The world is finally breaking loose from the cocoon of conventional categorization of beauty with the narrow representation of the fashion industry through slim figures and unattainable instances. The recent decades, in particular the plus-size modeling sector, proved to be extremely transformational. It changes not only the faces of the industry but people’s perception of beauty and attitude to their bodies. The journey has continuously brought about an inclusive and representative notion of beauty, from struggles to great victories. This paper presents in-depth plus-size modeling in history, challenges, success, and where it goes from here with the objective of explaining the facts and an exhaustive story of the crucial aspects of fashion.
A historical Perspective on Plus-Size Modeling
The growth or rise pertaining to plus-size modeling can be traced to the early ages of the 20th century. Prior to the 1920s, there was really no concept to plus-sized within the fashion industry. The bigger woman typically went to a custom house for clothing, since the ready-to-wear market was non-existent, or at best very limited and scaled down in size for smaller women. The very first major step was the introduction in the 1920s by Lane Bryant, a brand originally created for maternity wear, to start selling clothes for “stout women.” It was really such an antique term, coupled with all the hurtful insensitivities associated with its use, that actually began to raise the realization that a market did truly exist for plus-size fashion.
It was not until the subsequent decades that the very slow process of recognition of the existence and needs of larger-sized women finally got underway within the fashion world. It would not be until the 1970s that plus-size modeling really started to get going. Former top model Wilhelmina Cooper opened Wilhelmina Models in 1967, and shortly after her agency established a plus-size division. This was really very forward-thinking at the time, and exposure was just what it needed to plus-size models, otherwise condemned. Yet even as this progressed, celebrity and acceptance of larger, fuller-bodied shapes moved at an extremely slow pace and remained wallpapered in shame and prejudice.
It was then that the most well-known plus-size models, like Emme, appeared in the 1980s and 1990s—a household name, herself being one of the very few plus-size models ever to achieve supermodel status. Apparently, all of a sudden, Emme’s work redefined the beauty standards of modern society, hence proving there was a market and, above all, client demand for these collections. Her influence helped open doors not just for future generations of plus-size models but also gave a kind of super push toward the acceptance of different body images.
Challenges in the Plus-Size Modeling Industry
The plus-size modeling journey has not been smooth; the journeys have faced a myriad of challenges, the majority of which result from deeply based biases against larger bodies. So, for many years, the industry has been championing thinness as a promoter of beauty, success, and desirability. This bias has then resulted in many hiring practices, marketing strategies, and media representations that have greatly acted to the entry barring of plus-size models to a large extent.
This role meant that from design decisions to campaigns, the bias had come to permeate into every sinew and fiber in this industry. Large bodies were absent from this industry, which was representative of the ideal of beauty, and representation and opportunities were distinctly missing for plus-size models.
The other big challenge has been the utter lack of variety that is seen within plus-size modeling itself. Although the term “plus-size” encompasses a variety of shapes and sizes, for so long, what was being pushed was a small portion of that spectrum. Models in the smaller end of the plus-size spectrum—typically sizes 12-14—have traditionally had access to education compared with larger models. This type of limited representation has also yielded a paradox wherein plus-size models would still be required to adhere to some beauty standards—an hourglass figure, blemish-free skin, harmonious features.
Plus-size models normally would have limited job niches. Demand for plus-size garments had been sparse at best; most designers and labels were ultra-cautious about going into clothes beyond straight sizes. This averseness is founded on diverse grounds, from profit to production and how the model perceives a slim body image; therefore, an average and plus-size model will have very limited chances to do campaigns and runway shows for big-shot designers.
The financial problems within the plus-sized part of the fashion industry are fairly noteworthy. In most cases, plus-size fashion requires new production techniques and more fabric; therefore, it is costlier. Assuming that the plus-size market may not bring huge profits compared to straight-size garments, some brands have not been ready to invest in these processes. It is this financial hesitance that has stricken further the opportunities left for a plus-size model and henceforward perpetuated this vicious circle of exclusion.
Triumphs and Milestones in Plus-Size Modeling
Notwithstanding the fight, there have been a number of triumphs along the way, ones that, over the years, have molded a strong bridge toward inclusion and representation for plus-size models. The biggest achievements within that are increased visibility and acceptance of plus-size models in the mainstream fashion scene.
