So, for someone who doesn’t see themselves represented or fit into a size category, when you find companies that include inbetweeners sizes, you fall in love. And that, my friends, is SimplyBe. As you know, my blog is trying to break down the barriers of segregated categories (straight size & plus size) and represent those who are severely under represented. Sizes 8-10-12s are not seen much, if at all. Whether that be in mainstream advertisements, beauty campaigns, TV, runway and/or fashion press. It often feels like we are the forgotten ones.
It’s a category that is in no-man’s-land. It’s seldomly talked about or acknowledged. But when plus size companies include us, because they want to offer something for everyone, I can barely contain my excitement. SimplyBe is a online clothing company based in the U.K. that offers sizes 6-28. They cater towards women of varying shapes and sizes. Their goal is to not leave anyone out.
SimplyBe doesn’t claim to be an inventor of style. They simply offer regular clothing for all regular women. Isn’t it fascinating that the average size woman is above average size retail clothing? Companies like this are taking steps to change the mold of what our world has unfairly created. And that’s why I’m so grateful they aren’t just catering to plus size women. If we are going to change the way the world looks at fashion, it must include everyone. No matter what age, shape or height.
I believe that if those of us that are body positive advocates are building together to make the world where everyone is represented and included, we’ll get there quicker. That is why I love SimplyBe. We are on the same page and if we work together, we are one day closer to getting to a place of size equality. I hope to help redefine what beauty means by showing the world that sizes 8-10-12s do exist and to create representation for us. We need to be seen more and we need to represented.
If you don’t know what my struggle has been like you should read “What it Feels Like to be a Model That’s Not Small Enough and Not Big Enough.“One day I hope to have kids that will be like “They didn’t hire you because you’re a size 10???!!!” and gasp because of the absurdity. By then, I hope they’ll be growing up in a world where they see everyone and just the thought of exclusion will be that ridiculous. Maybe one day I’ll even get to model for SimplyBe to represent us inbetweeners!
Photographer for Gray Jumpsuit: Julian Dicampo
Photographer for Swimsuit: Merideth Morgan
