I knew it would be a challenge, but I wanted to make it enjoyable. So, I invited three friends to join me. We left our kids with our partners and turned shopping for formal dresses into a fun evening out. However, after two long hours of searching through store after store with no luck finding a dress in my size, I felt like I was about to crumble.
My friends did their best to keep my spirits high, and when we finally stumbled upon a massive black sequined dress that looked like it belonged on a ’80s soap opera, I had no choice but to grab it. It was a beaded tent, far from my usual style, but I managed to convince myself it looked decent in the mirror. I reluctantly handed over my credit card for a dress that didn’t speak to me, costing over $200 for something I’d wear once. I just wanted to escape.
I was only a size 14/16.
Despite the fact that the average American woman wears a size 16, as noted by Today’s reporting on a study from the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education, the reality is that clothing sizes seem to be shrinking season after season. The options are increasingly unrealistic, leaving many women feeling trapped in a world of unattainable standards. The friends who accompanied me knew the struggle all too well; they had experienced the harsh reality of plus-size fashion firsthand. It’s a place characterized by demeaning choices, high costs, and a sense of embarrassment. If you wear above a size 14, finding trendy clothing feels nearly impossible.
After a medication caused me to gain 50 pounds last year, I found myself in the 16/18 range. Frustrated, I turned to online shopping for used designer clothes that fit my expanding figure. Brick-and-mortar stores like Target forced me to shop in the dreaded XXL section, which often felt like a poorly sized small, hardly cut for a plus-size body. Their new Ava & Viv line hadn’t even launched yet, and while it goes up to 3X, the drop in availability for sizes 4X and above is steep.
Take Lisa, 31, for example, who wears larger than a 4X. A beautiful and nurturing woman, she feels abandoned by the fashion industry. She’s resorted to a minimalist approach, sticking to a uniform of a simple skirt and tank top. While she doesn’t feel entirely neglected, she does express frustration about how plus-size clothing is often merely an exaggerated version of straight sizes, lacking consideration for how a curvy body fits into garments. And yes, “fat” isn’t an insult, so if it bothers you, maybe it’s time for some self-reflection.
Then there’s Megan, 35, who adds that many retailers that offer plus-size options simply take straight sizes and make them larger without adjusting the fit for curvier figures. Thankfully, brands like Torrid are beginning to use multiple fit models for their sizes, which is a step in the right direction.
However, a common theme arose during my conversations with these women: plus-size clothing is often overpriced. The price tags feel more like gouging than justifiable costs for extra fabric. “Plus-size clothes are EXPENSIVE,” Lisa exclaimed emphatically. “On the rare chance I find something cute, it’s astronomically priced,” Megan echoed. Even secondhand options were still more costly than their straight-size counterparts, as sellers know that plus-size women are often desperate for stylish options.
While there are retailers like Lane Bryant that cater to sizes up to 28, the majority of options are available only online. This can be a nightmare for women like Megan, who lament that if they dislike the seasonal offerings from their local Torrid store, they have limited choices. Even online shopping can feel like a gamble, with inconsistent fit and quality.
The struggle is real. As Lisa put it, “Even though ‘plus-size’ clothes are becoming more accessible, those of us who are bigger still feel left out. It’s frustrating to find even a simple cardigan.” Megan added, “Not all plus-size women want to look like they raided their grandma’s closet.”
The worst part? The feeling of being neglected and marginalized. Society’s normalization of slimness leaves many women feeling confused and uncomfortable in their own skin. “Shopping is a nightmare,” Megan confessed. “I feel desperate and question my shape. I know I’m ‘normal,’ but the industry clearly doesn’t think so.”
Every time I walk into a store like Target, even as an XL, the cute dresses that don’t come in my size make me feel inadequate. It’s a painful reminder that I’m “too big” to be fashionable. Despite rationalizing that my body is perfectly fine as it is, those racks filled with trendy clothes trigger an overwhelming sense of shame. I can’t even step into stores like H&M anymore, knowing how I’ll feel afterward.
The fashion industry needs to wake up. Susan Dunn, a leading researcher from the International Journal of Fashion Design study, highlights the importance of recognizing that a size 16 is indeed normal. “We hope that this information can be used by the industry and consumers alike,” she says. “These women aren’t going anywhere; they deserve clothing that fits well, both in style and measurement.”
Why should women like Lisa, Megan, and others be forced to search for clothing in the shadows? They are vibrant, beautiful women who deserve to shine, not be relegated to muumuus. They can dress beautifully and flatteringly, but it shouldn’t be such an uphill battle.
It’s time for the fashion industry to take notice. Plus-size women are here, we have money to spend, and we want fashionable options that suit our tastes.
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Summary
The fashion industry continues to neglect plus-size women, offering limited and often overpriced options that fail to cater to their unique body shapes. Despite the average American woman wearing a size 16, plus-size clothing remains hard to find and often unflattering. Women deserve stylish, well-fitting clothes that celebrate their bodies, not restrict them.
Keyphrase: plus-size women’s fashion
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