The rise of plus-size fashion options
Until recently, plus-size shoppers were looking at a level of clothing selection that never existed before. Many people, including the author, have access to items they once gave up, including bikini, elegant wedding dresses, stylish jeans, linen clothing, matching lingerie, comfortable pajamas and fitted business suits.
The joy and attention of a fashion shift
When the brand began to embrace “all body clothing,” plus-size customers experienced both celebration and hesitation. Plus-size shoppers have long been treated as minority despite being the majority of their US customer base. The author admitted to buying extra clothes, fearing that availability could disappear.
Rare mentality in shopping habits
This fear-based shopping stemmed from the years of fashion exclusion. However, the recent shrinking and closures in the plus-size retail sector only strengthened concerns that this era of expanded options will not last.
Retail stores with real consequences collapse
Major changes include the closure of Torrid 180 stores, plus-size lines for Forever 21, primarily online shifting, and the closure of our beloved comprehensive boutique. These moves mark the dismantling of the revolution that once brought unprecedented visibility to plus-size fashion.
The psychological cost of a lost choice
Fashion psychologist Jennifer Heinen explains that losing these options is like being quietly pushed out of public spaces through smaller racks, reduced size ranges, reduced trends and online-only products. Each change releases the tip with a sense of belonging.
Clothing as an emotional infrastructure
Heinen describes fashion as a “psychological scaffolding” that supports self-expression and emotional well-being. If the options disappear, it becomes more than inconvenient. It causes emotional erosion and shapes how people see themselves and participate in society.
The four psychological effects of exclusion
Heinen identifies four important effects of plus-size retail collapse.
Learned helplessness – giving up shopping due to repeated disappointments.
Iconic Elimination – Elimination of larger bodies from the marketing and retail space.
Identity suppression – Inability to express your true self due to lack of access.
Destabilizing body image – Developing distrust and severity from your body.
Strategies to regain your personal strength
Heinen suggests small, intentional actions, such as wearing your favorite textures or wearing clothes to fit them. These actions can help strengthen identity and self-esteem, even in exclusion systems.
Reconstruct the story
Key shifts in thinking include perceiving industry exclusion from self-condemnation as a real problem. Rituals, cognitive reconstruction, and accepting grief over lost options are all tools to maintain emotional wellbeing.
Praise your body through everyday choices
Simple Habits – Brushing your hair, wearing comforting fabrics, or choosing a colour that will lift you up is an assertion of daily value. As Heinen points out, “You don’t need to love your body to respect it,” and these micropractices help maintain confidence and identity despite the industry’s set-off.
Source: The Curvy Fashionista – thecurvyfashionista.com
