With all of the recent media attention around plus size models, plus size clothing and full figured women it is easy to be confused. What size is “plus size”? What size are plus size models? Where can I buy plus size clothing? How do I flatter my body?
So, technically “plus size” starts at a Women’s size 14 – the equivalent of a “Missy”, “Straight” or sometimes misnamed “Normal” size 16. Just FYI – a size 14 is the AVERAGE size of a woman in the US so don’t let anyone make you feel abnormal for being in the plus size range. Most women are!! Typically, plus size stores carry sizes W14-24. There are stores that cater to women size 14+ or size 24+. These stores often call them selves “super plus size” (horrible name!! It sounds like a tampon.)
Ok, you are probably wondering, “if most of the women in the US are plus size, why is it so hard to find something cute that fits me?? Or, why don’t the big designers carry make clothes for me? Don’t they want my money?”
The answer is complicated and rife with prejudice. Most designers don’t want to design for plus size women because they are sizist. They would rather alienate a huge portion of the population rather than design clothes for our curves. It’s the sad truth.
The second, more complicated answer is that the few designers who have ventured into plus sizes have lost money, leaving plus size consumers with a reputation for being “cheap”. At La Grande Dame, we don’t belive that plus size women are cheap, but rather, you have not been provided with great, high quality designer clothes that actually flatter your bodies. Our store is living, breathing, selling proof that if designers and stores provide excellent selection and personal customer service, plus size women are willing to spend just as much as their straight size sisters on designer clothing.
Size 14 Plus Size Model
Ohhhh, and don’t get me started on the plus size model issue, that is a whole ‘nother post but, any model over a size 6 is considered “plus size” – just cuz the industry is messed up. The model above is a size 14. Tell me she does not look HOT in a 1X Melissa Masse Dress?? No photo shopping or pinning on this picture 
Why is she considered the absolute largest on the plus model scale????
What do you think? Comments on plus size definitions? Questions? Want to tell me off? Please comment below
I will touch on the “Where” in part 2 tomorrow
Tags: fashion designers, la grande dame, plus size clothing, plus size fashion
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