I decided that it would be best to respond directly to the comment with another video. I hoped this would encourage them to seek meaningful change by addressing the real issues at hand — patriarchy and capitalism— or by writing to brands and campaigning, rather than attacking Black, plus-sized content creators.
I said: “I would love a world where I could wear sustainable pieces – true sustainable pieces – every day. But for me as a plus-sized woman, it’s not always affordable or accessible. For someone to comment and assume that I can afford sustainable pieces or a whole sustainable wardrobe when there aren’t many sizes for plus sizes is not mindful at all.”
A comment by a follower of mine, @Theludensatlas, perfectly captured and broke down the dilemma we face with clothing.
- Clothing that fits and is fashionable
- Clothing that is sustainable
- Clothing that is affordable
Unless you have substantial wealth, achieving one or maybe two of these goals is possible, but rarely all three. For those who are plus-sized, this challenge is even more daunting.
I have always loved shopping vintage or supporting slow fashion. As an ambassador for Crisis charity, whose mission is to end homelessness, I once worked for The Emperor’s Old Clothes in Brighton, a small sustainable brand dedicated to slow production and remarkable size inclusivity. However, finding fashionable, plus-sized pieces in charity shops is almost impossible. It feels like both criteria cannot co-exist.
Gareth Cattermole
Very fortunately, my work allows me the privilege of being gifted beautiful, sustainable, and slow fashion pieces from brands I adore from time to time, such as Beyond Nine; an incredible brand that caters to the changing bodies of women.
Reformation is also a great slow brand that offers plus sizes, but I must reiterate that I am fortunate to have been gifted the pieces I own – otherwise, the high price tag would have been prohibitive. Without these gifts, I wouldn’t have been able to afford them.