Does Plus Size Clothing Have an Accessibility Issue? | TCF

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to find clothes that fit curves in-store. It seems that store closing sales are becoming a daily occurrence, not only for mainstream retailers, but also for our stores. As if shopping for plus size clothing was not hard already, we’re losing accessibility to plus size clothing.

Outside of the fact that I need someplace to go to get retail therapy IN PERSON, the brick and mortars saying bye to, well, their brick and mortars is a huge issue in the plus size community. It’s taken us years to get some kind of representation for sizes larger than a 14-16 in your average store, and now the specialty stores that cater to the hips that don’t lie are saying bye.

We can’t go into a store and find more than a wall dedicated to our sizes. For many, this means a loss of the accessibility of plus size clothing.

Sure, there’s online shopping. We have many indie designers that are just a click away, but what about the people who NEED to try before they buy? With vanity sizing, different cuts and fits, trying things on before purchase is a necessary evil (or love, depending on who you are) for many.

How Do We Stop Plus Size Clothing Stores from Becoming Obsolete?

First, Support your local small businesses. This is huge. Put your dollars directly into these storefronts and plus size boutiques that are around you and show them that they’re needed. Go into the stores and take pictures on social media, tagging the brand.

Secondly, make your voice heard. Sure, social media is great for sharing gorgeous pictures of your cutest outfits, but it’s also a way to amplify your voice, challenge brands and retailers to give us more, and to hold them accountable. You have the opportunity to reach people in ways we didn’t have before.

Lastly, when indie plus size brands come out to do pop-up shops or vend at events, show up and shop. This is the chance to support, and even if you don’t find anything that is your style, being there to show support and give the brand a shout-out can go a long way.

While Target is expanding its plus sizes in store, and Nordstrom is dedicating more to inclusion with the brands they carry. Even ELOQUII is slowly opening up retail spots, but is this enough?

Opening up a brick-and-mortar store is not easy. A significant amount of money, time, and investment is required to create a store, regardless of its type. However, one that supports the plus size industry can be even more difficult, as shopping has become such an online must.

This summer, as you travel, do your research beforehand to see if there are any plus-size brick-and-mortar stores or pop-up events happening during your stay. You might just find your new favorite brand.

What are your thoughts on our stores losing their storefronts? What suggestions do you have to make our sizes more accessible to us? Do you see the closing of these stores as a loss of accessibility to plus size clothing?

Let’s hear your voices!