The term mid size fashion seems to be everywhere you look online at the moment. But where did it come from and what does it mean?
In short, mid size fashion is a term used to describe those who are neither petite or plus size. It was coined to bring representation to those who fall in between the two categories.
What Size is Considered Mid Size?
A relatively new phrase, there is no set definition of what clothes sizes are considered mid size. However, it is generally accepted that anyone who falls between a UK size 10-18, or US size 6 to 14, is considered mid size.
While the average clothes size in the UK is a 16, there is very little recognition of mid size body types by retailers. We all know what a petite body looks like, and most what plus size figures look like. Furthermore, the fashion industry tends to ignore those who fall between those two categories.
What is Mid Size Fashion?
Anushka Moore launched Mid Size Collective on Instagram back in July 2018 as a way to connect mid size women who struggle to see representation of their body type. Since then the account has grown to over 35,000 followers, and inspired hundreds of content creators along the way.
The beginning of a movement, the term mid size has since been adopted by both influencers and their audiences alike. It brings a sense of empowerment and inclusion to a group of women who have previous been ignored by the fashion industry.
Further opening up the conversation about body confidence, the term mid size has also created a new space for women to share their journeys. The term is used mostly on social media, however magazines like Who What Wear and The Everygirl have recently covered the topic too.
Related reading: 11 Mid Size Fashion Instagram Influencers You Need To Follow Now
Recognising Mid Size Privilege
Have you ever been trying on clothes in a fitting room and the biggest size didn’t fit? It’s heart breaking and enraging all at the same time. Now imagine shopping the high street when most of the stores don’t make your size.
While being mid size comes with it’s own set of disadvantages, by the same token it is important to remember that we still have privilege. Granted, we may not see our body type represented very often in the media, but ultimately we don’t suffer the stigma our plus size sisters do either.
It is important to realise we do not receive hate for simply existing in our bodies. This is to say we are not frequently told we must loose weight, or branded as ‘unhealthy’ by strangers online.
While there may not be as much representation of mid size bodies, there is even less for people of colour, the disabled, LGBTQ+ or those who are plus sized. There is even less for those who intersect one or more of those categories.
Giving Credit to the Body Positivity Movement
As well as recognising our privilege, it is also important to give credit to the original body positivity movement.
Without it there would not be a mid size community. While creating more space for women to love their bodies is amazing, it is vital to keep the voices of those who made it possible in the foreground.
Body positivity was started by black women in the 1960’s, before moving to social media in 2012. The rise of influencers like Gabi Fresh and Nicolette Mason paved the way for mid size influencers to spread body confidence to new audiences today.
We must make sure that the voices of those who founded body positivity are not lost as the movement grows. We can do this by learning more about the history of body positivity, and vitally by support content created by plus size black women.
Related reading: LINK GOES HERE
5 Black Plus Size Influencers To Follow Now
1/ Stephanie Yeboah
2/ Nyome Nicholas-Williams
3/ Olivia Campbell
4/ Enam Asiama
5/ Simone Mariposa
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