see it clearly
Plus Size Fashion Advice For Younger Women
Plus size younger women make up a huge share of the market but it is still difficult to find hip, fashionable clothes in larger sizes.
Plus size teenagers and younger women face a particular challenge finding fresh and fashionable clothing in their sizes. In recent years, retail stores have begun to offer a much better selection of clothing for larger women, but have yet to catch up with hip clothing for younger plus sized women. In fact, there are very few stores that cater specifically to this market despite the fact that over 60 percent of American women are considered to be plus sized, and these women are spending in excess of $25 billion dollars a year. They’ve got the money, they just don’t have a place to spend it.
While older women tend to be less affected by trends, teenagers want to dress like their peers or young women that they see on TV. They want the latest fashion but when they go to shop for them, are discouraged by a junior size rack that ends at size 15. Sure, there are clothes in the woman’s department, but frequently, those styles are not acceptable to a younger woman. Many of the styles in the woman’s department are simply too mature for a teenager or have features such as elastic waists that are a turn-off to the younger shopper. One national chain that caters to women size 14 and up has concentrated on freshening up its image in recent years, and as a result, is offering much more fashionable apparel for women of all ages. But there are very few stores specializing in larger sizes, and for the most part, plus size women really have to work at finding clothes that suit their personalities and life styles.
Historically, the plus size department is tucked away in the back corner of a department store, and not easy to find. Teenagers, who are self-conscious about their bodies to begin with, are mortified to be seen seeking out the woman’s department, and often leave the store frustrated and upset. There is hope on the horizon, however. Larger discount stores are now offering a much wider range of sizes in clothing for juniors. It is not unusual, for instance, to find the same style of jeans ranging from size 2 to 20 on the same rack. The selection may not be vast, but a plus size teen can pick up fashion basics in these stores including bathing suits, capris, shorts, tank tops, tee shirts, and active wear.
Additionally, a new trend is beginning to develop in better department stores to include a “junior plus” section catering to younger women in sizes 16 to 24. These designs include all the same fashions that are available in the smaller sizes, including cropped pants, illustrated tee shirts, short skirts, and flirty dresses. Another growing trend is for better stores to offer the exact same styles for all women and not separate plus sizes from standard sizes. This is particularly encouraging for younger women who no longer have to search out the larger sizes in a separate department. Once more stores institute this philosophy, teenagers can all shop together within the same department. For larger women of all ages, the Internet offers a staggering variety of clothing from which to choose. There are hundreds of sites featuring hip, young clothing in larger sizes, including all the basics, and with a wide range of quality and price.
For online shopping, however, it is important to pay careful attention to measurements since sizing is not consistent from one brand to another. An XL may mean 14-16 in one store, and 18-20 in another. Check bust, hip and waist sizes on anything you plan to purchase online or in a catalog. Plus size teens and younger women need to make their voices heard. If you have difficulty finding clothes that you love in your size, complain to the department and store managers. Visit the store's website and write to corporate headquarters.
Conversely, if you find a store that is doing a good job in providing an acceptable selection of sizes and styles, make sure to let them know this, and support that store by shopping there and telling your friends to shop there as well. Certainly, there is strength in numbers, and the more people understand the needs of plus size women, the more options will become available.
Author: Donna Reynolds
About Author: Donna Reynolds is a freelance writer based in Syracuse, NY, specializing in writing informational articles for the web. She has a degree in English from the University of Rhode Island, and is continuing her education at Syracuse University.