If you've been paying attention to fashion news, you may have noticed the controversy surrounding the term "plus size."
While we often associate this label with someone on the larger side of the sizing spectrum, the fashion industry actually considers anything over a size four to be plus size.
Therefore, most of the models regarded as "plus size" are actually far thinner than the average American woman wearing a size 14.
In an attempt to challenge these unrealistic industry standards, several plus-size Australian models, including Stefania Ferrario, a size eight, recently teamed up to launch a viral campaign called #droptheplus.
The movement's mission is quite simple. These women just want the fashion industry to recognize them for what they really are: models.
Ferrario said on Instagram,
...I'm often labelled a 'plus size' model. I do NOT find this empowering… Let's have models of ALL shapes, sizes and ethnicities, and drop the misleading labels. I'm NOT proud to be called 'plus,' but I AM proud to be called a 'model,' that is my profession.
These ladies feel retailers already have a suitable number system for sizing, so they want the fashion industry to drop this negative "plus size" label once and for all.
By doing so, they hope women will stop being ashamed of this hurtful classification, celebrate their figures and feel confident about their curves.
Ferrario perfectly summed up the idea on Twitter,
Take a look at the pictures below to see these "plus-size" models who should just be called "models."
Ashley Graham
Candice Huffine
Chloe Marshall
Clémentine Desseaux
Crystal Renn
Denise Bidot
Felicity Hayward
Fluvia Lacerda
Liris Crosse
Jada Sezer
Jennie Runk
Justine LeGault
Kortnie Coles
Laura Wells
Lizzie Miller
Marquita Pring
Robyn Lawley
Stefania Ferrario
Tara Lynn
Whitney Thompson
