Brands Promoting Body Positivity

Starting at a young age, girls (and boys) are told that they have to look a certain way to be considered beautiful. From barbies to 00-sized models in magazines, it is often perceived that “skinnier is better.” This mindset has led many to go to extreme measures to get their body to fit society’s standards, wanting to feel accepted and beautiful.

However, in more recent years, many are starting to embrace and love their body for what it is, instead of what others think it should be. In light of the realization that the majority of the girls in the world aren’t size 0–4, and don’t have a 24-inch waist, many companies have jumped on the #bodypositive train and embraced women for who they truly are — celebrating their beautiful curves and shapes.

A common misconception of the body positive movement is that skinny is no longer socially acceptable. On the contrary, body positivity is all about embracing what your body looks like naturally, whether that’s small breasts and a tiny waist, or double D’s and big hips. It’s all about loving yourself for who you are and realizing that you are more than the reflection in the mirror.

To celebrate the #bodypositive movement, here are five brands that will encourage you to love yourself.

Aerie

As one of the first brands to support body positivity, the lingerie branch of American Eagle has made huge strides to promote the movement. In 2014, they stopped photoshopping their models as part of their #Aeriereal campaign, brand representative Jenny Altman explained on Good Morning America. Their models are girls of all shapes and sizes. They support empowerment, and believe that “it’s not all about flaws or curves, it’s what’s beneath the skin,” as stated on their website.

Good American

This new denim brand was created when Khloe Kardashian and Emma Grede realized there was something missing from the denim world — jeans that fit and complimented curvier women, they explained at their brand launch on Oct. 18. The two then teamed together to create a denim line “that’s sexy and flattering, and made to fit you.” They believe that fashion should be made to fit women instead of women making themselves fit fashion. Although the line’s been out for less than a month, it’s becoming very popular, and not just because it’s made by a Kardashian. These clothes are made to fit all body types.

ModCloth

This is a vintage-inspired style and decor online retailer that carries sizes XS–4X. In 2014, they became the first retailer to sign the “Heroes Pledge for Advertisers,” which promises not to change the size, proportion, color, or any other physical feature of models in post-production. Their models often consist of all body types. Modcloth believes that “fashion is for every body,” and this is evident in their products and campaigns.

SmartGlamour

Promoting body positivity and women’s empowerment since the day the company started, SmartGlamour is a small New York City-based business that customizes every piece of clothing ordered by its customers. They have sizes XXS–6X, and more. The company’s three goals are to empower its customers, to make good quality clothing at affordable prices, and to cut away from hatred that’s created from insecurities. They embrace differences and encourage women to own their bodies.

Neon Moon

A lingerie brand that promotes body positivity, Neon Moon celebrates the “flaws” and natural beauty of women. The company strives to spread acceptance and empowerment. Neon Moon sells lingerie without sexualizing the women wearing it, and makes their customers feel comfortable shopping for and wearing undergarments. Their sizing ranges from “lovely” (US sizes 2–4) to “beautiful” (US sizes 10–12) to “stunning” (US sizes 18–20) and many more in between, reiterating their belief that all shapes and sizes are beautiful, and that women are not defined by a number. They refrain from retouching their models, and have women of all shapes, sizes, and colors to model their products.

While today’s society still has a lot of growing and bettering to do regarding its view of women’s beauty, it’s taking a step in the right direction, and this is evident in these brands. Whether you’re a size 0, 6 or 18, everyone deserves to feel beautiful and comfortable in their own skin. The number on the tag of your jeans is just that — a number. It doesn’t reflect who you are as a person. The sooner we realize that, the sooner the world will be a more accepting and happier place.