The average American woman now wears a size 16. So why are mainstream clothing retailers so reluctant to cater to her needs? As a woman who typically falls between sizes 14 and 16, depending on the brand, I find it increasingly frustrating that options for women like me are so limited.
Seriously, clothing companies, is it really that difficult to produce enough sizes 14 and 16? Would it be such a burden? Every time I go shopping, the shelves are bare of sizes 12, 14, and XL—clearly, they’re in high demand! It’s not a mystery; there are millions of us out there. All you need to do is increase your stock of these sizes. And let’s talk about the term “plus-size.” Why is there a need for that label? Shouldn’t clothing reflect the average woman’s size without stigmatizing it?
I mean, a size 16 is still a size 16, regardless of whether it’s labeled as “plus.” Most women I know can recognize their size without needing a sign that highlights it as something “different.” Instead of segregating these sizes, why not simply create a more inclusive shopping experience?
And here’s another thought—why not feature models who actually wear these sizes? Imagine seeing women of all shapes and sizes showcased together, rather than just the typical thin models. Brands like Express and Banana Republic may carry sizes up to 16, but when have you ever seen a model of that size on their website? It’s puzzling, to say the least.
Tim Richards, a fashion expert, highlighted the disparity in an insightful article, pointing out that there are roughly 100 million plus-size women in the U.S. Yet many designers remain unwilling to take the necessary steps to accommodate them. He knows, as many of us do, that shopping for sizes above 14 can be an embarrassing and demoralizing experience.
Every time I walk into a store and see a sign that reads “WOMEN’S PLUS,” I can’t help but roll my eyes. Do we need a giant label to further emphasize our size? It’s outrageous! You wouldn’t find smaller sizes labeled as “Really Thin Women,” would you?
When it comes to brands like H&M and GAP, while they may offer larger sizes, the absence of models who fit those sizes on their sites is glaring. Are they trying to say that the average American woman doesn’t belong in their brand?
Why are stores so hesitant to represent us? Last year, Target Australia launched a fantastic swimsuit campaign that showcased a variety of body types in one ad. This is what we want to see—diversity in sizes and shapes all on the same rack, making it easy for everyone to find what suits them.
In conclusion, the fashion industry needs to recognize that the average shape of women in this country is evolving. We’re ready to spend our money on brands that acknowledge and celebrate our diverse bodies.
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