The 6th of October is known as National Plus Size Appreciation Day, a day when we embrace and advocate for body positivity and diversity, and recognize the valuable contributions of individuals who are plus-size. This commemoration plays a crucial role in promoting body acceptance and self-confidence, particularly for those with larger bodies.
This day provides a platform to challenge and break down conventional beauty standards and invites us to celebrate every body shape. It is also a day to encourage us to counteract body shaming, encouraging individuals to cherish their bodies, irrespective of their size or shape.
History of National Plus Size Appreciation Day
National Plus Size Appreciation Day, which is celebrated annually on October 6th, is a relatively recent addition to the calendar of observances in the United States. The aim of the day is to celebrate individuals of larger body sizes while advocating for body positivity and tackling prevalent body stereotypes.
While the specific origin or individual who first initiated National Plus Size Appreciation Day isn’t widely known, it mirrors the popular trend of pushing back against conventional beauty standards and promoting acceptance of body diversity.
The broader movement of body positivity can be traced back to the fat acceptance movement of the 1960s. Organizations like the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, which was established in 1969, aimed to combat societal weight bias. National Plus Size Appreciation Day extends these long-standing efforts to challenge discrimination and bias against larger body sizes.
Today, National Plus Size Appreciation Day is a day to applaud the need for inclusivity and acceptance in various sectors, including fashion and media, and across society in general. The day is dedicated to acknowledging plus-sized individuals, their unique abilities, their beauty, and their lives, and to counteract negative stereotypes. This day is a step towards establishing a more inclusive culture.
In the present era of increased acceptance and widespread promotion of body positivity, National Plus Size Appreciation Day has gained more recognition. High-profile individuals and social influencers often use this day to champion body acceptance, thus increasing its impact and bringing the important message to a broader audience.
National Plus Size Appreciation Day Timeline
Introduction of Plus-Size Clothing
Lane Bryant, an American women's clothing store chain, began mass-producing clothing designated 'For the Stout Women'.
The Emergence of Plus-Size Modeling
Melissa Owens Miller, often cited as the first plus size model, made her appearance for People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People in 1994.
Plus-Size in Media
The media started to embrace plus-size through representation in fashion shows, films, and music videos.
Body Positive Movement
The #PlusIsEqual campaign was launched by Lane Bryant promoting body positivity and reinforcing that women of all sizes are beautiful.
National Plus Size Appreciation Day Initiated
The Plus size community launches the first ever 'National Plus Size Appreciation Day' to promote body positivity and celebrate plus size individuals.
Growth of Plus-Size Market
With the increasing acceptance of diverse body types, the plus size market experienced significant growth globally.
Current National Plus Size Appreciation Day
The celebration continues to spread worldwide, promoting a positive body image and challenging beauty standards.
Ideas to Celebrate National Plus Size Appreciation Day
Plus Size Fashion Show
Stage a catwalk event highlighting fashion for full-figured individuals. Encourage local fashion creators to contribute their designs and invite models of various sizes.
Health and Fitness Fair
Host a fair that underlines health-conscious choices and fitness habits for everybody, irrespective of size. The event can highlight different easy-to-follow exercises, nutritious recipes, and insightful talks about self-love.
Body Positivity Workshop Series
Set up a number of workshops intending to educate about body acceptance. These sessions can cover aspects like mental wellbeing, the role of media in body image, and transforming size-based prejudices.
Panel Discussion on Body Positivity
Engage body positivity advocates, mental health specialists, and individuals who've experienced size discrimination to share insights about overcoming societal biases related to body size.
7 Interesting Facts About Plus Size (people, appreciation)
First Plus-Size Supermodel
Melissa Owens Miller paved the way for inclusivity in the fashion world. Debuting in the 90s, she is often celebrated as the first model of larger stature, contributing to the redefinition of beauty standards.
The Term 'Plus-Size'
Originally coined by fashion and retail sectors, the term 'plus-size' is used to categorize individuals wear a size 12 or larger. It is, however, a hot topic of debate as it is seen by some as perpetuating harmful societal beauty norms.
World's Largest Plus-Size Model Agency
Wilhelmina Models, an esteemed global model management agency headquartered in New York, pioneered the concept of a department catering exclusively to models of larger size in 1994.
First Plus-Size Male Model
In 2016, Zach Miko made history as the first male model of larger size to ink a contract with a top-tier agency, IMG. Since then, he has partnered with high-profile brands like Target.
Body Positive Movement
The 'Body Positive Movement' is an empowering campaign that questions societal beauty standards, fostering acceptance of all body shapes and sizes, colour, capabilities, gender and races.
Sports Illustrated History
Ashley Graham made history in 2016 as the first larger sized model to adorn the cover of Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue, thus disrupting the tradition of showcasing only conventionally slim models.
Plus-Size Celebrities Advocacy
Famous personalities such as Melissa McCarthy, Rebel Wilson, and Lizzo use their influential roles to champion body positivity and inclusiveness in the domains of fashion and entertainment.
National Plus Size Appreciation Day FAQs
Next National Plus Size Appreciation Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | October 6th | Friday |
| 2024 | October 6th | Sunday |
| 2025 | October 6th | Monday |
| 2026 | October 6th | Tuesday |
| 2027 | October 6th | Wednesday |
| What is the pattern? | Every October 6th | |
National Plus Size Appreciation Day Word Search
- Appreciation
- PlusSize
- Inclusivity
- Acceptance
- Fashion
- Diversity