By Saucye West

#FIGHTFORINCLUSIVITY is a social media campaign created to challenge plus size consumers to take their power back. As I always say, “The consumer is the real influencer.” This is a call to action for consumers not to shop with brands retailers and designers that do not offer clothing past a size 3x/4x and to support brands and indie designers that are truly inclusive. 

I’m also encouraging consumers to contact brands and let them know we want to see more size options. Many supporters have been doing exactly that since the campaign started, and we’re already seeing some change. Over the years, I have been a victim of silencing when it comes to going on social media and asking questions. I have been blocked by brands and comments have been deleted, when all I want is what they are offering just in my size. I regularly call out brands and ask the question, “Will this come in sizes larger than 4x?” We get bombarded with ads and sponsored content that lead us to buy, but we are not able to fit the clothes! Join me in letting these brands know we expect more from them. 

We’re going to focus the power of our spending on brands that support fat community without cutting off their support after just one or two plus sizes. If you’re not sure which brands to support, I’ve put together a list of companies and independent designers that have demonstrated that they want to make fashion accessible for supersize shoppers. 

If you are a 1x, 2x, 3x, use your power! You are often centered and visible in this market. We need you to fight with us, or this discrimination will continue! If these brands begin to feel it in their pockets then they will have no choice but to respond to our demands. When they see their smaller plus size customers shopping more inclusive brands in support of the rest of fat community, they’ll know we have each other’s backs, and they’ll either give us what we want or we’ll shop with brands that do.

#FIGHTFORINCLUSIVITY is a revolution that centers the need for fashion for bodies beyond a 4x.  It's time to let this industry know that we are tired of not being considered! We are not a liability. We are valid! We deserve the same options that smaller plus size bodies have access to.

For more information about the campaign, go to www.saucyewestplusmodel.com or @SaucyeWest on your favorite social media apps.

Saucye West is a plus model, fat fashion influencer and fat activist. Saucye has been in the fashion industry for over 10 years, has had both runway and print experience and is the largest doing both at a size 30. She is the first 400 pound runway model! NAAFA supporters may remember seeing Saucye on the runway at NAAFA Convention fashion shows in 2012, 2014, and 2019. Saucye also started the hashtag and movement for #fatandfree in 2017. Find Saucye at www.saucyewestplusmodel.com or @SaucyeWest on your favorite social media apps.

OPINION DISCLAIMER: Any views or opinions stated in the NAAFA Community Voices Blog are personal and belong solely to the blog author. They do not represent the views or opinions of NAAFA or the people, institutions or organizations that the owner may or may not be associated with in professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated. Any views or opinions are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, or individual.