Plus size beauty is one of the most controversial topics in the world of fashion… and understandably so. People have various ideas of what plus size actually is, and fashion designers don’t help clear up any of the confusion with the models they often choose for their campaigns. Fuller figured ladies everywhere know how frustrating it is to open a magazine to find an average size woman being referred to as “plus-size”. I think it is about time we clear things up a bit…
- Let’s Talk Numbers…
- + Twenty years ago the average model weighed 8% less than the average woman.
- + Today, the average model weighs 23% less than the average woman.
- + 10 years ago plus size models were between the sizes 12-18.
- + Today, most plus size fashion models are between the sizes 6-14.
- + In America, 50% of women are actually are a size 14 or larger.
- (source)
- Where to Shop…
- + Forever 21 has a great selection of fashion for full figured women. Sizes range from XL-3XL & 12-20.
- + ASOS is the newest designer to jump on the plus-size wagon with their new line, ASOS Curve. Even though their look book model isn’t necessarily ”plus-size” they still have some great high fashion pieces in sizes up to 26.
- + Ralph Lauren carries a great selection of classic & sophisticated pieces for ladies in the size range 14-22.
- + Lane Bryant also has tons of great staples & on trend pieces that come in sizes 14 all the way up to 32.
- Last, but Not Least…
- + Lady Gaga, although not necessarily plus-size, has gotten a lot of negative comments regarding her recent weight gain. Being the innovator she is, and a role model for loving yourself, she has decided to take a stand- known as the Body Revolution. Read more about the Gaga Body Revolution here.
- (source, source, source, source, source, source)
5 Responses to The Real Truth About “Plus-Size” Beauty
Amy, At the Pink of Perfection October 4th, 2012
Thank you for posting this article! I know I need to personally lose some pounds, but more importantly be happy with who I am at any size. Thanks again!
Kimberly H. October 8th, 2012
I’ve seen these statistics before, but I think it’s SO important to keep putting the message out there – the fashion world does not reflect real life. At all. Thank you for posting this and helping women of all sizes love the way they look!
lizzie October 8th, 2012
You also have to put these numbers in context. models may now weigh 23% less then the “average” woman, but women AND men weigh alot more, on average, then they did 20 years ago. I dont think its the modeling industry’s standards that have changed as much as the american public’s average weight. I personally could not care less what people weigh, I think everyone is beautiful in their own way for sure, but obesity has been on the raise at an alarming rate which skews these numbers. There’s a difference with being happy and healthy at any weight, and having serious medical problems due to your weight.
Scarlotte Noles October 20th, 2012
Thanks for this article. I have recently lost 70 lbs and wear a size 12 low rize jeans. I am proud of m accomplishment, but I do know that I will never feel skinny even if I lost down to one hundred pounds. I have always been what so many call plus size and I still feel plus size. A person is beautiful by who they are, not what they look like. No two people are alike, therefore why should we all be expected to be stick thin to be models. I know many who are naturally small or choose to be, and if that is what/how they want to be then I respect their choice. I guess I’m saying we can all be Beautiful no matter what size we are.
Lori Anderson February 12th, 2013
Amazing post. Thank you.