Why I Choose Cotton and Rayon Over Polyester for Plus-Size Fashion?

When I first thought of starting Apella, I wasn’t dreaming of just another plus size clothing brand in India. I was thinking of every woman who ever walked out of a trial room feeling disappointed. I was thinking of all the women who loved fashion but felt excluded because the clothes were either too tight, too clingy, or simply unavailable in their size.

I had spoken to friends, relatives, and even strangers, and the stories were always the same — “I don’t find my size,” or “The clothes that fit don’t feel comfortable.” That’s when I realized something important: India needed a plus size fashion brand that went beyond just making bigger clothes.

It needed a brand that understood fabrics, comfort, and the realities of curvy bodies living in Indian weather. And that’s how Apella was born.

Why Polyester Never Worked for Plus Size Clothing

From day one, I knew I didn’t want to rely on polyester. It may be cost-effective for manufacturers, but it does little for the women who wear it. Polyester:

• Traps heat and sweat, which is the last thing you need in India’s summers.

• Clings in uncomfortable ways, making curves look forced instead of celebrated.

• Lacks breathability and softness, leaving women feeling restricted rather than confident.

As a founder, I couldn’t accept that. Fashion, to me, is about how you feel as much as how you look. And polyester fails both tests for plus size women in India.

Why Cotton Is at the Heart of Apella

Cotton is natural, breathable, and feels like second skin. Whenever I design plus size ethnic wear like kurtas, palazzos, or salwars, cotton is always my go-to fabric.

It allows the body to breathe, moves effortlessly with your shape, and ensures you can wear your clothes all day long without feeling weighed down. In short, cotton cares for you — something polyester never could.

Rayon: The Fabric That Adds Grace

Along with cotton, I also chose rayon as a foundation for our collections. Rayon is soft, flowy, and elegant. It gives our plus size festive wear and plus size co-ord sets a luxurious drape while still being light enough for daily comfort.

Rayon doesn’t cling, it flatters. It doesn’t suffocate, it flows. And for me, that’s what plus size fashion in India truly needs — fabrics that celebrate curves instead of hiding them.

Apella’s Promise to Every Woman

As the founder, I made a promise early on — Apella will always create affordable plus size clothing that combines comfort, style, and inclusivity. Whether you shop our plus size store for everyday outfits or special festive looks, you will always find pieces made with fabrics that love your body back.

For me, Apella is not just a plus size clothing brand — it’s a commitment to rewriting the story of fashion for every size. A story where no woman feels left out, where every curve is celebrated, and where fabrics like cotton and rayon ensure you can shine with confidence.

Because true style isn’t about squeezing into a trend — it’s about finding clothes that let you breathe, move, and feel proud of who you are. And that’s the kind of fashion I built Apella for.