altamodagirl

Like music, art, and dance, fashion is a form of self-expression for everyone—but especially for those of us who use it as a creative outlet.

I’m going to get a little vulnerable here. My body has fluctuated in size throughout my life, ranging from a size 10 to a size 18. And while this feels a bit TMI to share, I feel it provides context to my varied experiences in navigating the fashion world. I wouldn’t be writing a blog if I didn’t want to share my experiences…

And so I can only personally speak from the perspective of mid- and plus-size girlies. That’s not to say others don’t struggle with finding clothes that fit properly, but this post focuses on mid to plus sizes—especially because there’s stigma when we advocate for more inclusive sizing.

one of the biggest issues i’ve noticed? stock availability.

I love Zara, Aritzia, Abercrombie (post-rebrand, ofc), Stradivarius (for the euro girlies). The list goes onnnn (I am a shopaholic). In these stores, I could find tops like no problem, especially as a midsize girl. But when I was above a size 16, finding pants in stores felt impossible—and honestly, it was heartbreaking.

So I ask, what’s the point of this? Why is this still happening? Is this what equity in fashion looks like?

This isn’t a conversation about “healthy habits” or what our bodies should look like. I fully support moving your body and eating well at any size. And while weight changes can sometimes be a personal choice, other times, they’re simply part of the current phase of life we find ourselves in.

But here’s what I’ve learned: the most important part of body image—at least in my own experience (not a mental health professional!)—is learning to accept where you are, be kind to your body, and treat it the way you deserve. For me, it meant stepping outside of myself and reflecting on my goals and what I want my health to be like, rather than tailoring my exercise and eating habits to a specific size.

So back to sizing… that’s why discussing these issues is a priority in my fashion blogs.

So let’s break it down. Why is talking about this important?

the emotional toll of exclusion 

Imagine walking into a store, excited to shop, only to find that your size isn’t available. Now imagine that happening every. single. time.

It impacts confidence. It makes self-expression feel like a privilege, when it shouldn’t be.

When I was at my heaviest during the pandemic, I remember the frustration of searching for a specific piece of clothing, only to leave empty-handed—not because I didn’t like the options, but because my size was not carried. It was beyond discouraging, can make us internalize negative messages that our bodies do not deserve to be dressed in a way that makes us feel confident.

And this is not JUST about fashion for mid and plus size girls. Make-up is still not where it should be in terms of inclusivity, with limited shade ranges. Or, did you know that only 4% of beauty products address the needs of those with physical disabilities? It’s important that we address inclusivity in all areas of fashion and beauty as well.

online shopping vs in-store availability 

Why is it that certain sizes are kept out of physical stores? What message does it send?

Many brands technically offer extended sizes—but only online. This can be a barrier for those who want to try on different pieces before their purchase. It reinforces the idea that mid- and plus-size bodies aren’t as “desirable” in mainstream fashion.

I ask these questions not to criticize blindly, but to spark discussion: Why is inclusivity in fashion still so limited?

the role of influencers & consumers

I’m no influencer—I’m just a grad student with a blog. But change happens when we speak up, demand better, and support brands that do care about inclusivity.

So, what can we do? We can call out brands when their sizing is limited. We can celebrate and shop from brands that get it right. We can make noise—because the fashion industry won’t change unless we push for it.

some progress, but not enough

I will say this: we’ve come a long way in the past, let’s say, 20 years. But that doesn’t mean we should stop pushing for better.

Fashion is for everyone. It’s time brands start acting like it.