Many British outdoor brands only stock up to a UK size 16, with few offering extended sizing up to a 20. Even then, items tend to only be available online and/or in a limited range. All too often, they’re still not fit for purpose.

“I just don’t go to outdoor shops,” says Emily Williams, who enjoys all outdoor activities but is especially passionate about cycling and swimming. “When I am outdoors enjoying activity and time with friends, my size isn’t a big barrier, but when I go shopping for kit and there is nothing in my size, it’s crushing.”

Williams works as a knitwear designer and technical editor specialising in plus-size grading of hand-knit patterns. She makes most of her own clothes, which has helped her to understand the clothing industry better. “I realised that it’s not my body that’s wrong, it’s the average grading size of clothing,” she says.

“The challenge for those who have bigger bodies is not being able to find what they need in the size that fits best. If you’re a UK size 12 and want a pair of waterproof trousers, you’ll be able to walk into an outdoor shop and find something. Even if the size 12 cut is slightly wrong for your body type, you could always size up to a 14, which might fit better, or try a few different brands in the same size. If you’re a size 18 or bigger, you can’t do that.”

The benefits of walking and hiking outdoors are universal – so why doesn’t outdoor clothing come in bigger sizes?