Plus size clothing can be hard to find in certain stores, especially when it comes to lingerie. Most ads are photoshopped to the extreme, and can leave plus sized women to feel poorly about their bodies. We can look at things like the Victoria's Secret fashion show (and just their commercials alone), and stores like Hollister Co., to promote and flaunt tiny bodies (which is completely fine) but what about the bigger bodies that are shunned?
In the last few years, Aerie has pushed out their air brushed models to show "real girls," whether they be 90 pounds or 190 pounds. Aerie has promoted all body types, and leave every line and stretch mark on their models to show that all women can look beautiful in whatever they decide to wear. Call it a sales tactic or caring about customers, but by appealing to all body types, Aerie has helped women all around the world feel more comfortable in their skin.
Other companies have begun to promote their plus sized clothing lines, such as Charlotte Russe, H&M, and Forever 21, but Aerie has definitely gone above and beyond. I'm not the biggest Aerie shopper, however I do follow their social media and they definitely appeal to all body types and show the utmost respect to their models regardless of their size. These companies not only have affordable plus sized clothing but also know how to appeal to the crowds while simultaneously promoting body positivity.
Aerie's social media is centered around body positivity with their hastag, #aerieREAL, along with the previously mentioned unaltered images of their models. By seeing each line and stretch mark on a model, young girls can learn to not be ashamed of their body, and grow to love themselves even more. The key to beauty is being able to love yourself and be confident.
After starting the aerie Real campaign in 2014, their sales grew 20% a year later, and then up to 32% in 2016. By promoting body positivity this company has not only given young women the confidence to put that bikini on, but has also bumped up their sales and helped their company grow as a whole. So, VS, what are you waiting for? Jump up on the Real Body campaign and support all bodies, not just one type.
