The size inclusivity movement has led to a wider range of clothing options for individuals of all sizes. Its roots can be traced back to the feminist movement of the 1960s and 70s which challenged “traditional” beauty ideals and promoted body acceptance.
The modern size inclusivity movement gained momentum in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Along with others, the Body Positive organization, founded in 1996, put its aim on promoting self-acceptance and body diversity. Through their focus of challenging the narrow beauty standards perpetuated by the fashion and media industries, they were among the first to advocate for inclusive representation.
In recent years, the movement has gained even greater visibility and influence, thanks to social media platforms and other online communities. Body-positive activists, plus-size models, and influencers have played crucial roles in calling for size inclusivity in fashion as well as other industries. They are challenging harmful stereotypes and demanding representation in product lines.
It can hardly have escaped your notice that many fashion designers and retailers are indeed offering wider ranges of sizing and are including diverse body-type models in their ads and online shopping images. Some have adapted their styles to better cater to diverse body types, ensuring that everyone has access to fashionable and well-fitting clothing.
As I first sat to write this post, it was to write a tale of how it took me three tries and ignoring the number on the tag to get the right fit of my new camo cargo pants. I’d come upon these pants while perusing the retailer’s website recently and was a bit unhappy to discover that they’re not carried in any of my local stores. Not deterred, I ordered them in the size that I typically wear with this brand as most of the reviews said that they ran TTS.
To be fully truthful, I kind of run between sizes and in that first order, I went with the smaller size since the pants looked a bit “oversized”. Nope, too small so I then ordered one size up. That one was also too small and I nearly blanched at the idea of ordering them in yet a larger size. One that I never buy but actually kind of do when you considered the S thru XL equivalents. It’s just a number, it’s just a number, it’s just a number.
Outfit details: Cardigan and top, old (had for years); camo cargo pants, Universal Thread; sandals, Eurosoft; purse, thrifted.
What else is just a number? Age, and yet how often do we come across messages emphasizing the importance of a youthful appearance as opposed to one that’s healthy? The glorification of youthfulness as a beauty standard leads to ageism, where older individuals feel marginalized or devalued due to the societal expectations that are prioritizing youthfulness. With airbrushed and digitally altered images portraying unattainable standards, social media and other publications vilify the natural aging process and leave individuals feeling dissatisfied with their appearance.
Just as with the body-positive movement and inclusive clothing sizes, there is no better time to promote a more inclusive and diverse definition of beauty that celebrates individuals of all ages. Low self-esteem, body image issues, and age-related discrimination all need to left in the past. Embracing the natural aging process and valuing people for their knowledge, skills, and experiences leads to a more inclusive and age-positive society.
With the fashion industry becoming increasingly inclusive and diverse, a wider range of stylish options are available for people of all sizes and ages. Never let a number stop you from expressing your personal style. Embrace your shape and size and age and find the joy in dressing up and expressing yourself through fashion, regardless of societal standards.
Have fun experimenting with different looks, colors, patterns, and accessories that make you feel confident and comfortable. Personal style knows no size or age limit. When you feel good about yourself, it radiates through your style and enhances your overall fashion experience. Take pride in your style choices and let your confidence shine through, showing the world that fashion is for everyone, regardless of size or age.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. Today’s featured post from the last link-up, Black Is My Favorite Colour, was shared by Nancy who you’ll find over at her eponymous blog Nancy’s Fashion Style. She’s a gal who knows her own style quite well and has a strong belief that “clothing and your outfits should make you feel special. Life is too short to dress in a way that doesn’t make you feel fantastic”.
Fashion is about embracing your own narrative and telling your story through clothing. Don’t let societal beauty standards or size stereotypes dictate what you can or cannot wear. Take pride in your style choices and let your confidence shine through, showing the world that fashion is for everyone, regardless of size.
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
Photo credit: MMPerez
14 Comments
I think body positivity is a good thing, but it has backfired for me. I just kept telling myself I was OK; others looked like me; it’s all OK. But, the numbers on the blood tests disagree. I have to make some changes to my lifestyle so that I can continue to push the envelope on being a blogger of a certain age!
But, I completely, 100% agree we should wear what makes us feel good. That, more than anything…not the number or the letter on the tag…is what is important. When I think I look good, I feel fabulous! I just need to keep wearing those clothes! Thanks for a thought-provoking post and link party!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
I still struggle with being positive about myself, despite having lost half my bodyweight 15 years ago, despite being in the gym or jogging the neighbourhood at 60+, despite my daughter telling me to dress anyway I choose because looking comfortable and happy is the new gorgeous……… I praise your choice of outfit; I love it. You have inspired me to be a little bolder and wear the dungas this weekend. I’ll let you know how that goes! Stay fabulous!
Oh thank you so much Rena! Featured in my favourite outfit!
I just bought shorts 2 sizes bigger! The problem is that it’s okay in the waist, but to much fabric around the legs. Oh well, it’s only for around the house.
Body positivity is key. If you are confident in your style choices it will shine through, no matter what the label says. Thanks for the link-up.
I love the camouflage pants! And I agree size isn’t not important. I do struggle with the younger message that is put out there. I want to embrace my older self and reading this post makes me stop and remember that I should embrace all that I am. Thanks for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Great post Rena, I always enjoy your thoughtful writing. So much to think about, I struggle with this myself. Sometimes a number is just a number and other times, it seems to mean a lot more to me. Ugh!
xo,
Kellyann
It’s so true! This weekend I borrowed a friend’s bathing suit and love it and then I was curious about size because I am going to be on the lookout for the brand. I was wearing size 14 in bottoms: they fit perfect.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
I couldn’t agree more! Body and age positivity are so important and we should be wearing what makes us feel good! Love your camo pants!
Jill – Doused in Pink
I am glad that fashion has become more inclusive. I remember when it was hard to find fashionable clothing if you were bigger than a size 8 or 10. Things have changed over the past decade.
I wish I knew what I know now when I was 20. I was saddened that I was not 5’10” and 120 pounds. I felt fat at 5’2” and 118 pounds. Looking back at those photos when I was full of self-loathing I am saddened by the fact that I couldn’t appreciate my young body. Ironically, now that I am older, wiser, and have the fortitude to push back against Hollywood’s (and consequently society’s) impossible standards, I am now much happier with my body – with all of its imperfections.
Also, I have at least 4 different sizes in my closet. 🙄 The numbers really are ridiculous.
Michelle
https://followingmymuse.space
Hi Rena, I enjoyed reading this post. There never seems to be a time where my mother doesnt tell me my face is too thin. Well, guess what, part of that comes with age! I can’t dwell on it, so why should anyone else? I do think when you wear that outfit you feel great in, no matter the size, it does radiate outward.
Love the camo pants and the olive cardi, looks great!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I feel like I almost always run between sizes too and it’s so funny/weird that sizing down gives me such an ego boost while sizing up makes me feel bad– and it really shouldn’t!
Sizing seems to be off the charts these days, you did well to embrace your style ignoring the numbers 🙂
Rena, great post! It’s funny, when I think of all my friends who are “women of a certain age,” they all look entirely different. No two have the same style, no two are the same size, but they all look great. Sizes are all over the place out there, in *both* directions. I’m fairly tall and find they’re making tops so long now, and sleeves as well, that I need to go over to the petite section to get a top I’m not drowning in. Thank you for hosting. I brought my favorite breakfast/brunch dish.