Indian Fashion Brand Ends 'Fat Tax' on Plus-Size Clothing

In India's fashion industry, wearing a size XXL or above often means paying 25% more for the exact same clothing. Two women decided this "fat tax" had to end.

Vishakha Bhaskkar from Delhi and Asana Riamei from Manipur launched Angrakhaa in 2018 with a simple promise: stylish clothes for every body size at one fair price. The brand name comes from Sanskrit, meaning "protector of your body."

Riamei worked as a fashion merchandiser for 14 years before starting the company. She watched brands routinely charge extra for larger sizes, claiming higher production costs. Bhaskkar saw how this practice reinforced discrimination that plus-size people already faced from family, friends, and strangers.

Their solution was direct: create trendy summer wear, occasion pieces, and Indian outfits in sizes from XXS to 5XL without price penalties. The approach worked beyond their expectations.

Angrakhaa now serves over 15,000 customers across India and internationally. Last financial year, the company hit Rs 2 crore in revenue, proving that inclusive business practices can also be profitable.

The breakthrough came on Shark Tank India, where the founders pitched their vision. CarDekho CEO Amit Jain offered Rs 40 lakh for 20% equity, validating their business model on national television.

The Ripple Effect

Beyond sales numbers, Angrakhaa challenges an industry norm that treats larger bodies as inconveniences rather than customers. When one brand refuses to charge the fat tax, it pressures competitors to justify their pricing. Other fashion entrepreneurs now see proof that size-inclusive pricing attracts loyal customers.

The founders plan to expand into jewelry and menswear this year, building Angrakhaa into a complete fashion destination. Each category launch spreads the same message: your body size shouldn't determine what you pay for self-expression.

Fair pricing in fashion is becoming a reality, one size-inclusive brand at a time.