the industry still has to go. The closure leaves a void, and for many shoppers, it’s a painful reminder of the importance of size inclusion in the fashion world.
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