Plus-Sized Women, Clothing Hit the Mainstream

The plus-sized fashion industry has really grown over the past few years. Gone are the days where it was difficult for a plus-sized woman to find cute and trendy clothing. There are more and more designers catering to the needs of plus-sized women. Plus-sized fashion models are getting the attention that they deserve, and there are more plus-sized role models today than ever before.

Plus-sized, full-figured, BBW (Big, Beautiful Woman), voluptuous and thick are some of the positive words used to refer to curvy and larger women. For many years, society painted an ugly image of plus-sized women. For so long, plus-sized women lacked the support and resources that slender women received. But today, more people are realizing that being plus-sized is a good thing. There is nothing wrong with having meat on your bones. As long as you are healthy and taking good care of yourself, it doesn't matter what size you are.

Due to the strong demand for plus-sized clothing, designers are constantly coming up with all sorts of beautiful styles. There are specialty stores such as Lane Bryant, Avenue, Catherine's, Torrid, Ashley Stewart, Jessica London and IGIGI that specifically carry plus-sized clothing for women. It is amazing how much this industry has changed.

In a department store, plus sizes begin at a size 14W ( the "W" stands for "Women"). However, some companies are starting to refer to plus size as being a size 12W on up. This is not to be confused with a "Misses" or "Missy" size 12 or 14. The Misses section normally ranges from a size 0 or 2 to a size 20. Sizes 0-14 are considered "straight" or "regular sizes" and sizes 16-20 are "extended" straight sizes. As long as the clothing is located in the Misses section, it is not considered plus size. Plus-sized clothing is larger and normally fits looser in order to cater to the woman's shape.

All plus-sized clothes are located in the "Women's" or "Full Figure" section in the department store. Plus-sized clothing will have a "W" after the number and the sizes go up to a 24W. Beginning at a size 26/28W on up, are the "Super Sizes." In addition, you might see some clothing labeled as 1X, 2X, etc. A 1X is usually a size 14/16W; 2X is a 18/20W, etc.

I am a plus-sized woman and I am very comfortable in my skin. I appreciate my curves and the fullness of my body. I learned to accept myself despite what others sometimes said. I encourage all plus-sized women to be proud of who you are and learn to love yourself. Always remember that beauty comes in all shapes, forms and fashions.