I’ve been thinking recently; why are we (by ‘we’ I mean plus size women) so ashamed of showing our rolls and curves?
Where does this disdain for the flow and curve of your body come from? It’s a question I often grapple with. Why did it take me so long to feel like I ‘belong’ in a swimsuit? As if being skinny were some prerequisite for it.
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For most of us, we were raised that way, because our moms were raised that way, because their moms were raised that way.
I remember when I was little, most of my 11 aunts were overweight. Over holidays, we would travel with them. When time by the pool or a swim at the beach came around, my aunts would suit up like their lives depended on it.
Shorts no shorter than the knee, and huge baggy t-shirts that would balloon up in the water, which ended up making the Douglases look like inflatables, bobbling on.
I found myself thinking that surely, you must feel even more odd paddling off into the water with a full outfit on, rather than just wearing a cozzi?
My young mind was yet to be plagued by the world of bodily insecurities. Little did I know, I would be just like my aunts someday. Covering up every aspect of my curves because ‘it looks funny to have such a big tummy with this outfit,’ or avoiding skirts and shorts completely, because the cellulite on my legs would ‘obviously’ repel everyone around me.
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It took a long time to reverse the way I thought about my body and ‘plus size’ women in general. My perspective was unhealthy. If there was another woman in the crowd who was bigger than me, I’d be relieved I wasn’t the ‘heaviest’ around. I would limit myself to style or fashion I admired, thinking I was ‘too big’ to rock anything too revealing.
I share this now, knowing that there are women out there who feel exactly the same way I used to feel. You hide yourself away, and you limit yourself from experiencing life in moments where it requires you to shed those layers and undress a little, be free! Both mentally and physically.
It took me a while, and my confidence isn’t always consistent, but I’ve found ways of changing my perspective on my body, for the better. It all started with looking at other plus size or curvy women, who do confidently embrace their curves, rolls, cellulite and double chins!
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Reframe your perspective
As size inclusivity has started to grow in fashion over the last few years, we’ve seen an increase of plus size models make waves in the industry. Some fashion retailers now have entire clothing sections catered for the plus size woman.
This is one of the first instances where I became inspired to seek out a style and make it my own. Seeing models rock these edgy outfits, curves and all, made me think, “oh wait, maybe there is a chance for me!”
When you consume content that frames the plus size woman positively, your brain will soak it up. I would encourage plus size ladies who struggle with confidence to find other plus size style icons on social media who they look up to, or are inspired by. The more you see that kind of content, the more your perspective will shift to be more inclusive of your own size.
Some of our favourite local plus size icons
Charlize Christina
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Candice Manuel
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Junette Syster
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Tracey-Lee Lusty
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Denise Mercedes
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Lee Bex
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Feature Image: Instagram / @fitnessgirl_za
