National Plus Size Appreciation Day Date in the current year: October 6, 2024

The terms “plus size” and “plus-sized” came from the fashion industry where they refer to clothes proportioned specifically for people above the average clothing size. Their original version, “misses plus sizes”, was popularized by the women’s clothing store Lane Bryant in the early 1920s. Before long, “misses” was dropped, and the term was shortened to “plus sizes”. Other stores followed suit, offering plus-sized clothing, and by the mid-1950s, the label began to refer not only to clothes but to women for whom they were intended as well.

As demand grew, more stores began carrying plus-sized clothing with larger selections, and some stores even focused entirely on it. In the 1980s and the 1990s, high-end boutiques specializing in plus-sized fashion started to emerge, such as Marina Rinaldi and the now-closed Forgotten Woman. Despite this growth, many plus-sized clothes at the time were unfashionable and shapeless, hiding women’s figures instead of highlighting their curves.

In recent years, some stores have integrated their plus-sized sections with standard sizes, aiming to reduce the stigma around plus-sized clothing, while others have expanded their existing plus-sized sections to offer more variety. Both approaches reflect a broader response to the body positivity movement and the increasing visibility of plus-sized models, bringing more attention not just to the clothing but to the women who wear it.

Despite these changes some people still associate the term “plus-size” with obesity, but it is much more nuanced than that. While some plus-sized people can be considered medically obese, this is far from being always the case. Some people who are viewed as plus-sized by the fashion industry are slightly above the average weight for their height and build, some are clearly not overweight but curvy, some are very tall and muscular. People come in all shapes and sizes, and those who need to buy large clothing should not be ashamed of it due to society’s beauty standards that do not reflect the real world.

The celebration of National Plus Size Appreciation Day was initiated by Women Rock, Inc., a breast cancer awareness nonprofit that focuses on raising awareness of the importance of early detection and supporting those already diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2017, the celebration was officially proclaimed by National Day Calendar.

The main goal of National Plus Size Day is to promote self-love despite societal stigma and boost the confidence for plus-sized women and men across the nation. The best way to celebrate the holiday is to find ways to embrace your body as it is and show respect for the beauty of bodies of all shapes and sizes. You can go clothes shopping, book a photo shoot, follow plus-sized role models on Instagram, host an event for plus-sized women in your community such as a clothing swap, and post about the holiday on social media with the hashtags #NationalPlusSizeAppreciationDay and #PlusSizeAppreciationDay.

It is important to understand that, while celebrating plus-sized individuals, National Plus Size Day is for everyone because everyone can spread the message of self-acceptance and body positivity. To end body shaming, we should all work together and respect each other as human beings.