As the 1980s and ’90s arrived, some of the more popular plus-size models, Emme included, grew very prominent and even became household names. She came to become one of the very first barely recognized, really plus-sized supermodels. In her success, Emme blew wide open a few doors that defied conventional and traditional beauty standards about how the world thought of a supermodel and proved there was actually a market and a hunger out there for plus-size fashion. Quite conspicuously, her influence opened ways for next generations to become working, successful, and famous plus-size models, which went hand in hand with growing recognition of diversified body types that gave green lights.
Again, it was during the early 2000s that the first plus-size fashion magazines and plus-size fashion weeks were established. These compose two very germane platforms that can yield visibility and validation for plus-sized models and designers, telling people that plus-sized fashion is stylish, relevant, and aspirational. In sum, this has normalized plus-size fashion and placed it within a broader conversation concerning fashion.
Though only majorly proven in the past few years, social media really has taken extreme steps toward changing the game for plus-size modeling. Now, through democratization in the world of fashion via these very same platforms—like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok—it is way easier for plus-size models to gain followers, share their stories, and spread body positivity and inclusivity awareness. Social media provided a way for plus-size models to bypass those more traditional gatekeepers and appeal directly to their audiences in ways that created community and solidarity.
Maybe one of the most important changes that took place recently in history is the increased appearance of plus-size models on major campaigns and runways. In 2016, Ashley Graham became the first plus-size model on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. With this, it really revolutionized inclusive and sexy because of the belief that for so long had been held on the only type of body that could be considered sexy or desirable.
On the same note, plus-size models have already hit global fashion weeks on their fashion catwalk. Only an impossible dream, it seems. Now, there are designers like Christian Siriano, Chromat, and Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty, who have deliberately worked varied body types into their shows. These designers Fenty prove that fashion has to be inclusive by deliberately having a wide range of body types desiring to be in these shows. The shows are getting appreciated by and large, maybe indicating a change in attitudes at the industry level, perhaps showing appreciation on the part of some other designers who have not felt that way before.
This realization and recognition of plus-size models have further broadened to include some very prominent advertising campaigns and media coverage. Dove, with its Real Beauty campaign, and Aerie, with its Aerie Real campaign, are some of the brands that have involved plus-size models in body-positive campaigns challenging beauty standards. These campaigns gave some visibility to plus-size models and really clinched consumer connection—the continuity of brand loyalty to help pump up sales.
Role of Advocacy and Activism
From the beginning until now, the development of plus-size modeling, has a lot to do with activists and advocates at large who worked selflessly to give their career a voice. Associations and movements along the line of body Positivity have done a lot against societal biases and for body diversity.
Activists have used different media to raise awareness and speak openly about the manners in which body shaming through representation is harmful. This manner of calling out body shaming, has similarly placed activists on the radar with brands and designers and their exclusionary practices that have long been a proof of a harbinger of change in the definition of inclusivity where a fashion brand’s sizing is concerned. This advocacy was a part of the various cultural changes coming in for the acceptance and glorification of every kind of body, along with many alterations in the methods of the industry taken up and a perceptual shift among the public.
One bright example of activism in the fashion industry is the labor done by model and activist Tess Holliday. By creating the #EffYourBeautyStandards movement, Holliday has been able to put her platform into motion toward challenging the status quo of the beauty standard and opening up more inclusivity toward others. The work inspires a lot of people and, without a doubt, builds up growing acceptance and celebration of plus-sized bodies.
The Future of Plus-Size Modeling
The evolution of fashion leads plus-size modeling towards the future. If one was to determine by recent years of progressiveness in the plus-size fashion industry, they would predict the field to become even more inclusive, diverse, and to further develop and grow. But there are many areas that still require heedful attention and work if the momentum built up for a much more inclusive industry is to be maintained and broadened.
One area in which potential growth can be tapped for the future is in the increase of size ranges for fashion brands. While this has happened with some, there is still a long way to go—all the more so with high-end or luxury fashion brands. Not only does this increase in size range serve customer demand, but it also sends out an exceptionally strong message in terms of values of diversity and inclusivity. This is not only about allowing larger sizes but also about making them very accessible and trendy, whereby the same amount of attention to detail and quality is given with larger sizes, just as much as it is used on smaller sizes.
Another proposed major issue or strategic initiative in a bid to chart the future of plus-size modeling is to ensure and improve the diversity within the plus-size category itself. For example, by adding more models of varying sizes, shapes, ethnicities, ages, and abilities to the ones they already have. More seriousness should be applied to the genuine representations across communities in the plus community and not tokenism.
