Brandy Melville, a popular clothing brand, features a laid-back California style and an infamous one-size-fits-most sizing method with most of its tops, skirts, and dresses.
While Brandy Melville does feature sizes 00, 0, 1, 3, and 5 for certain pants and shorts, typical retailers like American Eagle Outfitters, offers pant sizes ranging from 00-18.
Why is Brandy Melville limiting its sales to such a narrow, or perhaps a better term might be “skinny,” range of costumers?
The size system is degrading to many. It sends a message that girls need to be a certain size and weight. The sizing system creates an unhealthy expectation.
If girls don’t fit the mold imposed by Brandy Melville, they cannot wear its clothes. This exclusion is morally wrong. It damages self-esteem and pushes healthy girls to lose weight.
Fitting into Brandy Melville merchandise provides a feeling of security, a sense of literally “fitting in.” It is a tragic acceptance into an exclusive group because of body type.
According to PR Web, more U.S. women report wearing a size 16 than a size 0 and 2 combined. Additionally, 57% of U.S. women wear at least some clothing sizes in 16 or above.
Popular stores excluding certain sizes seems to be a rising trend, as Lululemon has stirred up controversy. Lululemon’s CEO and founder, Chip Wilson, has recently stepped down because of the comments he made about the women who wear his clothes. “‘Frankly some women’s bodies just actually don’t work for [wearing Lululemon].'”
Clothing manufactures that show this kind of insensitivity to the very real issue of negative body image should be avoided.
With eating disorders and other forms of anxiety and depression threatening the health of so many American teens, Brandy Melville’s sizing range is irresponsible.
