The fashion industry is continuing to become more and more inclusive, but there are still many steps to be made.
Though brands like Madewell and J.Crew have expanded the list of sizes they offer—and Reformation now offers a plus-size line—people who can't fit into "straight sizes" still find themselves out of luck most of the time.
In response to this difficulty, blogger Katie Sturino began the #MakeMySize movement to let specific clothing lines know they want to buy their clothes too.
Sturino wrote in an Instagram post:
"I polled you guys and 97% of you felt that there were not enough cute clothes in your size."
"@huntermcgrady and I are both wearing a US16 and I can't tell you the frustration when I'm shopping (and I'm a blogger! In NYC!)"
"While I applaud brands who are making changes to include more sizes, I'm going see if we can work together to let other designers know that they have a whole demographic that wants to shop."
"Please tag a brand you wish made your size below! I'm starting the #MakeMySizeMovement!"
Sturino regularly posts the fashionable looks sported by celebrities under the hashtag #SuperSizeTheLook. But after hearing about and experiencing the frustration of trying to recreate fashion trends with the clothes available in plus size clothing lines, the blogger wanted to improve the fashion sizing situation for everyone who feels that way.
Sturino is a size 12-ish depending on the sizing of a given clothing line.
According to Racked, that makes her smaller than the average American woman.
But it turns out that even some "plus-sized" clothes don't fit people's bodies properly. Sturino shared her experience trying to put on a pair of jeans labeled "32/XL/14." That is supposed to be a size 14 for those uninitiated in deciphering women's clothing sizes.
Sturino wrote:
"I've hit my limit with designers who don't consider my body type! Please post your frustrated fitting room selfies and styles you wish you were available to you with the #MakeMySize hashtag...they are listening...let them know."
Sturino also often highlights a frequent issue with upsized clothing.
When designers simply take their existing pattern and expand the body evenly in all areas, plus size women often can't fit their arms or bust into the top portion or their derriere or thighs into the lower portion, forcing a size 12 like Sturino to buy a size 16 as shown in the first photo.
Katie is urging her followers to spread the word about #MakeMySize in hopes that it catches clothing brand's attention.
Instagram users are joining in!
Like this woman who ordered a loose fit overall and got skin tight bibbed leggings.
In a few cases, the movement has already resulted in some successes!
All people should feel comfortable in their clothes and hopefully—with some influence from #MakeMySize—brands will make sure this is the case.
H/T - Hello Giggles, Refinery 29
