The History of Just My Size: How the Plus Size Retailer Has Held Us Down for Decades

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While it’s true many retailers have jumped on the plus size fashion bandwagon, we must highlight how one of our OG allies has succeeded in its years-long mission of providing premium clothing for larger bodies. This is the history of Just My Size and its impactful contributions to The Curvy Committee. Still, to this very day, that remains.

If you didn’t know, Just My Size (a HanesBrands Inc. company) first burst onto the scene in the 1980s, introducing comfortable hosiery for the full-figured female through its parent corporation’s phenomenon, L’eggs. The now-empire accumulated massive success, as its advertisement enticingly showcased voluptuous women confidently sporting the pantyhose from the dollar store to the dance floor. Although its target audience was pleased with the opportunity to purchase tightness-free undergarments, the TV campaigns proved to be quite controversial.

At the time, fat representation in fashion arenas wasn’t as heard of as it is in modern-day, but the history of Just My Size’s competitive marketing changed the narrative and set a (very) high standard for plus size wear.

The History of Just My Size — How the Company Set Itself Apart 

A tiresome day through the hallways of your local high school or behind the walls of your nine-to-five was usually accompanied by catalog browsing to take the edge off at home. With Just My Size, we were able to open its newest shopping pamphlet and place orders directly from the sofa on the chair we’d sat on the sidewalk to people-watch. In these booklets was a roster of Hanes-produced subdivisions, such as L’eggs, Just My Size’s expanded collection of lingerie, Bali, Glamorise, and Playtex.

Many of us chubbier individuals fell in love with the endless possibilities of panties, bras, shapers, pajamas, and day-to-day pieces layered from page to page–products that accurately catered to curves and promoted the idea of loving yourself where and how you are. Thus, picking up pocketbooks to break the bank for items just our size was considered a delicacy.

As the years progressed, so did the catalog’s inventory. Just My Size’s jeans became a huge hit for those tired of squaring up with pant zippers or (unpleasantly) having to stuff their extra rolls and love handles into rough material. By the 2000s, the fabric alone had crowds cluttering the business’ display at Walmart, a then-uber-successful hub for the apparel giant. Those on every end of the heavier scale were granted their wishes to find everything from intimates to swimsuits–regardless of their physique’s makeup. Not only did Just My Size have various frame types in mind, but the enterprise offered a wide range of colors and sizes.

Per their website, Just My Size (seemingly) goes up to 6X. Flaunting a seamless, support module, the brand is recognized among the big leagues and is available online or offline at its department-store carriers.

In conclusion, it’s safe to say that Just My Size will always be remembered as a plus size girl’s one-stop shop. It quickly became in high demand for its aim to supply ALL of our needs. This sensational sales pitch (paired with the maker’s ability to evolve with time) earned them a legendary title in more ways than one.

They understood a bigger woman’s body and what we required to feel sexy… and seen. To our first and forever best friend, Just My Size, thank you for designing for us during a period when many were against us. Thank you for considering the simple fact that we truly are all made differently, with numerous silhouettes that are just as deserving to look good as the next.

Did you know about the history of Just My Size? What was the first thing you purchased from Just My Size? How did it make you feel? Let us know in the comments below!