The average American woman now wears a size 16. So, what’s the deal with mainstream clothing retailers not catering to her?
I fall right in that average range, typically a size 14 to 16, depending on the brand. You would think there would be ample options for someone like me, but that’s hardly the case. It’s incredibly frustrating that a person representing the majority of American women struggles to find her size in stores.
What’s the hold-up, fashion brands? Is it really so challenging to produce more sizes 14 and 16? Every time I go shopping, the racks for size 12, 14, and XL are practically empty. Clearly, these sizes are flying off the shelves! With so many of us fitting that size, it’s not rocket science. Just increase your inventory and stock those sizes!
And here’s a thought: stop labeling them as “plus.” Who decided that a size 16 should be categorized as plus-sized? If anything, shouldn’t there be a label for the sizes that don’t reflect the average body type in this country? Let’s just make clothing that fits the average American woman and ditch the need for labels that draw unnecessary attention to our bodies. A size 16 is just a size 16; I don’t need a special section to find it. Most women I know can read a size tag without needing it to be in a designated area of the store.
Here’s another idea: use models who actually wear those sizes in your advertising! Imagine the impact of seeing diverse body types right alongside the typical thin models. They can totally share the spotlight without causing any drama. Brands like Express, Banana Republic, and The Gap do offer sizes up to 14, 16, and XXL, but have you seen any models that resemble those sizes on their websites?
Tim Gunn, a well-known fashion figure, highlighted this very issue in an op-ed last year. He pointed out that the average American woman now wears between sizes 16 and 18, and yet many designers seem too snobbish or unimaginative to create clothing for us. Shopping for size 14-plus clothing can feel downright demeaning.
I fully agree with you, Tim. The absurdity of having my clothes hidden under a massive sign that reads “WOMENS PLUS” is ridiculous. I could find my size just fine without that glaring reminder.
Interestingly, you don’t see smaller sizes labeled under a sign that says “For Really Thin Women.” Express offers up to a size 14, yet there’s no model of that size on their site. Banana Republic might have sizes up to 16, but good luck finding a model that reflects that! H&M’s “plus-size” collection stops at size 12, and GAP has sizes up to XXL, but again, no representation to be found. Why is it so hard for these brands to acknowledge that the average American woman exists within their size range?
It seems like either stores don’t produce sizes for us or, if they do, they shy away from featuring us in their ads. Last year, Target Australia launched a swimsuit campaign that showcased a variety of body types—what a revolutionary concept!
This is the shape of women in our nation today, and it’s time designers embrace that reality. We are ready to spend our money, mainstream designers. Just feature our sizes prominently and give us the representation we deserve!
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In summary, it’s essential for clothing brands to recognize the average American woman’s size and provide options that cater to her. The demand is there, and it’s time for the industry to reflect the diversity of body types in their sizing and advertising strategies.
Keyphrase: Average Size 16 Clothing
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