23 May-June, 2024 Volume 85 No. 1 1. Introduction The perception of beauty has been transformed in the contemporary world, embracing a broader array of attributes. For centuries, societal beauty standards have propagated limited ideals, particularly for women. The quintessential attractive woman has been defined by a slender build, full bosom, narrow waist, curvy bottom, well-defined jawline, high cheekbones, full lips, rosy complexion, and long flowing hair. These standards have been shaped by cultural, historical, and geographical factors deeply rooted in biases and discriminatory attitudes. A slight deviation from these standards was considered exotic, whereas a substantial deviation resulted in individuals being deemed unattractive [1]. Consequently, these individuals were marginalized and excluded from mainstream narratives. The fashion industry holds a prominent position in society, serving as a platform for self-expression, cultural A Study of Inclusivity in the Fashion and Textiles Industry Abstract Societal beauty ideals for women were always shaped by cultural, historical, and geographic factors that contributed to bias and discrimination. The fashion industry is witnessing a change, with inclusivity and diversity becoming the dominant trends, encompassing age, skin tone, ethnicity, sexual orientation, body size, etc. The fashion industry has recognized the importance of representing diverse voices and perspectives. This shift towards inclusivity and diversity is a positive development. This study examines perceptions of inclusivity in the Indian textiles and fashion industries. A mixed-methods approach is used to study how these industries comprehend, embrace, and practice inclusivity. The literature review explores size and gender inclusivity, body positivity, and the effects of social media on the fashion industry. It discusses how brands adopt inclusive approaches to marketing and the overall shopping experience. Luxury brands, once synonymous with exclusivity, align with the concept of inclusivity. A survey of the Indian population indicated that respondents were knowledgeable about inclusivity in fashion, linking it to "Fashion for All." H&M and Zara were mentioned frequently when discussing inclusive brands in India. Respondents expressed willingness to support and potentially pay more for inclusive brands, although some expressed reservations about higher prices. The fashion industry actively embraces diversity, challenges norms, and advocates inclusivity. Although progress has been made, significant gaps remain in creating authentic and inclusive fashion experiences to cater to diverse individuals. As the industry continues to evolve, embracing diversity, challenging conventions, and promoting inclusivity will continue to shape the future of fashion, making it a more accessible and empowering space. Keywords: Gender Inclusivity, Inclusivity, Indian Fashion Industry, Perceptions, Size Diversity Citation: Neha Suradkar & Bhawana Chanana*, “A Study of Inclusivity in the Fashion and Textiles Industry”, Journal of the Textile Association 85/1(May-June’24) 23-28 , : , https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11564271 Article Received: 12-03-2024, Revised: 08-05-2024, Accepted: 29-05-2024 representation, and identity formation. Fashion is inclusive and universally applicable, transcending the boundaries of age, gender, race, ethnicity, and body type. Fashion has become a global phenomenon, a language understood and spoken by many. The industry has witnessed substantial change, with diversity and inclusion emerging as dominant trends. Diversity in fashion entails promoting a diverse group of individuals who exhibit distinct characteristics, such as age, skin color, race, orientation, and body type. People aspire to be heard, seen and represented [2]. Over the years, the fashion industry has significantly shaped societal norms and influenced individual perceptions. As fashion continues to evolve, there is a growing call for inclusivity, urging the industry to embrace diverse perspectives, challenge prevailing stereotypes, and celebrate individualities. Recently, inclusivity in fashion has garnered increasing attention, fostering a more equitable and representative industry that transcends traditional boundaries and norms. Inclusion can be defined as 'the act of including someone or something as part of a group, list, etc., or a person or thing that is included' and as 'the idea that everyone should be able to use the same facilities, participate in the same activities, *Corresponding Author: Prof (Dr.) Bhawana Chanana Director, Amity School of Fashion Technology, Amity University, Maharashtra, Mumbai - Pune Expressway Bhatan, Somathne, Panvel, Mumbai – 410 206 E-mail: bchanana@mum.amity.edu Neha Suradkar & Bhawana Chanana* Amity School of Fashion Technology, Amity University, Maharashtra, Mumbai FASHION ISSN 0368-4636