This post is a little different from my regular fashion posts because I want to pose an important question. I think that we can all agree that in 2017, the plus size industry looks remarkably different than it did even just 5 years ago. There has been a huge movement and shift in the fashion world towards body positivity, inclusion and representation for all sizes and shapes. I remember personally having to shop in the back of small boutiques that only had one rack of somewhat decent clothing in my size. Now, our options have dramatically increased with not only the growth of size 14+ companies but also high end designers carrying extended sizing. So with all that being said the question still remains:
Why is it that brands make clothes for plus size women, yet never show plus size women wearing them?
Think about that. A brand carries a product that is designed for a specific demographic but neglects to market and sell to the consumers that it’s meant for. And by marketing I mean making sure that we, as plus size women, are made aware of those products through editorial campaigns, social media content, utilizing bloggers, etc. Because after all why would you make clothing for us if you did not want us to buy them?
In this post, I am wearing a dress from Michael Kors and this is not to single only this brand out but Michael Kors is one of many that neglect to include their plus size offerings into their marketing campaigns. When I see these beautifully shot images that are styled to perfection, I can’t help but to think, what about us? Why are we not included when these brands carry our sizes? Because the real question is, how many of you would buy this dress if you knew it existed?
So this post is meant to start the conversation and to let brands know that we see them not showing us. We notice that we are still being left out. While we are excited for the progress that has been made, that does not mean that we are satisfied. We still have more progress to be made.
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Outfit Details:
Dress: Michael Kors (wearing size 2x) | Pumps: Nine West | Bag: Michael Kors
Photographer: Steve Suavemente
I completely agree! With brands that use plus size models I am more comfortable buying that item. Also I tend to think items look better styled on plus size women like us!
Definitely! Thanks for weighing in
Beyond looking stunning in this, I agree with you %1000 percent. So well said!
Thank you!
Totally agree. I have discovered so many things on plus-size fashion blogs (this one included) that I had previously passed right over on the retail website because the “plus size” model was like, a size 10. With minimal curves. I think the entire industry needs to use more realistic models. I have always been curvy, but have only been shopping plus size for about three years now. During those three years, my eyes have gotten used to seeing plus size women … so used to it that it was a shock when I recently viewed a few straight size pages at an online retailer. The models there are as much smaller than the average straight size woman, as the plus-size models are than the average plus size woman. I don’t see how I ever shopped for myself before, when the only preview I had of the clothing was how it looked on a size-zero. Today, if it wasn’t for fashion blogs and instagram, my closet would be half the size it is now, and I don’t mean garment size. Bottom line, the more you market, the more you sell. To answer your question, yes I would buy this dress if I hadn’t already spent my clothing money on something else that caught my eye first. Much progress to be made, for sure.
Thank you for this Rebecca. It is so well said. We are not being represented enough. It makes no sense that the women modeling 1x, 2x and 3x are nowhere near plus size. It also makes no sense that you carry these sizes yet never show advertise the line. Long way to go…
Great!….this fabolous dress really is able to celebrate your gorgeous,stunning,amazing Silhouette!
Thanks
You are right, these companies ie Michael Kors need to represent us pubicly as well. By not doing so is only their loss, because you look absolutely amazing in that dress! ?
Thanks so much and you are so right. Lack of representation is only a detriment to the brands
I agree with everything you’re saying. It would be nice to see designers choose actual plus size models wearing the clothes, so I can see someone who is a size 18W or even a 2x just like me. Sometimes I visit plus size blogs just to see what’s the going on in the fashion world. Plus size clothing has grown alot but we still have a long ways to go.
Yes its so important to see women that are the actual size of the garments wearing those garments. We have definitely made some strides but we have more to go