The evolving importance of mental health extends even further, very slowly, into the plus-size modeling industry. The pressure to fit into beauty standards takes a heavy toll on the models’ mental health, very much so in the case of a plus-size model, as they undergo extra criticism and stigma. The future of plus-size modeling involves support and resources for models, good and safe working environment and standing up against dangerous practices or attitudes.
The fashion industry should also lean to the education and empowerment of awareness to include and embrace diversity. This would then challenge body image and beauty standard perceptions to change within the industry and society at large. This can also grow further by fashion schools and associations teaching and practicing inclusivity and diversity in fashion. Embracing and integrating the worth and value of plus-size fashion with the new students will definitely goes a long way into passing the torch so that the next waves of designers, models, and fashion professionals can really make a change.
The Impact of Media Representation
Media does shape the general attitude of society toward the ideal of body image. The extent to which plus-size models have been represented in the media throughout the years has reflected and, in some ways, led cultural changes. Various positive representations of plus-size models in advertisements, TV, film, and media make bigger body types seem more normal and subtly reduce risky stereotypes.
Historically, larger body sizes are grossly underrepresented in media. If represented, they generally held some sort of stereotypical character role or one of another negative portrayal. This began to shift as content creators finally began to understand the gravity and necessity of inclusivity and representation. Modern shows such as “Shrill,” starring Aidy Bryant, and “This Is Us,” starring Chrissy Metz, have been some of the contemporary programs able to bring nuanced, positive portrayals of plus-size characters into people’s consciousness, impacting a changing attitude toward diverse body types.
Even then, advertising campaigns are at par in changing perceptions. For instance, Skim’s diversity—including women in different shapes, sizes, and ethnicity—has become one of the influential brands in the field by including all sizes and shapes along with its impressive branding. Not only does this bring out this diversity in celebration, but it is also a very strong statement on self-acceptance and confidence—that ‘all bodies are beautiful’ and deserving to be represented.
Social media cannot be ruled out in this either. From Instagram to YouTube and TikTok, plus-size models and influencers have found platforms to speak their stories, spread body positivity, and create communities. Many a time, the influencers present a much more relatable, realistic picture of plus-size bodies as opposed to these curated images, which are mostly unrealistic in traditional media.
Consumer Demand and Market Trends
Increased awareness, more advocacy, and a general yearning for better representation lead to consumers demanding more from plus-size fashion. As consumers take to the frontline and become vocal about what they expect of brands, the latter responds, expanding their size ranges and filling the marketplace with more inclusive collections. This does not stand as a moral but rather as a smart business imperative.
This represents an opportunity for brands to flourish—the probable share of the global plus-size clothing market projected to keep on increasing. Consumers are forever sensitive to searching for brands that meet their values, such as diversity and inclusiveness. Brands that fail to live up to these expectations risk losing as high as a massive portion of their clientele.
Especially, e-commerce markets have been supporting this demographic category of plus-size individuals. Online retailers can often be more flexible in their inventory and carry a much wider range of sizes than brick-and-mortar stores. This brought up online plus-size brands, such as Eloquii, Universal Standard, and Dia & Co.—each of which has branded itself as truly Plus-centered sufferers. What helped these brands gain a following was staying focused on stylish and good-fitting clothes; most importantly, at the top of their minds when marketing was the idea of inclusivity.
This shift to inclusivity can be well explained in the brick-and-mortar retail space, where today, stores not only display the plus-size mannequins but also have whole areas for plus-size. The rise in visibility is of prime importance because it showcases a huge step ahead in increasing the normalcy associated with a plus-size body and creating a better shopping environment for the plus-size consumer.
Conclusion
Plus-size modeling has gone through trials and triumphs, from meager representation to, more lately, limited work exposing them to mainstream fashion industries. Among these are major drivers of activism and advocacy in releasing people from such biases by society and encouraging inclusivity. Consumer demand and market trends have also forced brands to move in line with that.
Plus-size modeling has huge potential for the future, as it manifests in many opportunities for greater representation and inclusivity. Among others, some key issues that need to be highlighted by challenges will include diversified representation, health, mental wellbeing, education, and awareness.
Ultimately, the progress achieved in plus-size modeling speaks less to the fashion issues but more to abolishing a modern prejudicial society where every different body is valued and celebrated accordingly. The fashion industry will have done a lot towards shaping society to be inclusive in the future by pressing on for change and embracing diversity.
