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The fashion industry vs. the plus-size gal

Does prejudice exist in the fashion industry? Well, duh! Of course it does. Any but the most naive know that the fashion industry is fraught with prejudice and messages defining beauty. Sadly, those who must buy clothing above a size 8 are considered "plus sized". For those of us who've never fit in these sizes, the message is: you are hideously ugly and don't deserve to have nice clothing. The message is sent in the type of fashion available, the sizes available and even the lack of clothing, other than "tent wear" with huge flowers on it, available at all.

Part of the prejudice against the plus-size beauty involves cost. Until recently, fewer gals fit into the real plus size category, therefore, fewer buyers existed. This is no longer true, and things have certainly improved since my younger years, but it continues to be a problem. Larger outfits mean extra costs; they also mean trying to come up with styles that flatter the heavier figure, especially when plus-size gals come in many shapes and sizes. Those who have the pear shape often need different styles than the apple shape. Those with the fat "apron" often need even different clothing to make them look good. Because these clothes just don't exist, or cost too much, you often see women with their fat hanging out that would not do so if she had the resources to look better.

Prejudice in the fashion industry often continues because the plus-size woman believes the lies she's told and quietly suffers the humiliation of not looking her best because she has no real choice. Because she believes the lies, she accepts what stores offer, and the exaggerated costs, without complaining or expecting the fashion industry to offer realistic choices. If more people would add their voice, the fashion industry, or at least parts of it, might listen in and offer more to the plus-size person. Through comment cards, email, snail mail or a phone call, the plus-size beauty can let the manufacturers of plus-size clothing know what she needs, what she wants and what she expects from those who want her continued business. Threatening the pocketbook often works wonders if enough people stand together.

As a plus-size gal myself, I had to learn to speak up at the store where I buy my clothing. They stopped carrying my size because they claimed no one bought it. I buy them - when I can find them that is! This size goes quickly whenever it comes in, so I have to assume I'm not the only one who

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