The costs of being fat and fashionable

I’ve talked (ranted) about clothing sizes in retail stores and online before. What I’ve not talked (ranted) about are the costs of this clothing.

I don’t mind paying for quality. What I do mind is paying for mass-produced clothing at prohibitive prices. And the market really is cornered, because most fat chicks either have to pay extra for their clothing or run the risk of looking like every other fat chick. We can’t just pop down to our local Westfield, or check out that cute little boutique hidden down a laneway and scoop up a Saturday night outfit.

Myself, I’m saving money at the moment, and also, I’ve realised how much I’ve been taking part in conspicuous consumption and realised I don’t need to attempt to buy a Saturday night outfit every week. My wardrobe, despite regular cleanouts, is filled to the brim. It makes me feel a bit wasteful and therefore, I’ve pledged to only buy things I need, or gifts for people. I love buying presents, so this is a win-win for my wardrobe and my wallet.

Those of you, however, who still want to buy regular outfits and still want to keep up with the trends and own new clothing, find yourself paying top dollar for bottom quality.

Of course, this isn’t completely confined to plus sizes. There are overpriced smaller sizes in clothing shops as well. But it is something I’ve noticed predominately in a great deal of plus sized stores and I find it ridiculous. One could argue it takes more fabric to make plus sized garments and while that may be true, it only seems to be a legitimate excuse from smaller or independent companies. You would think that larger retail chains, with their money to manufacture and ability to churn out clothing, would be charging the same prices as the smaller sizes.

It’s even worse being a fat teenager and wanting to be trendy, fit in and shop with your friends. Brands catering towards the younger customer, such as Monroe, Mink Denim (stocked at Myer) and City Chic will either involve a long lay-by, begging for money from your parents, or dipping into your meagre high school wages. It’s hard. And frustrating.

Buying online helps a bit, but then there are the postage costs. I don’t buy from US sites unless I’m splitting costs with friends, as most sites don’t charge under $30 to ship items (some will charge up to $80 or more! If you’re buying one item, you’re screwed). UK sites are a little better, but a great deal of the time, getting a bargain also has to factor in how much it costs to send to you.

I don’t know what the solution is. I’m good at the ranting side of things (no, really?), but the practical, “here’s what to do” result eludes me. Does anyone have any suggestions of what to do and how to solve this? Can this even be solved in a supply/demand consumer economy?

Image Credit: 1.