Fatphobia’s Enduring Impact on Modern Fashion
By: Alexis Ford
Fatphobia, at its core, is the stigmatization and discrimination of larger bodies. From the lack of representation in advertising and media to the limited sizing options offered by many popular brands, the fashion industry sends a clear message that certain bodies have more value and are more desirable than others. Despite efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity, fatphobia remains deeply entrenched in fashion culture, continuing to perpetuate harmful beauty standards.
Plus-Sized as a Spectrum
On the surface, it seems as if many brands are moving towards a more body-inclusive catalog of products. In recent history, “curvy” models have been showcased more frequently on runways and in advertisements. However, these models are often what people may see as the “ideal” plus-sized person. Flat stomachs, big boobs, and big butts. This idealized view of what plus-sized beauty entails is only becoming popularized because it is digestible enough for the general public and fashion-centered communities. When and where will the other variations of plus-sized people be represented? This narrow portrayal of beauty not only alienates individuals who do not fit into this mold but also reinforces the harmful idea that only certain bodies are worthy of admiration and acceptance.
Limited Sizing in Luxury
In addition to limited representation, the fashion industry's limited sizing options further perpetuate fatphobia. Many brands offer only a narrow range of sizes, leaving plus-sized individuals with limited options when it comes to finding clothing that fits well and reflects their personal style and identity. Some brands have even begun to offer only one to two sizes, reaffirming and ensuring that their brands are not accepting of all bodies. This vast lack of inclusivity sends a clear message that larger bodies are not welcome in many realms of fashion. This is especially prevalent in “luxury” brand storefronts, with many plus-sized options being in extremely limited collections or only being available to purchase online. The most common logic behind brand size-exclusivity is to maintain their image of conventional attractiveness, as many common clientele could be driven away by seeing plus sizes in stores. These changes that need to be made cannot only be made through brands, but through a conscious shift in the general public’s view of plus-sized bodies.
Fatphobia and Social Consciousness
The demands for size-inclusivity have been popularized on social media only in recent years, however, social media trends are a major part of the problem. On social media, especially Twitter and Instagram, there are many common examples of plus-sized people wearing trendy clothes and being ridiculed, while thinner influencers are praised for the same trends. There is an ever-present subconscious judgment in fatphobia of analyzing bodies rather than clothing and commenting harmful rhetoric as a result.
So, how do we ignite these necessary changes? First and foremost, the fashion industry at all price points must prioritize inclusivity and diversity, not only in modeling campaigns but in all aspects of a brand including design, production, marketing, advertising, etc. This entails using more inclusive language and casting a diverse range of bodies for modeling, runways, sizing, and wherever consumers are involved.
Size Inclusivity and Consumers
Consumers also have a crucial role to play in challenging fatphobia in the industry. By supporting brands that prioritize inclusivity and by advocating for greater representation of larger bodies in media and advertising, we can collectively work towards a more inclusive and affirming fashion industry. It is also our responsibility to assess our own biases towards plus-sized bodies in fashion. Society has ingrained in us how a person should look in order to be admired. However, by acknowledging and challenging these attitudes, we can work towards a more equitable and accepting fashion landscape where all bodies are not only represented but celebrated and embraced. With the momentum of more plus-sized campaigns in the media, it’s the perfect time to challenge fatphobia and reform the fashion industry to reflect the beauty and diversity of the human experience