Fashion is a means of expression that holds no bounds and follows zero rules. It is one of the most visual ways to showcase one’s personality and show it off to the masses. When it comes to the current state of the curve/plus-size fashion industry, it is fair to say that there are more “choices” than ever before, but there is still a long way to go to achieve true inclusivity all across the board.
There are still size standards that should be met but are not readily available to the public, which is truly a shame. So what direction would we like to see fashion go in the year 2022?
TCF Style took a moment to ask some of today’s rising curve/plus-size creatives about what they would like to see in this new year.
We Ask Today’s Rising Plus Size Creatives What They’d Like To See From The Fashion Industry in 2022
Kayana Rich (Spiritual Healer x Entrepreneur)
"I would love to see more 'High Fashion' cater to all sizes of Women. The models on the runway, although they push the envelope with being "Plus" size in my opinion, still don't represent the 'everyday woman.'
It is important that the fashion industry represents all aspects of the female body, not just the more 'visually pleasing.'
High fashion, Streetwear, all these categories can still look amazing on various body sizes.
We shouldn't have to shop for men's clothing or pay twice the amount to get something that is accessible and cheaper for those who wear smaller sizes."
Shayla Card-Nowlin (Poet)
"I really shouldn't need therapy from retail therapy. Yet, for many women like myself, we have to deal with rejection from our favorite brands, trends, and anything fashion-related that we may enjoy.
We are often told that a new collection of pieces will be available soon….. as in a few weeks, months or when the designer may feel our demographic is worth investing in.
I am looking forward to a future where plus size people aren't forced to wear last season's clothes because we weren't considered in the new season.
We should be remembered, and designers should remember that the whole fashion line isn't complete if WE AREN'T INCLUDED.
I fantasize about the reality where the plus size model on the website looks like someone I know. Often, the person modeling plus size clothing will still have a slimmer waist compared to their chest and hips, almost as if the brand still wants to push the 'hourglass' beauty standard.
I want to see how an outfit looks on different types of plus sized figures, and not just the one deemed the most' brandable.'"
Grace Edwards (Model – One Management Curve)
"I think that a lot of curvy/plus-sized women feel that they have to stay within the realms of what society says we should dress like, but I want to see more and more women wearing WHATEVER they want.
I'm talking print mixing, layering, not being afraid of doing an entirely oversized outfit in the same way a straight-sized girl would, whatever!
I love seeing curvy women coming out of feeling like they have to dress in non-revealing, dull clothing, but I hate how much society expects so many bigger women to stand to be over-sexualized even though they're wearing the same amount of clothing as their size-6 counterparts.
For many generations, curvy and plus-sized women (specifically curvy Black women) have been the unrecognized trendsetters.
I encourage and anticipate these women getting the recognition they deserve by wearing whatever the fuck they want, with no one in their ear, and look fine as hell doing so!
I think fat women in fashion are about to shake up the industry forever by dressing however TF they want!"
Caesar (Creator of Capri’s Apothecary and Curator for “Shea Butter Pillow Talk”)
"I’d like to see truly chubby and fat women. Not flat stomach thick women. People with bellies. Big women without big butts.
I’d also like to see us have more cool basics and simple clothing. The need for florals all over plus sized clothing is bizarre as hell.
Aside from this, more brands that aren’t fast-fashion need to take stronger initiative to make more inclusive sizing and be TRUE to that sizing.
Big people wear actual denim, we don’t need to keep forcing stretch denim or jeggings on us anymore."
Klarke Foreman (Fashion Model)
"What I would like to see in fashion in 2022 is an increase in inventory in our local retail stores.
What I've always found a bit odd was how stores carry a plus line, but it's pretty limited in-store with a bit more variety online.
Online shopping has never been my favorite thing to do. With that being said, it sucks when I see so many cute pieces in my favorite stores, but they are all out of XL, because they only received 2-3 pieces in stock.
Considering my love for in-person shopping, the worst is hearing 'we're all out but we can place an order for you,' because who wants to try it on at home and return it if it doesn't work out?! (My returns never make it back to the store by the way—if you know, you know). MORE SELECTIONS IN 2022, PLEASE! The girls are begging for this change."
Smoove (Creator of Shades by Smoove)
"As a plus-size woman & not a curvy woman, I’d like brands to know there is a difference. Thick & fat are not the same things, lol.
I’d absolutely love to see brands embrace bigger-bellied women & put us in clothing that makes us feel our prettiest.
Materials that let us breathe and flow as freely as we’d like. No corny sayings on our tees like “Taco Tuesday!” We are also humans. These are our bodies.
We deserve to feel so beautiful to the point where we’re smiling so hard our cheeks hurt. Fashion is making its way."
Maraki Lotto (Music Producer and Part-Owner of Village Coffee House)
"I would love love love for us to be included, EVERYWHERE, not just fast fashion.
These designers should start making things not only our size but also fashion that cater to our curvy body types. More flattering, more eccentric, I think I just want to see them all take it to the next level.
We are the blueprint; we are divine feminist. So let’s include all of our gorgeous bodies and curves into fashion more 2022!"
Jasmine Marie (fFashion Model)
"I have many changes I’d like to see with fashion in 2022 in regards to plus-size fashion. Many, many. But honestly? What I’m really looking forward to in 2022 is brands designing the EXACT same pieces for straight AND plus sizes. Thick, bulky straps will not be added for no reason and cold shoulders will be gone.
I feel like when brands change the designs of pieces for plus sizes it ostracizes us even more.
Make XXS – 5XL+ the standard, not a big deal. We want the same cute, trendy clothes as our straight-sized peers, without the hassle or change in design.
It’s time. It’s been time."
Cheyenne Diamond (Fat Model and Creator of #FattySpaces via Twitter Spaces)
"As we journey into 2022, I hope that we continue to make inclusivity a trend, and companies continue to expand their sizing and make them available for everyone under the plus size spectrum.
I am looking forward to seeing more of a 70s influence to fashion with styles and flare pants coming back.
Crossing my fingers that we can see more velvet, suede, higher slits in the right areas, and ruching that's flattering in all of the right places."
Nurd (Neo-Soul Artist)
"What I would like to see for fashion regarding plus-size/curvy women is to REALLY give us fashion. Yes, now that there is a trend of inclusion. We have more options, but I personally feel like they try to give us what smaller women have and act like it's a milestone.
However, we love an exclusive look too! We are looking to be fashion icons as well. Also, just like there are variations of smaller women? There are also variations of curvier women.
We come in all shapes and figures, and it would be nice for us to have more specifications, especially if you are in between the 'standard' size and plus-size like I am. More customization is needed!"
Fierce and affirming?❤
These women have spoken for all of us. I also want more variety, but most of all I am sick & tired of paying more than straight sized people for the same item. Designers need to keep in mind the older plus sized woman. I’m 57 years old but don’t intend to dress frumpy like my Meemaw did.