In the world of fashion, terminology matters. The words used to describe body types and clothing sizes can significantly impact how people perceive themselves and others. Two terms that often come up in discussions about body diversity are "curvy" and "plus size." While they are sometimes used interchangeably, they carry different meanings and connotations. Understanding the differences between these terms is crucial for promoting body positivity and inclusivity in fashion. In this blog post, we will explore what "curvy" and "plus size" truly mean, how they are represented in the fashion industry, and why celebrating all body types is essential.
What Does "Curvy" Mean?
The term "curvy" typically refers to a body shape rather than a clothing size. When someone is described as curvy, it usually means that they have an hourglass figure, with a well-defined waist and fuller hips, bust, and thighs. This body type is often associated with femininity and has been idealized in various cultures throughout history.
Curvy women come in all sizes, from petite to plus size. The key characteristic is the proportion and distribution of body weight, rather than the overall size. For instance, a woman with a small waist and larger hips could be considered curvy, even if she wears a size 4 or a size 20. The term "curvy" celebrates the natural shapes and contours of the body, emphasizing the beauty of curves.
In fashion, curvy has become a popular descriptor for clothing lines that cater to women with fuller hips and busts, regardless of their overall size. Brands that use the term "curvy" often aim to create clothing that flatters and enhances these natural curves, offering styles that hug the body in all the right places.
What Does "Plus Size" Mean?
"Plus size," on the other hand, is a term used to describe clothing sizes that are larger than the standard range offered by most retailers. While the exact size range can vary by brand, plus size generally starts at size 14 and goes up from there. In some cases, plus size clothing is designed specifically for women with larger body types, offering more room in areas like the hips, thighs, and bust.
The term "plus size" has been around for decades and was initially coined to describe clothing that catered to women who didn't fit into the traditional size range. However, the term has evolved over time, and there is now a growing movement to reclaim and redefine what plus size means. Many plus-size women are proud of their bodies and want to see themselves represented in fashion, leading to the rise of plus-size fashion influencers, models, and designers.
It's important to note that plus size is not a one-size-fits-all category. Plus-size women come in all shapes, from pear-shaped to apple-shaped to hourglass. The diversity within the plus-size community means that there is no single way to dress or style a plus-size body. This is why many plus-size fashion brands offer a wide range of styles, cuts, and silhouettes to cater to different body types within the plus-size range.
The Intersection of Curvy and Plus Size
While curvy and plus size are distinct terms, there is often an overlap between the two. Many plus-size women identify as curvy, particularly if they have an hourglass figure with a defined waist and fuller hips and bust. In this context, curvy is used to describe the shape of the body, while plus size refers to the clothing size.
However, not all plus-size women are curvy, and not all curvy women are plus size. For example, a woman who wears a size 8 but has an hourglass figure would be considered curvy, but not plus size. Conversely, a woman who wears a size 18 but has a more rectangular or apple-shaped body may not identify as curvy.
This distinction is important because it highlights the diversity of body types within both the curvy and plus-size communities. It also underscores the need for fashion brands to offer a wide range of styles and sizes to cater to different body shapes, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Representation in Fashion
The fashion industry has historically been dominated by narrow beauty standards that excluded many body types, including both curvy and plus size. For years, the idealized body type in fashion was tall, thin, and straight-bodied, leaving little room for curves or larger sizes. However, there has been a significant shift in recent years, driven in part by the body positivity movement and the growing demand for inclusivity in fashion.
Today, like AWESIZE, more fashion brands are embracing diversity and offering clothing for a wider range of body types. Plus-size fashion, in particular, has seen a surge in popularity, with brands like Torrid, Lane Bryant, and Eloquii leading the charge. These brands not only offer extended size ranges but also design clothing specifically for plus-size bodies, taking into account the unique proportions and needs of their customers.
Curvy fashion has also gained traction, with brands like Good American, founded by Khloé Kardashian, offering styles that cater to women with fuller hips and busts. These brands recognize that curvy women want clothing that accentuates their natural shape and provides a comfortable, flattering fit.
The rise of social media has played a crucial role in this shift, giving a platform to plus-size and curvy influencers who are challenging traditional beauty standards and advocating for greater representation in fashion. These influencers have created communities where people can share their style, find inspiration, and connect with others who celebrate body diversity.
The Importance of Language and Terminology
The words we use to describe body types and clothing sizes matter. They can shape our perceptions, influence how we see ourselves, and impact our self-esteem. This is why it's important to understand the differences between terms like "curvy" and "plus size" and use them thoughtfully.
For many people, the term "curvy" carries positive connotations. It celebrates the beauty of natural curves and can be empowering for those who identify with the term. However, it can also be exclusionary if used to describe all plus-size bodies, as not all plus-size individuals have a curvy shape.
On the other hand, "plus size" has historically been stigmatized, often associated with negative stereotypes about weight and body image. However, the term is being reclaimed by many in the plus-size community who are proud of their bodies and want to see themselves represented in fashion. By using "plus size" as a neutral, descriptive term, rather than a pejorative one, we can help to reduce the stigma and promote a more inclusive view of body diversity.
Celebrating All Body Types
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to celebrate and embrace all body types, whether curvy, plus size, or otherwise. Fashion should be about self-expression, confidence, and feeling good in your own skin. Everyone deserves to have access to clothing that fits well, flatters their body, and makes them feel amazing.
For fashion brands, this means offering a diverse range of sizes, styles, and cuts that cater to different body types. It also means using inclusive language and representation in marketing and advertising, so that people of all shapes and sizes can see themselves reflected in the fashion industry.
For individuals, it means embracing your unique body and finding ways to express your personal style, whether that involves curvy fashion, plus-size fashion, or something else entirely. The more we celebrate and support body diversity, the more we can create a fashion landscape that is truly inclusive and empowering for everyone.
Final Words
The terms "curvy" and "plus size" are both important in the conversation about body diversity and inclusivity in fashion. While they have different meanings, they intersect in ways that highlight the diversity of body types and the need for more inclusive fashion options. By understanding and celebrating these differences, we can help to create a fashion industry that is more inclusive, empowering, and reflective of the diverse beauty of all bodies.
