Plus-size Kmart coat controversy explodes online: ‘Come on, Kmart’
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The world of fashion retail is no stranger to controversy, and an incident involving a Kmart shopper's experience has sparked an intense debate about the inclusivity of plus-size clothing.
The shopper's online post, expressing disappointment over a plus-size coat not being available in smaller sizes, has opened up a broader conversation about representation and the availability of stylish clothing options for all body types.
The shopper's initial post seemed innocent enough, lamenting the lack of sizes, such as Kmart’s Curve Long Sleeve Trench Coat ($49), in sizes smaller than 18.
'I saw these today, and they feel gorgeous. I'm upset that they are only in the 18-26 sizes. Come on, Kmart. They should be available for all sizes,' she wrote.
However, this plea for inclusivity was met with a wave of responses highlighting a different perspective.
Many members of the online community were quick to point out the ongoing struggle for plus-sized individuals to find fashionable and flattering clothing.
'There's so much nice stuff that's not available in the bigger sizes,' one commenter noted, while another stated, 'Finally, plus-size people get an option that isn't second best to regular sizes, and you're complaining? Check your privilege!'
‘I was just thinking this. It's not often that the curve range has nice things that the standard range doesn't have, but the opposite always happens,’ another said.
‘Straight sizes get all the cute s**t, I can't feel bad that you miss out on one thing when we miss out on 96 per cent of clothes sold in stores.’
The conversation soon escalated as some accused the original poster of failing to recognise the systemic challenges faced by those who wear plus sizes.
'All the other clothes everywhere that are readily available in smaller sizes, why pick this one thing to complain about? Read the room,' urged one commenter.
‘Let us big ladies have something for just us! It's normally the other way around!’ another commenter exclaimed.
Another echoed, ‘Be fair! It's about time they put some effort into the plus sizes. The rest of the store is devoted to the 6-16s.’
The debate revealed the stark reality of the fashion industry's often limited and uninspired plus-size offerings.
Sarcastic comments like, ‘Have you seen the plus-size range...it's shameful! I'd rather have all your options over one coat that feels nice,’ and 'Here's a garbage bag and a mumu, pick one,' underscored the frustration felt by many plus-sized shoppers.
Despite the heated discussion, some tried to bridge the gap by suggesting similar options available in Kmart's standard size range.
'Nine times out of ten, whatever they have in the curve range, they have a similar standard option,' one person pointed out.
Another commenter gave a dose of reality for shoppers who don’t fit standard sizing.
'Plus-size people are crying out for more options and representation. Please don't make out like you're being hard done by,' they said.
In a previous story, a plus-sized traveller shared her thoughts on how airlines’ policies are discriminatory.
What were her claims against airlines? You can read more about it here.
Have you faced similar challenges in finding clothing that fits and flatters? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
The shopper's online post, expressing disappointment over a plus-size coat not being available in smaller sizes, has opened up a broader conversation about representation and the availability of stylish clothing options for all body types.
The shopper's initial post seemed innocent enough, lamenting the lack of sizes, such as Kmart’s Curve Long Sleeve Trench Coat ($49), in sizes smaller than 18.
'I saw these today, and they feel gorgeous. I'm upset that they are only in the 18-26 sizes. Come on, Kmart. They should be available for all sizes,' she wrote.
However, this plea for inclusivity was met with a wave of responses highlighting a different perspective.
A plus-sized Kmart item has sparked controvery online. Credit: Kmart
Many members of the online community were quick to point out the ongoing struggle for plus-sized individuals to find fashionable and flattering clothing.
'There's so much nice stuff that's not available in the bigger sizes,' one commenter noted, while another stated, 'Finally, plus-size people get an option that isn't second best to regular sizes, and you're complaining? Check your privilege!'
‘I was just thinking this. It's not often that the curve range has nice things that the standard range doesn't have, but the opposite always happens,’ another said.
‘Straight sizes get all the cute s**t, I can't feel bad that you miss out on one thing when we miss out on 96 per cent of clothes sold in stores.’
The conversation soon escalated as some accused the original poster of failing to recognise the systemic challenges faced by those who wear plus sizes.
'All the other clothes everywhere that are readily available in smaller sizes, why pick this one thing to complain about? Read the room,' urged one commenter.
‘Let us big ladies have something for just us! It's normally the other way around!’ another commenter exclaimed.
Another echoed, ‘Be fair! It's about time they put some effort into the plus sizes. The rest of the store is devoted to the 6-16s.’
The debate revealed the stark reality of the fashion industry's often limited and uninspired plus-size offerings.
Sarcastic comments like, ‘Have you seen the plus-size range...it's shameful! I'd rather have all your options over one coat that feels nice,’ and 'Here's a garbage bag and a mumu, pick one,' underscored the frustration felt by many plus-sized shoppers.
Despite the heated discussion, some tried to bridge the gap by suggesting similar options available in Kmart's standard size range.
'Nine times out of ten, whatever they have in the curve range, they have a similar standard option,' one person pointed out.
Another commenter gave a dose of reality for shoppers who don’t fit standard sizing.
'Plus-size people are crying out for more options and representation. Please don't make out like you're being hard done by,' they said.
In a previous story, a plus-sized traveller shared her thoughts on how airlines’ policies are discriminatory.
What were her claims against airlines? You can read more about it here.
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