Blazing the trails for women looking to embrace their shape without compromising style
With Western style making a mainstream debut, our industry’s wares are being displayed on a large stage, in front of a diverse audience. With more demand comes a need for more product, and a conversation about garment sizing and quality. While the conversation around size inclusivity has been ramping up, some Western retailers have already taken the initiative to cater to their customers by stocking sizes beyond Small, Medium and Large. Alongside the rise of size inclusivity in the Western fashion scene, plus size Western influencers have also risen. They are blazing the trails for women looking to embrace their shape without compromising style.
We asked a few of these influencers for their recommendations on where to buy stylish, on-trend plus size Western fashion as well as their perspective on the state of the industry. Scroll down to hear their thoughts:
HANNAH HOGNER
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“Once you get into the sizing of plus sized women, you are faced with so many different shapes and sizes. [I] have started to see and hear of big brands trying to revamp their plus size pieces; Let me tell you, some are starting to nail it! I am so grateful for that, not only because I love our Western vibe but I also help style other women who truly want a Western cut jean, or the outfit size 6 ladies are rocking; Not just an oversized top with some jeans that sag and bag over time.
I know plus size fashion has taken some time to come to the forefront as far as trendy pieces, but remember that great things are worth waiting for. For the plus-size and curvy women: remember to rock what you’ve got. Confidence is literally the key to any great outfit!
Shopping Recommendations: Rock & Roll Denim , Roper Apparel
KAMALIA KAY
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“I've been a [straight] size model as well as a plus size model, and I can definitely tell you things are harder. Instead of shopping small, I have to go to bigger businesses and just put my Western flare on things. The thing that keeps me going is the impact I have and the responses I’m getting! Women don’t stop at a size large and they still want to look and feel good about themselves.
Why should I be limited to oversized t-shirts and shapeless dresses because I'm built differently? The Western industry definitely needs to step it up with plus size clothing. It’s coming and it’s happening but it’s definitely a slow process.”
Shopping Recommendation: Lil Bees Bohemian
MACKENZIE KIMBRO
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"Here are a few tips for success:
1 – DON’T be afraid to shop. Trying on clothes used to be SO nerve-wracking simply because not everything fit right, and I thought that meant there was something wrong with ME. Remember – not all bodies are created equally, and neither are clothes! Keep an open mind to different ways to wear pieces and don’t let the numbers on the tags bog you down! They don’t define you, the personal style you portray to the world does!
"The fashion industry has embraced the fact that not all women are created equal, but we all deserve to dress confidently, live life to the fullest - and look good doing it!"
Shopping Recommendations: Woolies Quality Clothiers, Ranch Gypsy Trading Co., Rodeo Quincy
Feeling inspired? Here are a few of our picks for extended size-friendly, current Western style.