It is a debate which has been raging for several years. Do plus size clothes for teens encourage obesity? It is not easy to find plus size clothes for plus size teens but some retailers have been making the effort over the last couple of years such as retailers Target and Forever 21. Yet whenever similar lines are promoted a torrid of criticism follows saying that such fashions are purely encouraging teen obesity.
But surely, all teenagers are entitled to be able to find flattering and fashionable clothes that fit. It is hard enough being a teen, even harder being an overweight teen, without having the confidence knocked out of you more for not being able to find the latest trends that fit. And let’s face it, being up to date with the latest trends is a teenage obsession, there is no getting away from that!
Forever 21+ plus size teen fashion
So, what do you think? Does plus size clothing for plus size teens promote obesity? That is what the organization National Action Against Obesity think: “When you look at the human cost, what we’re doing is we’re on the Titanic and rather than forcing our children into the lifeboat, we’re telling them to join the band. Worrying about fashion rather than worrying about the food is a horrible message that we’re sending these kids.” Some people think that plus size teens wanting trendier clothes in smaller size are a motivator to lose weight.
Plus size model, author, and campaigner Emme argues: “I completely disagree that these lines are promoting obesity. You need to wear clothes to look cool at school. You need to wear clothes to be present in life. And when everybody else has fashion, you should, too.” She also says: “Could you imagine taking away all of the clothes for thinner women and saying, ‘Sorry, you’re too thin. You can’t have that.’ It doesn’t make sense.”
Tell us what you think. Are plus size teens fashion promoting obesity or are they simply ensuring fashion is inclusive, not exclusive?
For plus size teen fashion visit www.forever21.com
Read this older CNN article from 2009 which talks about the launch of Faith 21: Fashion stretches to fit plus-size teens
And related article from Jezebel: Big Problems Arise With Plus-Size Clothing For Teens
Congrats on your blog!
Well I was a big teen 15 years ago and I wish I’d had the chance to wear nice clothes. It’s bad enough being overweight, without adding the humiliation of having to wear ugly clothes. Nowadays I haven’t lost the weight, but finding plus size clothes is much easier and affordable, and it has done wonders for my self-perception and confidence, therefore I feel great and it has probably saved me years of therapy
People, including teens, are naturally all shapes and sizes and to say plus size clothes for teens is encouraging obesity reveals a whole world of ignorance and misunderstanding.
http://www.beautifulmagazine.co.uk/body-image/
It’s the exact opposite! Finding great clothes to fit and flatter the body you have, and finding athletic clothes to fit ENCOURAGE a positive outlook, overall health, and may lead many young women to reasonable exercise and eating plans, which may include size/weight reduction and better health.
I wasn’t the largest teen, not plus-size, but I was often in the biggest straight size and teased and felt awful about my large frame. I gained weight in my twenties and spent the next 20 years trying to cobble together a decent wardrobe in sizes 16W-20W.
I’m now a 16 and I attribute my own size reduction to finally finding some gorgeous clothes that fit and flattered me beautifully, along with great workout wear in my size. I’m proof that looking and feeling great only makes someone want to look and feel even better!