Fashion is Universal, or so they say. With almost seven-million people in the world, clothing retailers have no shortage of customers, young and old, male or female. Flagship stores are opening on an international scale, promoting brands in foreign countries, often amongt the trendiest of shopping districts. Real estate comes at a premium, but nothing is too out of reach for internationally recognized brands.
Why is it then, that so many retailers ignore the white elephant in the room? With nearly two-thirds of U.S. residents classifying as overweight and almost 20% of children and teenagers joining them, why aren’t retailers scrambling to accommodate a virtually untapped market?
H&M recently released their ad campaign for the “Big is Beautiful” collection, a good step for the chain which has garnered criticism for its tendency to sell sizes no bigger than an “8” or a Large. However, as progressive as the movement may be, H&M is still putting too much emphasis on the negative aspect of being overweight.
It’s not an easy topic to broach, mostly because of its sensitive nature, but from a retail and financial perspective, these global brands need to pay attention to who their market is or could potentially be. Who says patterns aren’t for anyone over a size 8? Our current obsession with celebrity culture has coupled with the need to be skinny. Thin is in but that doesn’t necessarily translate into being healthy. When so much of the fashion world is shrouded in the dark cloud of eating disorders and rampant drug use in order to stay thin, why is the thought of producing more plus-sized clothing so looked down upon?
These are questions that may never be answered but be assured that there are plenty of fashion options out there for you. Most importantly, confidence is a color we can all wear.
Best,
Nadya
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"Confidence is a color we can all wear." I like that quote a lot. ♥
I like this a lot! Just as a personal gripe that I have, most of the plus-sized outfits are geared for those who are in the broad-shouldered, slender-hipped category, and that's not me! I would love to see a suit with a pleated or flared skirt and a jacket that is full enough in the below-waist area to accommodate my hip/belly girth! I have been unsuccessful in getting rid of the extra weight, but would still enjoy dressing stylishly. It seems that the styles that are most flattering for folks like me are not "in style" these days. Ok, I've had my rant for today now! Oh, and REAL pockets in the jacket would be nice, too!
Confidence is a color we can all wear…. GREAT line and great way to sum it up! Thanks!
Prices are outrageous for plus sizes also. Ridiculous. I used to be plus-sized and could never find anything to fit my plus-sized body but my height was only 5 ft and that is stretching it! So I had a size 24 that would fold over me three times at least w/shoulder pads (hello? we are plus sized, we don't need more padding!) And even if we were 85, we don't want to look like we are being buried in the old-fashioned clothes they are trying to sell us. My rant is over! I posted this on Facebook also.
LOL! You make a good argument Peggy and true! As a plus size woman myself I think something we are getting charged double or triple just for material
I love the quote "confidence is a color we can all wear". We all need to remember this! Great article!
As a consumer in this industry and a former plus model I think the fashion industry is a bit unbalanced. With many as many people in this country that are plus sized, they are insisting that a size 8 is plus sized? Well as a size 28/30 that is very offensive and irresponsible on the industries part. If you are making clothing for a particular network of people than how about lets research a little bit and see what the market needs. If I see one more flower, or stripe on something meant for my voluptuous behind I am going to scream. There are so many trends out now and fashion is supposed to be a way that we define and express ourselves rather it be how we feel about ourselves or where we want to go. We need stores/designers who know what we want and what looks good on us. When I shop it is very stressful at times there are only a hand full of stores to pick from. I know tons of designers but some of them are so expensive because they are not main stream. All I am saying is give the big girls a chance!
Sincerely
Tally Anderson (One Fly Big Girl)
Tally! LOVE your honest feedback here girl! You are absolutely correct!
Thank you Ang. I have to keep it real!