Fashion As Resistance: Challenging Weight Stigma

We live in a world where appearance is often linked to worth. And people who do not conform to society's standards of dress and physical appearances often face challenges due to stigma.

I know from my own experiences that this stigma influences how obese people are perceived and treated by others. For many, being in a fat body means having to navigate judgment, stereotyping, and discrimination in every aspect of life.

How is my self-expression an act of resistance?

For me, one of the most powerful tools for reclaiming my agency and challenging restrictive societal norms has been fashion. Fashion, traditionally seen as a means of self-expression, can serve as a form of resistance to societal norms that marginalize obese people.

For those who don't conform to mainstream ideals of beauty, fashion can be an act of resistance. By choosing to wear clothing that embraces our bodies and feeds our souls, individuals are challenging the narrow beauty standards imposed by society.

What are the "rules" of fashion for larger bodies?

Unapologetic fashion in larger sizes offers an opportunity to rewrite the rules!

For many, dressing in bold, vibrant colors, prints, and textures becomes a way to reclaim the space they take up. Rather than hiding behind baggy or "flattering" garments designed to conceal size and shape, people in fat bodies are free to opt for clothing that showcases their unique bodies, personalities, and style. This form of resistance is not just about what is worn but about how it challenges society’s "rules."

How have I dressed to hide my weight?

When living in a fat body I dressed to blend in, to draw as little attention as possible. The idea of being seen, of standing out, felt terrifying. The world seemed to demand that I shrink myself, both physically and emotionally. I believed that if I dressed in ways that made me invisible, perhaps I wouldn’t face the judgment and stigma that came with living in a larger body.

However, conformity only protects us so much. I still faced stigma due to my size whether or not I was dressing "appropriately" for my size.

How do I dress now?

Today, I wear what I want, and it’s fun, even though it can sometimes be scary. I’ve realized that the power of fashion goes beyond looking good – it’s about feeling seen and heard in a world that often tries to shame and silence people. Fashion is my way of being loud. I’m proud of who I am, and I’m done shrinking myself to make others more comfortable.

Fashion can be a tool for hiding, but has since become a means of celebrating my body and my various identities. As a Mexican American, I can use my clothing to feature traditional textiles of my people. As a queer person, I can use the queer community’s fashion trends as a way to feel close to, and stay connected with, my queer community. As I continue to wear what I want, I know I am not just choosing clothing — I am choosing to challenge the stigma that certain bodies don’t deserve to take up space. Now, I try to wear what makes me feel free.

For anyone else struggling to find their voice, remember: You don’t have to shrink yourself to fit in. Your body is deserving of joy, expression, and space. Wear what makes you feel like yourself. You might inspire others to do the same!