Plus-sized women are all too familiar with the struggle of never ending size restrictions at their favorite stores, public scrutiny and a lack of representation in the modeling industry.
The internet has been changing the way everyone shops — especially full-figured shoppers — with more options and websites that offer ways to tailor traditional pieces to suit personal styles. Companies like Aerie, ModCloth, Bluestockings Boutique and SmartGlamour have made buying clothes a more pleasurable experience for those who can never seem to find the right fit in a store.
Aerie, American Eagle’s sister store, does a great job of spreading body positivity through their refusal to airbrush or retouch their voluptuous models. Aerie targets a high school and college-aged audience with underwear, bras and swimsuits that are appropriate for every body type. The company also offers fair prices and buy-one-get-one-free sales to appeal to thrifty buyers.
Vintage and unique, ModCloth sells clothes in sizes XS-4X while also discouraging the retouching of their models to change their shapes or colors. ModCloth sells '50s inspired looks like polka dot and floral dresses, rustic tunics and ruffled blouses perfect for any mature taste.
Bluestockings Boutique is really rare because it was created by queer-identifying Jeanna Kadlec for those who have been “marginalized by the mainstream lingerie industry and to offer them an experience that reflects their identities, their bodies, and their values,” states their mission statement. The online-only retailer does its best to represent the LGBTQ+ community by selling eccentric pieces as well as plus-sized lingerie options for everyone regardless of their gender identity or size.
Customizable, affordable and offered in virtually all sizes, SmartGlamour offers every piece in sizes XXS-6X. Aside from their generous availability of size options, they also make every item available to be customized. Made in New York City, SmartGlamour clothes can be anything you want them to be ranging from preppy, loud sundresses to scandalous keyhole tops. The company clearly emphasizes happiness in any body with cheery models in clothes that make them comfortable.
In a world where everyone is unique, why does it seem like every store only sells to one specific market? Clothes are for everybody and these websites are making it easier to feel comfortable in any body, not just the one that stores push in unrealistic ads and never ending aisles of jeans designed for unrealistically thin bodies.
Be bold and buy for your body on sites that promote positivity across all spectrums.
Rylie Brown is a sophomore studying journalism with a focus in news and information. What is your favorite piece of clothing? Tweet her @RylieMarieBrown.
