Fashion is for everyone, no matter their body shape or size. It can be hard to believe when you only see thin models in magazines. Luckily, with the rise of social media, there has been a greater push for more inclusivity in fashion.
More brands than ever are creating plus size lines to include styles and sizes to flatter every body. But it’s about more than just offering a wider range of sizes. Inclusive fashion should feature models of every shape and size. Unfortunately, not every brand makes that a reality.
Things are starting to change with lingerie brands like Savage X Fenty by Rhianna featuring models of every shape, size, and gender expression walking the runway. Hopefully, more brands will take note and include voluptuous women on the catwalk.
While we wait for the world to change, we still have to buy clothes. This guide to inclusive sizing in fashion can help you find fashionable brands that fit your unique sense of style and every luscious curve.
Shop Brands Who Feature Models Who Look Like You
You should be able to imagine yourself in the clothing you are shopping for, which can feel impossible when plus size models appear as a size 10 or smaller. The average American woman now wears a size 16-18. Try and find brands that feature women of all sizes on their site.
To create inclusive sizing, brands must fit test on women of every shape and size. Many brands only fit test straight sizes, 0-12, and then scale up for their plus size designs. If you’ve bought from brands that size this way, you know how frustrating it can be when the clothes you order don’t sit right on your body.
Brands that feature curvy women make clothes for curvy women.
Use the Size Guide
Whether you shop in the petite or plus size section of the store, every woman knows you can’t trust the size when it comes to fit. You won’t know how an article of clothing fits on your body until you try it on.
This can make shopping for new brands difficult. Even if you go to the store in person, nothing can kill your confidence faster than not fitting into what you swore was your size. Sadly, the media has taught women from a young age that smaller is better. Even though this is simply not true… it can still hurt to have to keep sizing up to find the right fit.
Take by your power by having your measurements handy. Almost every brand features a size guide on their website you can compare your measurements against to find the perfect fit. That way, whether you order online or go by the store to try it on, you can feel confident you’ll pick a size that will have you feeling confident in your skin.
Trust the Reviews
In the post-pandemic age, many of us now do our shopping online. Go a step further than simply referencing the size guide and check the reviews before ordering an item online. Most reviews will include a reference to what size the person ordered as well as whether or not they found the item fit true to size. Some sites even offer the option to include a photo with the review.
Even if the models on the site are on the smaller end of plus size, closer to a 12 than your 24, there may be photos of women like you wearing the clothes that can help you imagine yourself in them. How do they look? Do the reviews state the clothing is comfortable?
If multiple reviews for an item or brand say they fit small, snug, or not true to size, that could be a red flag. It probably means the brand doesn’t fit test on a diverse range of body types, and it would be better to shop elsewhere.
Be a Part of the Solution
Inclusive sizing in fashion is new. It will take time for the fashion world to catch up. You can be a part of the solution by leaving reviews on clothing sites. Be the fit model the brand doesn’t have and comment on how they could improve the design to make it more inclusive.
Use images to help curvaceous women like you find the right fit. Reference the size guide when possible. Make notes in your review that you would find helpful when shopping. Note what you were looking for in the outfit and whether quality and fit are up to par with standards you’d expect from the brand.
When you love an item, share what about it makes you feel fabulous. Is it how it hugs your curves and shows off all your assets? Do you love the comfort and stretch? Even when you don’t love an outfit leaving a review could help the brand improve its sizing.
