Plus Sized Clothing

[Phoenix84]

So, an actress launching her own clothes line is looking to remove and re define "plus sized" clothing for women, saying the label is stigmatizing.

www.cnn.com/2015/08/21/opinions/plus-size-clothing-lisa-france/index.html

I was surprised to read that seventy percent of women are in plus sized clothing.

What do you think?  Is it a bad term?  Is it ok to redefine a "new normal" in clothing and our waistlines?

I have mixed feelings about this.

On one hand, I can see the argument that defining "plus sized" clothing is inherently pejorative and judgmental.  You could always make the argument that you are "just right" for you, and the clothing labels are a societal judgment.  Plus it does seem to contribute to an unfair value judgment on women.  There is no "plus sized" men's clothing as far as I'm aware.  The only thing I can think of is "big and tall."

On the other hand, attempting to "re define" a new normal four our body weight does seem a lot like accepting defeat... on a issue that is very much relevant to our health.

What do you think?  Should "plus sized" clothing go or not?

[zibazinski]

Well, if you're plus sized you know where to shop if it says plus sized. I HATE being petite or referred to being petite but it saves me looking at Women's or Misses sizes so it's convenient.

[cronewitch]

The words have changed over the years. Stores don't try to be offensive so we have been called chubby, pretty plus, woman's, half sizes, queen sized now plus. When we go into stores we want the department that has our sizes without having to search through all the baby, children, men, teen and small women's clothing so put a name on the department or the whole store so we know it has our clothing. Some stores like Lane Brant have only sizes 14-26. I have been in large sizes since I was 12 don't care what they call the department. What I hated is they never had any young styles in large women sizes. Also no business suits that looked decent. They seem to have thought all large women were over 50 and housewives so you could find tops and pants in casual but nothing in business and all the dresses were solid dark colors looked like funeral clothing, It is better now but still hard to fine dresses that are nice that aren't mother of the bride expensive. Overweight and obese teens still want to go to proms and be bridesmaids or attend weddings but nobody used to design for them.<br><br>Men have it easier they wear either jeans or slacks/suits and don't care if they are called big and tall. Tall people aren't all big and big people are often short but hard to find short in large sizes. Men's jeans in 36/29 are usually special ordered now.<br>

[zibazinski]

Yup, same thing when you're petite. Crap, I don't rock a little girl look just cuz I'm short. I want to dress tailored and professional. Cutesy doesn't do it for me.

[cronewitch]

Also they changed what petite means. They refer to petite to mean short not small. So you can be short and fat so find size 26 jeans in petite sized for people under 5'4" which is still about 6 inches too long. Capris are about 4 inches to short for pants and look like high water pants. I worked with a 49 year old woman who was a size 0 before vanity sizes so work a child's size. Even the 5-7-9 shops had no woman's clothing her size. Also all the sizes have reduced so what was a size 14 is now an 8. Men have it easy measure the waist, neck, sleeve and never change sizes.

[dannylion]

What is the problem? Is there some concern that any new terminology would not be sufficiently demeaning or humiliating?

[alabamagal]

I am 5'10" and large framed. When I was young and thin I wore size 12.

Life happens. I am still trying to lose my baby weight and my baby is almost 21. So I am 2-3 sizes bigger and that puts me in plus sizes.

I don't car which section I shop in but i don't care for a lot of the clothes in plus sizes. Especially blouses for work. I am just a bit bigger than the XL sizes. I see lots of clothes I like in XL, but the styles change drastically when you get to 1X. Guess I need to work harder on the baby weight.

[happyhoix]

If this is Melissa McCarthy's line, I read an article about that and her main point seemed to be that all shapes of women ought to be able to shop together - that if you go out shopping for fun with your GF's, you should all be able to go to one department and find the same dress in size 4 and 14 and 24.

As it is now, the petite women go to one section, the average women go to another one, and the fluffy women go to a third.  I guess they have to meet up later someplace (I don't know, I hate shopping and I always do it by myself so I can get it over with ASAP).

