One of the most controversial topics in the modern world is Size Inclusivity. While some people believe that it’s crucial, others believe that it is wrong to “promote obesity.” Despite popular misconceptions, size inclusivity doesn’t mean encouraging people to be unhealthy. Size inclusivity is the idea that you are worthy and should not be treated any differently because of your size (big or small). Size inclusivity is especially important in the fashion industry, because of the impact the industry has on the world. Especially younger generations. On medium.com, Joe Pendlebury’s “Why Fashion Retailers Need to Embrace Size Inclusivity” goes into heavy detail on what the fashion industry is doing wrong when it comes to size inclusivity. “This controversy (size inclusion) isn’t helped by bad practices adopted by such retailers: Separation of ”Petite”, ”Tall” and’ “Plus Size” clothing from “Standard”-fitting clothing — both online and in-store. A much more limited range of styles and collections, representing the “Non-Standard” sizing. Inconsistencies in same sizing, across different brands and stores. Why is it that a women’s size 12 at one retailer is different to that at another? The choice of online model photography, which often tends to favor portraying women with slimmer figures and men with a more muscular build.” Pendlebury brings up the point of painting one body figure for each gender as perfect when it comes to modeling. These are the type of models that determine what “standard” sizing will be considered. Petite, Tall and Plus sized are based out of these categories and often have to work extra harder to find clothes that fit them the way that standards fit standard models.

But stores and brands aren’t always consistent with having a variety of sizes other than S,M,L (standard). And while it is more common to have ease finding smaller sizes, it is hard for anyone outside of the standard size range. It shouldn’t be hard at all for people to find clothes that fit them. We understand that brands can’t produce an unlimited number of infinite sizes but adding XS and XL occasionally isn’t good enough. Forcing people of different sizes to work harder to find clothes that fit, is promoting the idea that they aren’t “normal”. They are too big or too small, and it’s their fault so they have to find the solution, when it usually isn’t their fault. Either shopping at a store made for their size, or a section for their size. Or maybe this leads them to not want to be creative with their outfit choices, and stick to safe choices. Stores with boring clothes that fit them. Not having confidence in your body sucks when it’s coming from your own conscience, but then there are other things in the world that make these thoughts worse. Walking into a store, finding an outfit that you really like, and then realizing that they don’t have any options in a size big enough for you, and then having to leave it behind. This will make you feel not worthy of wearing outfits that you like.

Separating sections for sizes isn’t a good idea. We thank clothing stores for doing the bare minimum in providing a variety of size options, but separating them can do more harm than good. Firstly, a lot of the clothes found in normal retail sections, aren’t found in alternate sections. We see this a lot. Where the trendier clothes are in the main section of retail stores. These are what teens all across the world are wearing, and recommending other teens to follow the trend. And then the plus size section doesn’t have any of these trends. The plus size section often looks like it’s geared to older women. With flowy-loose material, boring prints, styled with chunky jewelry. This is nothing that a teenager who may be plus sized wants to wear. Stores should instead have sections dedicated to what trends each generation might be following. Baby section, kids section, teenage/young adult section, adult section, and elderly section. But each of these sections should still have a variety of sizes to accommodate to each size and age. This will prevent little girl’s wanting to wear sparkly unicorn dresses, from having to buy clothes that their mother’s might wear. Size inclusion doesn’t promote unhealthy behaviors. It does promote healthy behaviors, by showing everyone that no one should be treated differently because of their size.