Slowly but surely, more and more brands are becoming size-inclusive, whether it be through new lines, capsule collections, or collaborations. Just consider: Recently, Reese Witherspoon collaborated with Eloquii for her Draper James line which went up to a size 28, and Ann Taylor LOFT added plus-sizes that go up to a size 26. Seeing high-quality mass market brands bring stylish clothing to their loyal customers of all sizes is definitely noteworthy, considering how few fashion-forward plus-size options there were years ago.
So obviously, when I heard that Express is adding more sizes, I was super excited and thought it was admirable — but unfortunately, it's not all good news.
After only offering up to a size 18 online, Express has announced it will now carry plus sizes in select stores as well.
It's great to see the brand acknowledge size inclusivity in its stores (even though it is overdue). Still, going up to only a size 18 doesn't feel that revolutionary when other brands are choosing to offer much more sizes.
Some good news: Men's sizes will be inclusive, too, as the clothing options will now range from 28-40 inches for the waist and 46-48 for jackets. Women AND men have curves, people!
"What we hear consistently from consumers is the lack of fashion styles in the sizes they need and the ability to try on those sizes in store. We value customer feedback and are excited to make this first step in the journey toward a more inclusive shopping experience," Express president and CEO David Kornberg said via PR Newswire. But although the brand's new efforts toward body positivity are admirable, there's still room for more variety size-wise in regards to the casting for the campaign.
Jordyn Woods is featured in the "Express. Your Rules" campaign, but she's more of a curve model. Where is all the plus-size representation?
Although curve/in-between models are vital to the industry, it would've made a more powerful statement to cast more plus-size models for the advertisements. Woods is a size 10 and OG plus-size model Candice Huffine, who is also in the campaign, is a size 14, according to PR Newswire. Considering that the majority of women in the US are sizes 16-18, it feels unfair for brands to not include women of that size in their campaigns.
Although this is all definitely a step forward, I'll be more impressed when the brand chooses models who represent the majority of women moving forward, and when the store also starts offering sizes larger than a size 18.
Women definitely need to keep seeing models such as Woods and Huffine, who consistently celebrate their curves. But customers deserve to see models with all kinds of curves being promoted in ad campaigns, not just those on the lower end of the plus-size spectrum. And going up to a size 18 is great — but there are plenty of size 18+ women out there who deserve just as many options.
All we can hope is that this latest move will show brands that customers will shop even more if all kinds of curves are acknowledged.
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