I understand her point, for women who like to shop as a group, but for me, personally, I don't want to waste time sorting through clothing that isn't appropriate for me. A lot of stores have stuff that is too 'young' for a middle aged broad like me, and I know which stores have good quality stuff that won't fall apart after a couple washings, so I have a handful of stores I visit when undertaking the dreadful task of buying new clothing. I know those stores will have my size, will carry pretty good quality stuff, and carry professional business clothing, which is what I'm usually shopping for. So I would prefer larger stores maintain a 'young adult' area, a petite area,  a woman's area and a plus size area, because that makes it faster for me to find what I want and get the hell out.

Although to be honest, I've mostly switched to online shopping in the last five years or so, because that means I don't have to visit the damn mall at all.

[giramomma]

Aug 25, 2015 7:13:15 GMT -5 alabamagal said:

I am 5'10" and large framed. When I was young and thin I wore size 12.

Life happens. I am still trying to lose my baby weight and my baby is almost 21. So I am 2-3 sizes bigger and that puts me in plus sizes.

I don't car which section I shop in but i don't care for a lot of the clothes in plus sizes. Especially blouses for work. I am just a bit bigger than the XL sizes. I see lots of clothes I like in XL, but the styles change drastically when you get to 1X. Guess I need to work harder on the baby weight.

I have this problem. I'm large enough that XL is just a little small, and 1X is often too big.

I have 0X that tends to fit well. But then half of the clothes have either animal prints or more glitter/stones/sequence than my DD1's clothing (she's 7). So, there's that.

I have a terrible time finding jeans and coats, too.

And sandals. Since I refuse to do the flip/flop thing and chasing a 3 yo isn't conducive to heels, there's far less choices. My feet never got big after any of my kids (still a size 7-7.5 depending on the shoe and I can still wear some older shoes), but I can't hardly find shoes that fit anymore either.. I had to buy JELLY shoes because they were in my price range, a style I liked and they fit/were comfortable.

(As an aside, my 7 yo yelled at me for not buying the clear glittery jelly shoes that were available. I was like girl, I'm 40. That ship has SAILED.)

I just avoid the problem by not going clothes shopping. Really, I'm down to about twice a year now.

[sarcasticgirl]

I think one of her issues as well was that they made a dress in size zero through 12 or 14... Then when you hit the "plus size" the dress wasn't available. So she makes a particular style for ALL sizes.
I certainly get this point. Most plus size stores that I have seen have a specific style that isn't always inline with the rest of the clothes in other stores.


Sent from my HTC One_M8 using proboards

[musicjenny]

I'm also between a XL and a 1X. I do wish that they made clothes from 0 to plus in the same style on the same rack. It would be a nice surprise to see something I liked on display and find a whole range of sizes in one place.
I guess my biggest complaint is that it's hard to find attractive clothes in plus.
As a side note, my girlfriend and I love to thrift shop and we're about the same size.  We could never find good plus clothing at Goodwill. She asked the workers and they said they would get lots in but weren't putting it out because it took up more room on the racks. Wth? She complained to her boyfriend who works at the district office and now we're seeing a lot more at that particular store.

[The Captain]

I am not a princess, I am a Queen.

Plus sized, womens, large, big - whatever.

Guess what? - there are some styles that us bigger gals shouldn't be wearing.  I have no problem admitting that.  Doesn't mean we have to walk around in a tent, but midriffs in a size 22 just shouldn't be happening.

I don't want to shop with the skinny bitches.  I like having stores where the sales people understand the particular challenges to making my frame look good.  I promise I will never put on a pair of jeans and ask "Does the make me look fat?". 

People get too wound up in trying to have everything be equal instead of celebrating the differences.

[Deleted]

I think women of any size should be able to find clothes that make them feel pretty.

That being said, the obesity epidemic bothers me.  I'm 62 and nothing in my body aches when I get up in the morning despite the fact that I stay in enough shape to do the occasional 35-mile bike ride.  I need to watch my cholesterol but other than that, BP and blood chemistry are great.  Obesity has so many associated problems, back and knee issues, high blood pressure, higher breast cancer risk, sometimes diabetes, etc.  In general, a BMI in the normal range is healthier. 

