According to a recent survey conducted by plus-size apparel brand JMS/Just My Size, when it comes to confidence, size doesn’t matter. Of the more than 6,200 plus-size women who participated in the annual survey, more than 64 percent said they were “confident” or “very confident” in themselves.
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The results of the national survey of plus-size women on confidence and style were released today in New York Cityduring Full Figured Fashion Week®, where the brand also celebrated its 30th birthday.
“The Just My Size brand has been celebrating the curves and confidence of plus-size women for 30 years, so it is only fitting to release the results of this year’s survey as we mark this birthday milestone,” said Karen Fitzgerald, general manager of Just My Size Activewear. “We are thrilled to see so many women talking about the role that confidenceplays in their lives.”
Almost three-quarters of respondents said that they were more confident today than five years ago, representing a 10 point increase from 2013. One respondent pointed to the growing number of plus-size women serving as positive role models. “I see more women who are independent and spreading the [word] that we are who we are. No apologies. That thinking has rubbed off on me.”
Confidence seems to breed confidence. Another respondent noted, “In a society where being bigger is often frowned upon, a woman who can flaunt her curves with her head held high is a confident woman.”
When asked to evaluate their level of confidence in different aspects of their lives, respondents highlighted strong confidence at work. More than 87 percent of respondents said they were “confident” or “very confident” in their work. “I have worked to push myself into doing things outside my comfort zone, which has made me more confident,” said one respondent.
Although personal confidence for plus-size women is increasing, only 11 percent of respondents said that plus-size women are more confident than women who are not plus-size. Some respondents pointed to a gradual shift in attitudes toward plus-size women: “We are in a size acceptance movement, teaching ourselves and others to love the skin you’re in.”
While almost two-thirds of respondents said they were “confident” or “very confident” in themselves, only 48 percent said they were “confident” or “very confident” in their personal style. Additionally, only 40 percent of respondents said they dressed to flatter their shape.
“Style confidence starts with knowing what core pieces work best for your body type, and JMS is focused on making great-fitting, flattering essentials designed specifically for the plus-size woman,” said Fitzgerald. “We want women to feel great inside and out. We’re passionate about plus-size – and about confidence.”
