Why The Term "Plus Size" Needs To End | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Why The Term "Plus Size" Needs To End

Plus size women are no different than women ranging in the standard sizes, and yet we are set aside to our own section, like shoes or accessories.

11
Why The Term "Plus Size" Needs To End
rebelcircus.com

When shopping, online or in-store, there is only a handful of sections I graze over. First, are the shoes and accessories, because you can never have enough. Most accessories also come in a "one size fits most" kind of fashion, and I surprisingly fit under the "most" category more times than I first thought possible.

Then there are a couple sections I steer away from, knowing I won't find anything within the racks that will a.) actually catch my eye, or b.) fit me. These are the men's, the children's, and the women's sections.

Now I know what you might be thinking, "But Isa, you ARE a woman! Why don't you shop there?" Well, my dear friends, that's because rather than placing clothing that will fit me into the racks with the other sizes, many clothing stores have created a separate section just for myself, and all the other women with similar body types: Plus Size.

Do you know how many shopping trips I've been on with friends where they've held something up and said, "This would look so cute on you!" Yes, it would! If it was double the size. I appreciate the effort, but sometimes my friends forget I'm not simply a size up from them. They can't relate to the feeling of drifting off alone to look at clothes that would actually fit.

Don't get me wrong, I love having everything that fits me in one handy-dandy section, but I can't help but feel a hint of hurt passing through all the racks my friends stop at and going to the far back of the store to look through the clothes by myself.

There are a few stores that have explored the world of plus size fashion, such as Deb Shops, Forever 21, and LoveSick. However, stores such as Deb and LoveSick had a hard time rising up in popularity, both stores closing due to "branding issues." Hell, even Target is on the rise as having fashion-forward, affordable plus sized clothing. Not to mention they set aside half the women's section for it.

I'm not saying it's hard to find clothes in my size, but it used to be hard to find cute clothes, clothes that made me feel confident. Deb is back, with a style similar to Forever21's. Now, the issue is that I usually can't shop with my friends because our sizes are in completely different areas of the same store.

Plus size women are no different than women ranging in the standard sizes of small to large, and yet we are set aside to our own section, like shoes or accessories. I'm tired of feeling belittled by stores that support body positivity, yet won't place clothing in my size on the same racks as sizes XS - L.

Also, have you ever seen a men's plus size section in a retail store? No. And if men aren't grouped by their size difference in clothing stores, why the hell are we? Women are women, and we are all beautiful and resilient. Until we can all shop from the same section in retail stores, we will never truly have body acceptance in our society.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

196256
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

18467
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460568
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28146
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments