Diversity and inclusivity are two big and grandiose goals that every brand has, and particularly, many fashion labels have worked hard to create sizing and clothing styles that fit different plus-sized bodies across the world.
Progress has been made, and we’re far from the strict body standards that plagued us decades ago. However, some pockets of the world still lag even where multicultural society thrives, especially in Singapore.
I was born and raised in Singapore, and being Chinese-Singaporean while also never being a ‘skinny’ person was a struggle at times when it shouldn’t have been. Whereas it was a fun activity for my friends to window shop and try on cute clothing, I shied away from it.
Because I knew that none of these places had my body type in mind when designing clothes and that I would inevitably be disappointed with what I saw in the mirror.
Especially in my youth, I experienced the cruelty that came with a judgemental culture. At 9 years old, a classmate told me that I would not be able to get a boyfriend because of my weight.
A survey was carried out to find out how other Singaporeans felt about this culture, and responses were received from most cultures across Singapore, including Chinese, Malay, Indian, and expat respondents. Additionally, some detailed their own experiences with fat shaming or witnessing fat shaming in their culture;
“I was bullied in high school, and a lot of comments were about my weight, and I come from an Asian family, so my mother was the first person to fat shame me.”
“Social media culture amongst Singaporeans tends to be very toxic; you often see people fat shaming or even ostracising those who are plus-sized. Outside of social media, the beauty standards in Singapore lean more towards the petite, skinny type; it’s very common for men to openly judge or express their disdain for people in the plus-sized community.”
“My parents and friends often make side comments about plus-sized people, saying that they have to lose weight because it’s not ‘attractive’.”
87.5% said they experienced
fat shaming or had
witnessed someone being fat
shamed. The same amount
of people experienced
judgement in their culture
surrounding those in the
plus-sized community.
81.3% of respondents expressed
that they wished more mainstream
brands would carry more inclusive
styles and sizes. But at the same
time, a shocking amount of
respondents weren’t aware of
plus-sized labels. A glaring 68.8%
could not name a single brand that
actively caters to plus-sized
communities.
But from a business standpoint, it wouldn’t make much sense. The average person in Singapore is 5’5 and weighs 71kg, so why would clothing brands make clothes for bigger people if the ‘average’ person is small? If the goal is to make as much profit as possible, why ‘waste’ it on the minority if a product caters to the majority?
As one grows up, you assume that the prejudicial lessons taught have been thrown away in favour of a modern mindset. However, a large portion of the respondents to the survey were under 20, making it clear that younger generations and children are fully aware of this standard, too. It’s concerning to think of these responses and wonder who is feeding the children of Singapore this message.
Influencer Gladys Lim (@gladyslxr) is one of many figures in Singapore who aims to uplift others and change how society feels about the plus-sized community. In 2023, she expressed disappointment online after shopping for a Chinese New Year dress, criticising how big labels fail to make clothing for different body types.
“It was more than just a rant; I wanted to make a statement. Local fashion brands were casually throwing out XL, XXL, XXXL labels without doing proper research,” she replied when asked about the video. “I had a lot of questions in mind: Have they even spoken to people in the plus-sized community? Do they know how those sizes actually fit? Is their version of a UK18 even accurate?”
She acknowledged that progress was being made in the fashion industry but that major labels should be stepping up to make fashion more accessible for those who don’t fit the skinny standard. Small independent labels work tirelessly to do so with fewer resources and much less manpower, so realistically, big brands should be able to follow that standard, too.
Read more self image stories here.
A standout example is the independent brand The Curve Cult, an “unapologetically fat positive” clothing company that creates not only inclusive fashion perfect for the hot Singaporean weather but also Chinese, Malay, and Indian traditional clothing. Instead of hiding curves, as plus-sized fashion often does, their designs actively complement all
figures while uplifting others and combatting diet culture.
“It’s about doing the real work, not just checking a diversity box, but actually understanding and representing the communities they claim to support,” Gladys added when talking about mainstream brands.
“I felt like someone had to say it. In an Asian society where being skinny is so celebrated, I wanted to push back against the idea that fat people don’t deserve access to stylish, well-fitting clothes. That shouldn’t be the case. Everyone deserves to feel good in what they wear, no matter their size.”
Although Gladys’ content focuses on fashion, beauty, and everyday life vlogs, she also aims to inspire her viewers to be the best version of themselves and truly authentic despite criticism and
judgement. “Kind of like a big sister would do,” she added affectionately. Much like how people shouldn’t conform to a box just to fit in, brands should follow this same sentiment.
Good clothing isn’t just a matter of what looks cute or trendy. It’s a way for people to express themselves. Without proper representation in affordable brands, plus-sized communities cannot honestly share who they are in fashion.
A single message stood out while talking to Gladys about self-acceptance despite living in an environment that seems to work actively against plus-sized communities. “It’s definitely taken me a long time to get where I am now. Growing up, I dealt with a lot of self-doubt and internal pressure, and honestly, I still have those days. There are moments when I question my self-worth or wonder if I’m doing enough for my body and mind. But as cliché as it sounds, self-love takes time.
In a world constantly throwing noise at us, it’s important to figure out what really matters to you.”
Despite the negative energy surrounding the word ‘plus-sized’, particularly in Singapore, communities and businesses ultimately welcome everyone with open arms. There is a place for everyone to feel celebrated for who they are, no matter their size. If there’s ultimately one thing to take away from Gladys and businesses like that the Curve Cult is that empowerment is within ourselves and in solidarity. And if those in plus-sized communities want more acceptance.
