“Mid-size” Shouldn’t Comfort You

There is a new standard in the market, and that is “mid-size”. People all over social media have been labeling themselves as a fit into this category that represents people who are too big to be skinny and not fat enough to be plus size. A relatively new term, there is no set in stone definition of what it represents but it is generally accepted that anyone who falls between a US size 6 to 14, is considered mid-size.

Why it works

Anushka Moore launched Mid-Size Collective on Instagram back in July 2018 as a way to connect mid-size women who struggle to see representation of their body type. Since then, the account has grown to over 40,000 followers, and inspired hundreds of content creators along the way.

The term mid-size has been adopted by both influencers and their audiences as it brings a sense of empowerment and inclusion to a group of women who have previously been set aside and neglected by the fashion industry. The term mid-size has also created a new space for women to share their journeys, expanding the conversation about body confidence.

While being mid-size comes with its own set of disadvantages, by the same token it is important to remember that it still has a wide set of privileges. Granted, we may not see our body type represented very often in the media, but ultimately, the mid-size section doesn't suffer as badly from the stigma plus size gals do either – the hate messages are slightly less aggressive, and the mid-size gals are not frequently told they must lose weight.

Why it doesn’t.

Mid-size people are beginning to see more representation on social media and in the mainstream media which is something to celebrate. Whilst it may not have been marginalized in the way fat bodies have been – it still has experienced an amount of stigmatization and exclusion.

Mid-size bodies are perceived as an in between. A body type that doesn’t have a place. So, why are we trying so hard to make it fit in?

Firstly, we should be happy with our bodies regardless of making it into the hierarchy. Secondly, if you think waving the “mid-size” flag grants you privileges, check yourself. Clothes still aren’t made for wide hips, hip dips, chubby arms, thick calves, big butts etc. 

Mid-size lacks representation in the fashion industry, but it’s way more welcomed than plus-size. Which makes us realize how it can negatively impact the Body Positive movement - it can turn into a disservice to people who are actually plus-size. Fashion loves to celebrate bodies like Iskra Lawrence for being ‘plus-size’ which completely detracts from the visibility of truly plus size people.

What sincerely bothers me is how the energy here seems to be misdirected. Some women claiming to be mid-size are still pretty thin and small, which is socially acceptable. It’s even a bit dangerous because many people with body dysmorphia might assume they’re mid-size when they’re actually skinny. Girls with a few extra pounds won’t consider themselves thin enough so that automatically goes to “mid-size”? This doesn’t sit well with me.

Drawing attention to mid-size means new criteria to make women try to fit in. It seems like we’re fighting for a place in the hierarchy when we should actually fight for no hierarchy whatsoever. We don’t need to find a label to be accepted socially. It seems like we’re trying to be inclusive when we’re actually segmenting even more.

Our final recommendation is – if you really feel like you need a label, be reasonable about it. Check your privilege, understand exactly where you are. Can you buy clothes in regular shops? Can you sit on a bus? Have you ever gotten stuck at the turnstile? Do people give you looks when you’re eating?

Remember to always support the ones around you who don’t get the same access as you. Celebrate your mid-size body but show your gratitude to the Body Positive folks because otherwise, you wouldn’t be so cheery.