Being bigger my whole life, I know the struggle and hate that comes with being plus size. Why is it so bad if someone has more body weight than others. Today’s beauty standards are ridiculous. We grow up thinking that we have to be a certain weight or size. Plus size people are shamed while thin people are praised for the way they look. Every size is beautiful. No one can tell you what your body should look like. You are in charge of your life and being happy.
Below are just SOME of the struggles plus size women face every day:
1. Paying extra for “plus size” clothing
Why should we have to pay more money for clothes that are labeled 1x or above, when the size right under it is the same price as the other smaller sizes?
2. Retail stores label clothes bigger than they are
Many stores that I go to have clothes labeled XL, and I think to myself “Is that an extra large for dogs?”
3. “Don’t you care about your body? Don’t you exercise? Why don’t you eat healthier?”
STOP IT! I do care about my body, but I also want to enjoy life and eat. I do exercise, but not religiously because I have other points to worry about in my life. Many big women love their bodies and you should too.
4. Being shamed for wearing leggings, crop tops, bikinis or anything that is form fitting.
We should be able to wear whatever we want without being body shamed. If plus sized women are comfortable with what they are wearing, then everyone else should be too.
5. “You play sports?!?!”
Yes, shockingly, someone who has some extra meat on their bones can play something that requires physical activity. I have been plus size my whole life, and I have danced for 15 years. As long as you have the passion, talent, and ability, you can do anything you want to.
6. Being labeled as “Plus Sized”
Society’s standard of what size is ‘plus size’ and which size is not is ridiculous. If you’re not a size 10 or under, the world thinks you are ‘plus-sized.’
7. Seeing clothes in a store that you like, but only run in small sizes
I always see a rack of clothes in a store that I think are cute and go to look for my size, but lo and behold the rack only goes up to a Medium. Let us decide what we want to wear and what looks good on us.
8. Sleeveless/strapless dresses
Yes, we love our bodies, but sometimes we just want sleeves. Why must every dress not have sleeves, and if they do they are the ones that no one wants?
9. Is it plus size or maternity?
A lot of stores I shop in have the plus size section right next to the maternity section. There is a huge difference between the two and we would not like to be shoved in a little corner of the store.
10. When people tell you “You aren’t fat, you’re beautiful!”
That is the most backhanded compliment I have ever heard. Who says you have to be skinny to be beautiful?
11. Squeezing by anyone
I always get an end seat because then I don’t have to squeeze by anyone and save myself the anxiety.
12. Public Transportation, Amusement park rides, Airplanes
The seats on public transportation are ridiculous, especially when you have to share with someone. Amusements parks rides are a nightmare. I always suck in, and pray the belt/latch harness closes. Flying gives me anxiety as it is, I don;t need to be crammed in a small seat for hours.
13. Not all sizes are the same
You may be a Large in one store and a 2XL in another store, so you have to try on almost everything. Then all of the cute clothes you see are online and have to judge which size will fit you.
14. Doctor’s Appointments
Your doctor always talks to you about your weight, even if you are just there for a sore throat…
15. Everyone thinking you’re not in a relationship
I know plenty of overweight men and women who are in relationships and are happy, and if you think otherwise then Please just shut up because that is so rude.
16. Shopping with friends
They are all having a fashion show in the dressing rooms, and you're sitting there watching trying on shoes or new jewelry.
17. The looks you get from people, especially employees/stylists
Some people stare at you like they just smelled a really bad fart. Family and friends offering “Advice.” No Thank you! Store employees give you that look when you want to try something on and they don’t think it will look right on you. Well, STOP everyone and just let us be!
18. Eventually not caring and eating that roll of cookie dough
Is “fat”, “plus sized”, “curvy”, “chunky”, “overweight”, or any other word that means you wear bigger clothes really the worst thing you can be called? I would much rather be called “plus sized” than mean, rude, condescending, etc.
So let us eat and let us be happy! I always say I have a protective covering for my six pack abs and that makes me laugh. So be happy in your skin. Stay humble. You are beautiful!
