Body Talk
Fashion models, sample size, body diversity
Your size journey.
I’ve always been bigger. I have mixed heritage: dad is Southeast Asian, mom is Russian. “Big bone”. The size difference was evident compared to Singaporeans. Was made fun: being bigger “meant” I was not as attractive, athletic as skinny guys.
Went to the library once and sat next to a girl who stood up to sit elsewhere because “I took up too much space”.
Skinny jeans.
Used to listen to K-pop; the boys were skinny. It was tough, couldn’t fit into skinny jeans. Was hard to buy pants. If the waist would fit, the thighs wouldn’t. #thicc
Some people just don’t have thigh gaps. It’s a toxic beauty standard. But we’re moving from it.
Not being able to fit into fashionable clothes made me wonder if I was less attractive than those who could. I felt outcast wearing clothes out of the “norm”.
Shopping.
Now, I wear what I’m comfortable in. Oversized shirts. Drawstrings on the waist and ankles for pants.
When I shop, the S and XS are always sold out, L and XL are available. Is it ironically easier to shop?
Those are still asian L and XL.
Fashion models.
When I was younger I didn’t think about body ideals. Then I realised they were made to be that way, I was being sold an image.
Does size make fashion intimidating?
Yes. I never thought I could be considered attractive.
Body diversity in fashion.
Saw an Instagram ad for an underwear company that featured plus-size models in bra and panties. Was impressed.
T/F: Clothes look better on skinny people.
False.
T/F: Big models distract from the clothes.
False.
T/F: Media doesn’t perpetuate skinniness, people want to see skinniness.
False.
T/F: It is impossible to have media diversity because clothes are produced in sample size for the runway and to be shot by magazines.
False.
T/F: Plus size can never be aspirational.
It can be comforting.
“Fat”.
Personal opinion: It has such a negative connection. People say “I’m chubby, thick”. No one says “I’m fat” proudly. It seems a lazy way to call someone. I don’t think I’m fat, I’m chubby.
Body diversity = obese diversity?
Body diversity means you don’t have to look like the traditional norm. You’re not a monster if you’re obese, but you shouldn’t hurt your body.
Body diversity “panders”.
That’s so negative.
It’s easier to be a big guy than girl.
Yes.