There's a market for pretty clothing for plus-size women and I'm glad to see people supplying it- but I'd like to see the demand for it decrease!

[sarcasticgirl]

Aug 25, 2015 8:18:11 GMT -5 The Captain said:

I am not a princess, I am a Queen.

Plus sized, womens, large, big - whatever.

Guess what? - there are some styles that us bigger gals shouldn't be wearing.  I have no problem admitting that.  Doesn't mean we have to walk around in a tent, but midriffs in a size 22 just shouldn't be happening.

I don't want to shop with the skinny bitches.  I like having stores where the sales people understand the particular challenges to making my frame look good.  I promise I will never put on a pair of jeans and ask "Does the make me look fat?". 

People get too wound up in trying to have everything be equal instead of celebrating the differences.

middriffs in anyone over the age of 22 shouldn't be happening. 

I think it is less about the size and more about the shape- which holds true across all sizes. you can be skinny and still have things NOT look good on you. 

My sister shops at plus sized stores such as layne bryant. and somehow always looks like a tent... with bell shaped sleeves. 

[myrrh]

Man I wish I had a personal shopper for just this reason. Finding work appropriate flattering clothes (or anything that fits) for my big butt is very difficult. I'm around a size 14 so shirts are not as hard but pants are awful - I have the hardest time finding something that fits without a gigantic gap in the back. I suppose I should wear skirts more often, but finding nice flattering skirts is beyond my expertise. And there have been times where I see a nice work appropriate shirt and then realize I'm looking at the plus size section and sigh...they never have the same styles in the women's or petites.  

[NancysSummerSip]

Aug 25, 2015 8:18:11 GMT -5 The Captain said:

I am not a princess, I am a Queen.

Plus sized, womens, large, big - whatever.

Guess what? - there are some styles that us bigger gals shouldn't be wearing.  I have no problem admitting that.  Doesn't mean we have to walk around in a tent, but midriffs in a size 22 just shouldn't be happening.

I don't want to shop with the skinny bitches.  I like having stores where the sales people understand the particular challenges to making my frame look good.  I promise I will never put on a pair of jeans and ask "Does the make me look fat?". 

People get too wound up in trying to have everything be equal instead of celebrating the differences.

And this is why I The Captain.

I'm no skinny miss, either. And if you think finding pretty everyday clothes in larger sizes is tough, try finding athletic gear in larger sizes. We're a poison population, I tell ya. 

[Opti]

I was surprised to read that seventy percent of women are in plus sized clothing.

In models, Misses size 14 is plus-size, in clothes it is not. So I think the stat is misleading because a Misses size 14 and Woman's size 14 are different. A 14W, which is plus size, is closer to a Misses size 18.

Haven't read the article yet, does she propose a different label instead of plus-sized?

[The Captain]

Aug 25, 2015 9:06:55 GMT -5 NancysSummerSip said:

Aug 25, 2015 8:18:11 GMT -5 The Captain said:

I am not a princess, I am a Queen.

Plus sized, womens, large, big - whatever.

Guess what? - there are some styles that us bigger gals shouldn't be wearing.  I have no problem admitting that.  Doesn't mean we have to walk around in a tent, but midriffs in a size 22 just shouldn't be happening.

I don't want to shop with the skinny bitches.  I like having stores where the sales people understand the particular challenges to making my frame look good.  I promise I will never put on a pair of jeans and ask "Does the make me look fat?". 

People get too wound up in trying to have everything be equal instead of celebrating the differences.

And this is why I The Captain.

I'm no skinny miss, either. And if you think finding pretty everyday clothes in larger sizes is tough, try finding athletic gear in larger sizes. We're a poison population, I tell ya. 

  FWIW my Kohl's has started carrying a lot of athletic gear in larger sizes (yea - big chicks work out too!) you should check yours out!

