Finding clothing that fits is not an easy task, especially for the majority of women who are plus size. Over the last decade the average size of American woman has gone up from a size 14 to a size 16. According to a new study from the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education, the average size has gone up one size, but unfortunately most retailers have failed to cater to the majority of women.
“We hope that this information can get out and be used by industry and consumers alike. Just knowing where the average is can help a lot of women with their self image,” one of the study’s lead experts, Susan Dunn, told TODAY via email. “And we hope that the apparel industry can see the numbers and know that these women aren’t going away, they aren’t going to disappear, and they deserve to have clothing.”
It may not seem like a big deal, but more and more women suffer from anxiety when they shop for clothes, especially those that are labeled “plus size.” We’re not talking about getting excited about a sale, but feeling bad about their image. Many women suffer anxiety and stress when they find a beautiful piece of clothing, but can’t fit into their size because let’s face it, the clothing we find on the racks are getting smaller and smaller, leaving women with small sized clothing that they have to squeeze themselves into. Other times fashion designers and retailers carry just a couple of size 16’s which sell quickly leaving many women frustrated that they can’t find their size.
The topic of body image and whether or not a woman should look a certain way will forever be a controversial topic. But, it’s really time to embrace our bodies and accept that women come in various shapes and sizes and if the average woman is a size 16, make clothes that fit well, in both style and measurements, that way women could stop feeling bad about their self-image.