Again, bigger media outlets are focusing on larger sizes when they discuss body diversity. Yesterday, a Jezebel post about a protest in San Francisco outside a Victoria’s Secret store zeroed in on larger people (even if they did mention all sizes, including short and smaller framed people) in their post. This was especially true in the comments. While yes, there are probably more people on the larger side of the spectrum than smaller-framed, one also has to remember that Victoria’s Secret is not exactly known for their smaller sizing, either. Walk into any store and ask for, say, a 28 or 30 band and you’ll likely get eye rolls. Sure, there are a few sizes online or at PINK, but who, over the age of 25 would want to shop there? That store is caters to teenagers (and maybe someone in her early 20s), not grown women.
Size diversity should mean exactly that – ALL DIFFERENT SIZES
As I’ve said over and over again, size diversity really needs to pay equal attention to all size issues. It may be difficult for larger people to understand, but not all small people fit neatly into the smallest sizes store sell. And as I’ve said over and over again, not all things can be altered. And why should we have to get lingerie altered, anyway? It’s so…weird. And if larger women are allowed to protest and ask for sizing that fits THEM, why can’t the small? Because we can “fix” it at a tailor?
The bra size issue isn’t only about being able to walk into a mainstream, North American store to pick out a bra. It’s other clothing as well. A well-known, Montreal-based clothing store has a “determine your size with our brand” page on its website where it not only asks for your height and body type, but more specific stats, including bra size. The smallest size you can choose from is 32A. So what happens if you’re a 30C? Sure, you can probably pick 32B, which is an “equivalent” size, but it isn’t as accurate. Rather than a drop-down menu, they should have used text boxes where people could fill in their size.
It’s unfortunate that size activists seem to only advocate one way and not the other. I thought they were supposed to be about diversity. Diversity seems to only go one way according to most mainstream organizations and media outlets.