[dannylion]

I think it is disingenuous to claim that the issue of whether to remove derogatory labels has anything to do with concern over anyone's health.  Derogatory labels do not promote health; they serve to marginalize people deemed inferior and confer permission to treat them with contempt.                  

[Opti]

Aug 25, 2015 9:21:20 GMT -5 dannylion said:

I think it is disingenuous to claim that the issue of whether to remove derogatory labels has anything to do with concern over anyone's health.  Derogatory labels do not promote health; they serve to marginalize people deemed inferior and confer permission to treat them with contempt.                  

I think some people are unaware of how shame does not motivate a significant portion of the population. In fact it often does the opposite. If you care about people's health, providing workout clothes in larger sizes and showing larger folk working out would be better. Some larger folk work out regularly and it is just the size they are.

As long as they do not eat just to eat or become the world's fattest, I think it is fine.

[NancysSummerSip]

Aug 25, 2015 9:20:13 GMT -5 The Captain said:

Aug 25, 2015 9:06:55 GMT -5 NancysSummerSip said:

And this is why I The Captain.

I'm no skinny miss, either. And if you think finding pretty everyday clothes in larger sizes is tough, try finding athletic gear in larger sizes. We're a poison population, I tell ya. 

  FWIW my Kohl's has started carrying a lot of athletic gear in larger sizes (yea - big chicks work out too!) you should check yours out!

I have Kohl's, but never been in it. About 1/2 way between home and work.

Serious workout gear, like triathlon stuff is a problem. Running shorts are a problem. Most of what's available in larger sizes is in black. Just black. It's a billion degrees here. Black in the summer?

Competition swimsuits are less of an issue; a couple of companies actually do a good job. Athletic bras have come a long way, but mostly, you get the best selection of those online. The biggest issue with larger-size athletic bras is that they have metal in them - hooks, strap adjustments and underwire. Metal in a running bra? Some designer has seriously lost their marbles on that one.

[Lizard Queen]

I don't think they start out as derogatory. Just lately, I learned that "illegal alien" was the PC replacement to "wetback". (ETA: apparently, this is the term they used to use on the evening news!!!) Now "illegal alien" has become the derogatory term. I don't think there's anything wrong with "plus size". Do people feel insulted by the term?

(Since the babies, I'm in a 14 or XL. Even though not technically in the larger section, I definitely look for different styles for my body vs when I was a 8-10, Medium or Large.)

[chiver78]

Aug 25, 2015 9:20:13 GMT -5 The Captain said:

Aug 25, 2015 9:06:55 GMT -5 NancysSummerSip said:

And this is why I The Captain.

I'm no skinny miss, either. And if you think finding pretty everyday clothes in larger sizes is tough, try finding athletic gear in larger sizes. We're a poison population, I tell ya. 

  FWIW my Kohl's has started carrying a lot of athletic gear in larger sizes (yea - big chicks work out too!) you should check yours out!

Target, too, believe it or not. They carry Champion's C9 line, which I love.

[swamp]

It's about time they start making workout clothes in larger sizes. Just because I'm not a size 10 for two, doesn't mean that I don't like to work out.

[giramomma]

Aug 25, 2015 9:35:11 GMT -5 Lizard Queen said:

I don't think they start out as derogatory. Just lately, I learned that "illegal alien" was the PC replacement to "wetback". Now "illegal alien" has become the derogatory term. I don't think there's anything wrong with "plus size". Do people feel insulted by the term?

Just as a T/J, I find it hard to keep up with what to call those that are here without the appropriate paperwork. I think it's now undocumented. But, that doesn't make sense for those that have documents that were purchased. Technically, they are documented. Just someone else's information..I say improperly documented.

I'm sure others are insulted. I've got too much else to worry about right now.

[Cookies Galore]

Aug 25, 2015 9:39:03 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

Aug 25, 2015 9:20:13 GMT -5 The Captain said:

  FWIW my Kohl's has started carrying a lot of athletic gear in larger sizes (yea - big chicks work out too!) you should check yours out!

Target, too, believe it or not. They carry Champion's C9 line, which I love.

I love their C9 line. For the price, the quality is pretty decent!

[bean29]

Aug 25, 2015 9:35:11 GMT -5 Lizard Queen said:

I don't think they start out as derogatory. Just lately, I learned that "illegal alien" was the PC replacement to "wetback". (ETA: apparently, this is the term they used to use on the evening news!!!) Now "illegal alien" has become the derogatory term. I don't think there's anything wrong with "plus size". Do people feel insulted by the term?

(Since the babies, I'm in a 14 or XL. Even though not technically in the larger section, I definitely look for different styles for my body vs when I was a 8-10, Medium or Large.)

illegal alien is not PC. The PC term is Undocumented Immigrant.

I had not been following this issue to closely, I just assumed that it was more of an issue of --
If 70% of American women are in a size 14 or larger then they should be able to find clothing that fits and looks flattering.  Why design something to look good on a size 0 model and then expect it to look flattering on a size 0X. 

I wear about a size 12 Petite or a 10 in Curvy fit or regular Misses clothing.  I often have to get out my sewing machine to make clothing fit me correctly.  If I buy Petite Pants nowadays I have to take 2-3 inches off the bottom.  My DH and DS are also short, and they are really probably a 28 length jeans.  they are lucky to find 29's ...so I mostly have to shorten their jeans too.  I really don't know what people who don't have basic sewing skills do.

[Lizard Queen]

Aug 25, 2015 9:45:18 GMT -5 giramomma said:

Aug 25, 2015 9:35:11 GMT -5 Lizard Queen said:

I don't think they start out as derogatory. Just lately, I learned that "illegal alien" was the PC replacement to "wetback". Now "illegal alien" has become the derogatory term. I don't think there's anything wrong with "plus size". Do people feel insulted by the term?

Just as a T/J, I find it hard to keep up with what to call those that are here without the appropriate paperwork. I think it's now undocumented. But, that doesn't make sense for those that have documents that were purchased. Technically, they are documented. Just someone else's information..I say improperly documented.

I'm sure others are insulted. I've got too much else to worry about right now.

Yeah, i hate the term "undocumented", as if it's just a little matter of paperwork. No, it's a little more than that. History of a couple 2nd cousins notwithstanding...

[Lizard Queen]

Aug 25, 2015 9:53:09 GMT -5 bean29 said:

Aug 25, 2015 9:35:11 GMT -5 Lizard Queen said:

I don't think they start out as derogatory. Just lately, I learned that "illegal alien" was the PC replacement to "wetback". (ETA: apparently, this is the term they used to use on the evening news!!!) Now "illegal alien" has become the derogatory term. I don't think there's anything wrong with "plus size". Do people feel insulted by the term?

(Since the babies, I'm in a 14 or XL. Even though not technically in the larger section, I definitely look for different styles for my body vs when I was a 8-10, Medium or Large.)

illegal alien is not PC. The PC term is Undocumented Immigrant.

I had not been following this issue to closely, I just assumed that it was more of an issue of --
If 70% of American women are in a size 14 or larger then they should be able to find clothing that fits and looks flattering.  Why design something to look good on a size 0 model and then expect it to look flattering on a size 0X. 

I wear about a size 12 Petite or a 10 in Curvy fit or regular Misses clothing.  I often have to get out my sewing machine to make clothing fit me correctly.  If I buy Petite Pants nowadays I have to take 2-3 inches off the bottom.  My DH and DS are also short, and they are really probably a 28 length jeans.  they are lucky to find 29's ...so I mostly have to shorten their jeans too.  I really don't know what people who don't have basic sewing skills do.

NOW it is. (Sorry, don't know how to italicize on my phone.) The story i heard on NPR was talking about late 60's, early 70's, i believe.

[HoneyBBQ]

I guess I'm a skinny mini so I don't really care as it doesn't effect me but I wanted to say that Old Navy actually has some really cute work out gear and I've seen it in larger sizes for those that are looking. Some of it is actually pretty decent quality.