A few months ago I posted an Instagram story that said a xxl is not size inclusive. My DM’s blew up with other women lamenting the same thing. I had seen a brand being considered size inclusive because they went up to an xxl. Frankly it annoyed me, and brands shouldn’t be praised for doing the bare minimum.

I surveyed my followers a couple weeks ago about about plus size fashion, and boy did they have alot to say. This spurred the idea for this series, STATE OF A DRESS, where I talk about all things fashion. I figure we start at the top, plus size fashion, what brands get right, and what they get so so wrong.

What does size-inclusive mean?

I’ve worn plus sizes most of my life, and although the options have gotten better they still for the most part, suck. I’m old enough to remember the dark days of ugly oversized cartoon tees from Walmart *shudders* and matronly flower get ups from Lane Bryant that my grandma wouldn’t even wear. In my opinion, for a brand to be size inclusive, they need to go up to a 3x bare minimum. 4x is better, 5x is phenomenal, and 6x is truly inclusive. the average woman is a size 14, so why aren’t brands expanding their sizes?

Why is it so hard to find great plus size clothes?

The problem with plus size clothing comes down to 3 main things availability, quality, and garment construction. Too many brands that make plus sizes seem to think they all they have to do is add more fabric and voila. Not the case. Turns out most fashion schools don’t require students to learn how to design for bigger bodies, let alone have the proper equipment for students to learn on their own.

It takes planning and dedication to make plus size clothing well. When brands do the work, it tends to pay off. One of the few brands I’ve seen expand into plus sizes recently and do it well is Draper James. They started off collaborating with an established plus size brand Eloquii, then expanded their own line. When Reese first announced her line I was so excited because I love her and the southern aesthetic. I was disappointed their were no plus sizes, and didn’t really shop there much. Frankly, I’m not interested in supporting a brand where the only thing I can wear is the accessories. I’m grateful Reese listened to the feedback of her customer base and expanded the sizing.

Why aren’t more brands making plus sizes?

Ima keep it two Virgils, most brands aren’t carrying plus sizes because they don’t want fat women wearing their clothes. As ugly and as awful as that sounds, it’s the truth. Fat doesn’t fit the aesthetic, so why bother? What’s the point of a brand carrying plus sizes if they don’t advertise them, or you can only buy them online? The market is there, so we do most stores that carry plus sizes have them tucked away in some dark dimly lit corner in the back corner of the store?

I know I’m not the only woman who’s started outfit shopping months before an event, or had a breakdown in a dressing room. There’s no such thing as last minute anything when your plus size, if you want to be well dressed you have to plan in advance. I get compliments on my style, but people have no idea how much work I put into it. I’ve carefully curated everything in my closet, and frankly it’s exhausting. I wish I could go into any store at any time and find a cute affordable outfit at the last minute.

So where do we go from here? I like many of you have boycotted brands that refuse to make plus sizes. Be selfish with where you spend your money. Don’t feel obligated to support brands that ignore you as a customer. I want brands to realize plus size bodies come in all shapes and sizes. I also want better fits and for peplum and flower prints to cease to exist. I want brands to realize that fashion doesn’t stop at a size 14, and by refusing to dress us their only hurting themselves. I also want straight size women to speak up as well. We can’t be the only one’s advocating for expanded sizing. They have to do the work too.

It’s 2020 and frankly we shouldn’t have to scour the internet for nice clothes. This is going to be an ongoing conversation here, and I will continue to talk about and highlight plus size fashion and brands. Let me know what your thoughts are on the state of plus size fashion in the comments!