A Letter to Plus Size Fashion,
WRITING: Blake Campbell LAYOUT: Jomarie Cortese
Hey. Long time, I rarely see you in stores. How are you? I’ve been hearing about everything that’s going on. In short, I’m sorry. You deserve better than that, let me elaborate. I’m sorry you aren’t seen as fashionable. It’s not your fault; everyone just ignored your needs. How were they supposed to know that plus-size people exist and want to look good too? I mean, sure, the normal collection fits within trends and the plus-size doesn’t, but at least their sizing goes to a 3XL, isn’t that great? And sure, the fads that come and go you can’t participate in, but at least you can give money to the same brand that won’t accommodate your body in their subpar plus-size collection. At the very least, you’re being included for once, so that’s something. I know it sucks to go into a store, find a cute piece of clothing and unfortunately realize that your size was never there. I’m also sorry about your experience with “regular” fashion. When someone does pay attention to you and creates inclusive sizing, you get told the clothing isn’t made for the body types you accommodate. Like that whole baby doll tee trend? Where people were shopping in the children’s section of a thrift store and you were forced to either sit it out or be told it wasn’t for you? Yeah. The twinge of pain I felt for you is still there. Another thing, even though we all know it’s bad, I get why you’ll go to fast fashion for help. Stores won’t make their lines inclusive and mega-corporations are already exploiting their workers; it won’t be any more difficult for them to produce plus-sizes for collections because of how much they save by underpaying their workers. I know that’s something a thin person has probably never dealt with, having to pay more for a larger size when the production process of the piece doesn’t change. But I know it’s a reality for you, and – for that, I’m sorry. I’m also sorry that sizing is so fucked up. I know that’s blunt, but think about it. You aren’t being included because each brand, label or company has its own sizing standards. There is no universal sizing to help you. The only reason you’ve trudged along for so long, is for you to have accurate measurements of yourself and the company providing measurements for each garment, which still isn’t as commonplace as it seems. Vanity sizing is another factor… why is one garment considered an XL by one brand and a 3XL by another’s standards? I know that this messed with your view of yourself, leading you to feel as if you’re seen as a burden for wanting to be inclusive. I’m sorry you’re trying and it seems like no one else is.
