Tim Gunn: ‘Designers Turn a Blind Eye to Clothing for American Women’

home insemination Kit

Ladies, if you wear a size larger than 10, it seems designers would rather you not spend your money. For anyone who identifies as “plus-size” (that’s a size 12 or above), the struggle to find stylish clothing is all too real. Many designers simply don’t bother creating pieces that flatter women with curves.

In a pointed Op-Ed for The Washington Post, fashion guru Tim Gunn shares his frustrations about the fashion industry’s neglect of plus-size women. “I adore the American fashion scene, but let’s be honest—it has some serious issues, one of which is its baffling disregard for plus-size women,” he writes. Research from Washington State University indicates that the average American woman now wears between a size 16 and 18, which means there are around 100 million plus-size women in the U.S. Yet many designers, either snobbish, unimaginative, or just plain scared to take a chance, ignore this sizable market.

“Have you ever tried shopping for size 14 and up clothing? Based on my experiences with plus-size friends, it’s an utterly demeaning and frustrating ordeal,” Gunn comments. I can definitely relate, Tim! He goes on to note that half of the available styles can inadvertently make the body appear larger, featuring unflattering details like ruching, box pleats, and shoulder pads. And don’t get him started on color choices! “Pastels, oversized prints, and crazy patterns—what are they thinking?” he adds.

Gunn also takes issue with the terminology used in department stores, like the big sign that says “WOMAN” over the plus-size section. “What does that even mean? That anyone larger than a size 12 is suddenly classified as a ‘woman’ while the rest of us are ‘girls’? It’s absurd!” And he’s right; it makes no sense.

While there are more plus-size retailers popping up, it’s still a challenge to find the brands we love stocked in our sizes. As a size 14 woman, I’ve noticed that when designers do offer larger sizes, they’re often sold out. Why? Because there’s a demand for those sizes that the industry continues to ignore.

“This is the real shape of women in this country, and designers must adapt. I firmly believe that every woman can look stunning, but they need options,” Gunn explains. He suggests separates—like tops and bottoms—rather than just dresses or jumpsuits for better fit. “Larger women shine in clothes that skim the body, rather than cling or droop. There’s an art to achieving this. Designers, get with the program!”

Gunn mentions Eloquii, an online retailer that caught my eye. After browsing their collection, I felt like I was finally discovering designs that complement my body. Maybe we should stop waiting for mainstream designers to catch up and start supporting those who truly want to dress us beautifully.

For additional insights, check out our other post on home insemination kit options. If you’re interested in boosting your fertility, you might want to explore resources from Make a Mom, who are experts in the field. And for more information on IVF, News Medical offers an excellent resource worth visiting.

In summary, Tim Gunn’s candid critique shines a light on the fashion industry’s failure to cater to plus-size women, emphasizing the need for better options and inclusive sizing.