Love Your Body…
Body Positivity…
Self Confidence…
There have been such great strides in the plus-size community when we speak about people owning their space in this world and feeling good in their bodies. Now that we have the world’s attention it’s time to make long-lasting change. So… how do we do that?
I don’t have all the answers but I can certainly tell you what is NOT helping the narrative.
…Pretending that the plus-size community is united.
It’s not! I don’t expect all of us to be singing songs by the campfire but purposely engaging in conversations that will divide segments of the community is not going in the right direction. Even worse, engaging in actions that divide the community and alienating people based on their size, shape, amount of followers on social media, or economic challenges.
…Hey, creatives!
How about creating ways to include people that DO NOT look like you in your projects, posts, incentives, etc.??? Maybe even up and coming talent… invest your time in the next generation. I promise it will not take anything away from you… what is for you IS yours.
…Fashion Without Limits
The fashion industry wants us to believe that they are offering plus sizes willingly and with open arms.
In 2020, the market value of plus size women’s apparel in the United States was estimated to be worth 24 billion U.S. dollars. Statistica
And while it’s wonderful to see brands outside of the plus-size industry expanding, let’s check who they are selling to before we hand over our hard-earned money. Are they selling to all plus-size people or just going to an XL or XXL? What about your plus-size sister who wears a size 24, 26, or 30/32? When a brand calls themselves “Size-Inclusive” I go directly to their size chart. Brands are expanding sizes and that’s wonderful but we want it done right (USE PLUS SIZE FIT MODELS) and we want all of us to be INCLUDED. This is true Size Inclusivity. What does their marketing look like, is it diverse beyond size?
Many years ago this industry was united and had goals to make noise, create change, and be heard. It’s taken many years of blood, sweat, and tears and we have done just that… you, me, and many others have ALL participated in creating an industry that is thriving but make no mistake we still have a long way to go and now that WE know better… let’s do Better.
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou