Fashion is a form of creative expression that should be available to everyone regardless of shape or size. Body positivity is a powerful concept that is becoming more and more popular, and through it, people are embracing all body types with pride. From conversations about inclusivity to trendy fashion pieces designed for all shapes and sizes, it’s inspiring to see the impact of body positivity on the fashion industry. This article will explore how body positivity is changing the face of fashion, and how we can all take action to celebrate all body types.
1. Embracing Unique Body Types: The Rise of Fashion and Body Positivity
The fashion industry is no stranger to criticism—with body image at the forefront. For too long, fashion has been a medium that favors a narrow definition of beauty for its models. In recent years, however, there has been a shift toward anchoring fashion in a more inclusive vision of beauty. In this post, we’ll explore the rise of fashion and body positivity, and how designers are embracing unique body types.
One of the significant markers of this newfound inclusivity is a move away from ideals of a single “perfect” body type. Increasingly, fashion is being seen as an opportunity for individuals of all sizes and shapes to express themselves, as opposed to adhering to a particular silhouette.
Designers Accommodating Non-Traditional Sizes
More and more, we’re seeing fashion designers create pieces to accommodate wider sizes. This provides options for people that used to feel excluded from mainstream fashion. Now, larger sizes are much more commonplace in traditional fashion lines.
- A recent example of a designer accommodating non-traditional sizes is Christian Siriano.
- His diverse runway shows at New York Fashion Week spoke to his commitment to inclusion in fashion.
- Other designers, such as Michael Kors, are now introducing extended sizes.
Influencers Promoting Body Positivity
At the same time as brands are recognizing the need for inclusivity, influencers are helping to drive the message of body positivity. Not only are these influencers showing how to style bodies that are not the traditional model size, but they are also embracing and celebrating their unique shapes.
- Instagram influencers like Iskra Lawrence and Ashley Graham, who both advocate for body positivity, have gained followings in the millions.
- Their campaigns, such as the AerieREAL movement, are further proof of how far the conversation around body positivity has come.
- Social media has been instrumental in creating a platform for these influencers to reach an even broader audience.
The rise of fashion and body positivity affirms the long-overdue idea that all bodies are beautiful. As designers and influencers continue to create a safe space to embrace unique body types, the fashion industry can only hope to become more diverse and accepting.
2. Challenging Unrealistic Beauty Standards: Reshaping the Fashion Industry
The fashion industry has, for far too long, set ludicrous standards of beauty that just a fraction of the population can cope with. The pressure put on women to look a certain way, to match unrealistic ideals or unachievable physical standards, has led to devastating mental and societal ramifications. It’s time for the fashion industry to rise to the challenge of shifting these standards and be the driving force in the reshaping of society’s beauty ideal.
Women often feel inadequate when presented with these impossible ideals. Narrow references of beauty drive women to take extreme measures to fit into them, leading to overexercising, starvation, and even life-threatening plastic surgery. It’s time for the fashion industry to look beyond superficial beauty and portray holistic values. A good starting point is casting models of different sizes, shapes, races, and gender expressions. This will go a long way in providing an inclusive and diverse idea of beauty.
Fashion is not meant to be just attractive to look at. At its best, fashion is a current and sharp societal commentary, a tool of communication, and a liberator of constraints. Designers, marketers, fashion influencers, and the media must use fashion to eliminate ideals such as perfection, sameness, powerlessness, and even worthlessness. It can be the gateway to deliver meaningful messages that demonstrate self-confidence and show that one can be beautiful without compromising their health.
The fashion industry can also lead by example by training professionals and reinforce sustainability, fairness, and accountability in their production lines. A shift in these directions may shake up the industry but it’s a necessary and healthy one. By supporting local businesses, manufacturers, communities, and charity initiatives, the fashion industry can use its reach and public appeal to fight for important causes and promote healthier and fairer values.
The fashion industry has a responsibility to go beyond surface-level standards of beauty and portray a broader and inclusive version of beauty. From celebrating uniqueness and championing body positivity to encouraging sustainable practices, the fashion world has the power to be an agent of positive change. Fashion can create an environment that fosters self-love and acceptance, where individuals are lauded for features far more significant than a number on a dress size. And that’s a future we can look forward to.
3. Celebrating the Power of Self-Acceptance & Self-Love
Self-acceptance & self-love have become two of the most powerful mindsets in recent years. To put in simple words, it is about embracing and valuing yourself no matter what, flaws and all. It is about being compassionate enough with yourself to understand that you are perfectly imperfect and that is okay.
Know & Accept who you are
The road of self-acceptance is a never-ending journey, but if you take the time to get to know yourself better, loving yourself will eventually become much easier. Take one step at a time. First, start with identifying the good, bad, and neutral aspects of yourself so that you can determine what you would like to work on. There is no need to be harsh on yourself. Remember, this is a process that should account for your own well-being.
Create a self-care routine
Without loving and taking care of yourself, you may find yourself lost, frustrated, and exhausted. This is why creating a self-care routine should be your priority. Set aside time for yourself every day to do something that you truly enjoy, whether it is going for a jog, listening to music, reading, cooking, or engaging in some other form of personal growth. Personal development can help you to work on the aspects of yourself that you may not be comfortable with.
Focus on the positives
When life starts to get overwhelming, it is easy to forget all the amazing things you have obtained or accomplished. Thus, it is essential to focus on the positives for rewarding yourself and feeling more content. Here are some simple ideas for self-recognition:
- Write down your specific achievements into a list.
- Share your success with your loved ones.
- Treat yourself with something special.
- Acknowledge yourself for taking on a challenge.
Be gentle & kind
The most fundamental component of self-acceptance & self-love is being gentle and kind to yourself. We all make mistakes and slip up every now and then. That is part of being human. Treat yourself with the same respect and compassion that you give to others.
4. Stepping Into the Light: Showcasing Inclusive Beauty & Diversity
Stepping into the light is a powerful way to celebrate inclusivity and beauty in all of its glorious forms. By championing diversity, we can create a more tolerant and accepting world. After all, everyone can appreciate a little beauty now and then.
Leading the Charge for Diversity and Inclusion
At the forefront of the movement towards inclusivity, many brands – both in the beauty and fashion worlds – are now focusing on representing an all-encompassing range of beauty. From nurturing emerging models of diverse backgrounds to stocking brands that directly cater to the needs of diverse customers, the industry is seeing a refreshing change.
This year saw fashion houses Public School and Prabal Gurung open up their runway shows to models of all sizes, backgrounds and disabilities – from plus-size modelling to wheelchair-users. This kind of inclusion is breaking boundaries and proving that beauty comes in many shapes, sizes and forms.
Celebrating All Types of Beauty
Rather than subscribing to a one-dimensional view of beauty, the fashion and beauty worlds are embracing differences. From recognising hijabis in fashion campaigns to stocking a range of makeup shades for all skin tones, these initiatives are helping to tear down conventions and give individuals a platform to express who they are.
In line with this, more brands are creating comprehensive makeup shade ranges and collections that celebrate different skin tones, eye colours and features. No longer restricted to the status quo, customers can now find the perfect items and don an expression that is unique to them.
Endorsing Empowerment and Confidence
When we proudly display the beauty of accepting our differences, we are saying yes to empowerment. To showcase every shape, size, gender, identity and disability is to encourage everyone to embrace themselves and their uniqueness.
From affirming messages in fashion campaigns to images of representing our most natural state, the beauty industry is pushing boundaries and making space for us to love the skin we’re in. With love, diversity and acceptance comes a special kind of confidence that can only be celebrated.
Fashion has come a long way in promoting body positivity, and it is a cause worth celebrating. Every single body type is unique and has its own beauty – and it’s time to recognize that beauty and love ourselves for who we are, no matter our size, shape, or clothing preferences. After all, we only get to make this one life look beautiful – why not love our bodies and make it count?
