In the recent special edition of Glamour titled “Chic At Any Size,” the magazine featured Sarah Bennett, a size 6-8, among their selection of inspiring plus size women. However, Sarah is far from thrilled about this categorization. The underlying issue here is that many women, especially in the United States, perceive being labeled as “fat” as a significant negative.
It’s worth noting that Sarah’s size doesn’t quite fit the traditional definition of plus size. While magazines often aim for inclusivity, the creation of a separate “plus size” category can feel frustrating. If the fashion industry truly wants to be progressive, they should simply embrace women of all sizes without needing to label them in a special edition that seems to say, “These women are not typically accepted in mainstream fashion.”
Sarah’s Concerns
Taking to Instagram, Sarah expressed her concerns: “There’s nothing wrong with being plus size,” she shared. “Beautiful, healthy women exist in all sizes. In America, plus size typically starts at size 16. I fluctuate between a size 6 and 8. @glamourmag included me in their plus size issue without my knowledge, and it doesn’t sit right. Young girls might see my body type and think this is what plus size looks like. What do you think? Not cool, Glamour.”
Interestingly, plus size is often defined as starting at size 12, meaning Sarah is just a couple of sizes away from that threshold. In the fashion world, a size 8 might be considered plus size, and the average American woman is also in that range. Young girls are already influenced to see body types like Sarah’s as plus size, thanks to societal standards.
The Question of Labels
The term “plus size” raises questions about why we need such labels in the first place. Nobody refers to a size 1 as “below average sized.” Women can assess their clothing sizes without the need for additional descriptors. It’s clear that the fashion industry is struggling to accommodate the vast market of women over size 10. The solution isn’t complicated—simply include women of all sizes, hire models that represent this diversity, and design clothing that appeals to them without requiring labels that draw attention to their size.
For a clearer understanding of inclusivity, consider this visual:
Conclusion
As for Sarah’s reaction, while she may not appreciate being labeled, there are certainly more significant issues in the world.
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In summary, the controversy surrounding the labeling of Sarah Bennett in Glamour’s plus size issue highlights the ongoing challenges in the fashion industry regarding body representation. It’s essential to foster a more inclusive environment that embraces women of all sizes without the need for divisive classifications.