women actively trying to give them money for clothing in their sizes :
1 . They think that customers don ’ t want to see bigger sizes ;
2 . They want to protect their brand reputation and the lifestyle aesthetic that they ’ ve built around the brand , rooted in Eurocentric , thin-centric ideals ; and
3 . They ’ re fools , and don ’ t seem to realise that there are plenty of plus sized women actively trying to give them money for clothing in their sizes .
Given that the average Australian woman is between a size 14-16 , Australian brands are really dropping the ball when it comes to body positivity .
According to Australian writer Brodie Lancaster , “ There ’ s a bend in the logic regarding plus-size women buying designer fashion ; more expensive clothes should be investments , but our bodies are supposed to be temporary . I think the weight loss and fashion industries intersect at the point where they assume anyone who wears plus-size clothes has a goal to lose weight , and then they will start spending more on clothes and become a valuable customer .” So , that sucks .
But the good news is : The internet is a thing that exists and many brands provide affordable shipping options , so we ’ re no longer limited to only what ’ s on our doorstep . And thank goodness for that !
There are some truly wonderful international retailers that are getting it oh-soright , proving that body positivity can be supplemented by awesome and sustainable fashion choices that empower everyone .
So , before we get explore some of these retailers , what does it mean to get it truly right ?
In order to harness body positivity — not just as not just a marketing tool , but as a means of connecting with what their customers seek — brands need to :
• Think of their customers as more than just a sales statistic ;
• Not be directly invested in making customers feel insecure and convincing them that the company ’ s products fill some fabricated void ; and
• Think more deeply about what body positivity entails .
It ’ s one thing to slap a token “ Just love yourself , ladies !” sticker on a product or campaign and call it a day . It ’ s another to have your business embody body positivity and all of its core values , including diversity , representation and inclusivity .
With that in mind , here are 12 brands that are committed to embracing body positivity :
FASHION
1 . Ashley Nell Tipton for Boutique + at JC Penny now ships to Australia ( much to the delight of many Project Runway fans !) and carries sizes AU12 to AU26 in most pieces . With rich fabrics and luxe details , you get a lot of bang for your buck and bonus , shipping to Australia is free when you spend over $ 99 . Where the collection could improve would definitely be with greater diversity in the models , but these initial steps for JC Penny are promising !
[ Shop here : http :// www . jcpenney . com / g / boutique-women / N-bwo3xZ1z0pvfj ? cm- JCP _ T = G1 & cmJCP _ C = D5 ]
2 . City Chic runs from sizes AU14 to AU24 and have a number of brick & mortar stores here in Australia ( and concessions in some Myer stores ), for those of us who like to try before we buy . City Chic are on the pricier end of the spectrum , but their on-trend designs and range of super sexy lingerie is amazing . Particularly considering how so many plus size lingerie retailers relegate larger sizes to beige , undies pulled up to the bra and giant hooks , it ’ s wonderful to see that City Chic