Plus-Size Confidence

The fashion industry has come under fire in recent years as models have become increasingly thinner and thinner, with the purportedly ideal female body shape being entirely unachievable by most women.

The average American woman wears between a size 14 and 16, but the typical model wears about a size 2 or 4. To make things worse, the term plus size has become a bit confusing, in that it can apply to clothing size 12 and up. Even celebrities who are considered plus-size models wear sizes smaller than average women wear.

Society told plus-size women that they needed to cover up their bodies. They were shamed and told that they weren't attractive. But something happened that changed all of that. Women started speaking out and demanding to be seen and heard. And slowly but surely, society began to listen.

Plus size includes women of all shapes and sizes, including larger plus size, curvy, full-figured, and voluptuous. The plus-size movement has been growing in recent years, as more and more women embrace their curves. Women like Ashley Graham have become huge influences on this movement. She was one of the first plus-size models to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue and she even starred in her own lingerie campaign for a supermarket. Other notable plus-size icons include Gabourey Sidibe, Candice Huffine, Crystal Renn, Nicolette Mason, and Lizzie Miller.

Many large brands have now included plus-size clothing in their lines. Plus-size models are getting more exposure than ever before and the fashion industry is finally catching on to what we've been saying this whole time: our bodies are not shameful or problematic - they're beautiful!

We've come a long way in terms of body positivity, but there's still a long way to go. Plus-size women are often seen as invisible or less than sexy. But that's far from the truth! Plus-size women can be just as sexy as any other woman. Here's how we can get back to celebrating women of all sizes:

Celebrate all women and what they have to offer.
Encourage others to do the same.
Don't judge someone by their clothes or size; there is not a single perfect person alive
Be brave enough to love and live, in whatever way you choose, outside of silly societal expectations, conventions or rules
Remember that any societal constructs where women are less-than or must meet specific standards of beauty to be considered worthy, have often been used to disempower women. It is important to be aware that such constructs are often created, in one way or another, by the insecure. So reclaim your power.
Don't be defined by your size. You are you. Just as someone else is them. It isn't acceptable to go around reviewing the appearance of others negatively and declaring it to them, thankfully. So it certain can never be acceptable for anyone to think they have a right to do so based on size.

In a world where we are constantly bombarded with images of so-called perfect bodies, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we need to be thin to be beautiful and sexy. But the truth is, there are plenty of people who find plus-size women attractive. In fact, many men say they prefer a woman with some curves. So why do we care so much about being thin? Maybe it's time to start embracing our natural shapes and sizes. After all, there is nothing sexier than confidence!