The Plus Size Dilemma
Photos by Sinjin Delmore. Model: Samantha Brown.
Finding the perfect outfit is not an easy task, especially for people in the plus-size community.
Often times retail don’t carry the right fit for plus size women, if the store has a plus size plus-size section at all.
There is still a lot of shame around being plus size, women are often made to feel like they have to cover up their bodies and aren’t allowed to show any skin. Clothing found in many retail stores often try to hide chests and thighs with long bermuda shorts or lattice covering the cleavage area.
When it comes to vintage stores, size selection is nearly non-existent. There was a huge lack of plus size clothing production in the 20th century, which makes it hard for women to keep up with the vintage trend happening today.
Samantha Brown graduated from Missouri State in May with a degree in public relations and advertising and promotions and is currently making her way to Los Angeles. Her goal is to be a music publicist, hoping to someday be the manager of a music group or artist.
Growing up, Brown said all of her friends were always, “way shorter, way smaller,” and said she is still constantly working on her body image. “It’s a matter of telling myself I’m worth it,” said Brown. “No one else decides my worth or my beauty,” she said.
Brown says plus size body types in media are under represented and she finds mostly curvy women are featured on advertisements. “They always show women with big butts, big boobs and big thighs, they never show anyone with a big stomach or small boobs.”
Brown says some retail stores have been growing their plus size sections, chains like Target, Maurices and Torrid are expanding selection for customers. She would like to see more boutiques cater to plus size women because most cut off sizing at 16-18.
Brown draws from a lot of different looks, overall she describes her style as “business grunge.” She likes feeling put together, wearing things she could go to a meeting or job interview in. While keeping it professional, Brown makes sure to also let her personality show through with ripped jeans and a nice belt or vans paired with a blazer. “If I don’t feel like myself I don’t want to wear it,” said Brown. “Fashion needs to be synonymous with you.”
No matter what size you are, everyone should have the opportunity to feel beautiful and have access to a variety of clothing options. Pushing for better plus size plus-size representation in media and larger clothing selection in stores will help promote body positivity for the plus-size community.