Recently everywhere I look I’ve been seeing ads for Kate Hudson’s new clothing line – Fabletics. A quality two piece outfit that can be work to workout or hangout for $25 and the press on their website said things like:
“It’s causal, chic, and affordable – and there’s something for every body type.” – Kate Hudson
“Kate Hudson and JustFab created a line of workout clothes for women of all shapes and sizes.”
“At Fabletics, we believe all women should be able to have hip styles and amazing quality at prices that won’t break the bank,” Hudson, 34, said of her new venture.”
FIT, FORM, AND FUNCTION FOR ALL
I was super excited – finally a line of clothing (and, as a dancer and marathoner, workout wear!) that would include me. After all, my body is included in “every body type,” I’m a “shape and size”, I’m part of “all women” and “ALL.” Shut up and take my money Kate Hudson!
Or not. It turns out their line goes from XXS – XXL. They are not just excluding anyone larger than an XXL from their clothing line, they are also using their star power and significant media presence to exclude us from their definition of “every body type,” “all shapes and sizes,” and “all women.” It’s stigmatizing and hurtful.
It’s not just Fabletics, I’ve seen this plenty of times with clothing lines, including some specifically designated as “plus size”. I’m not making an argument today about why clothing lines should include larger sizes. I’m not having a conversation about patterns and fabric cost. (Though both of those are worthy topics of conversation.) Today my point is very simple: Unless you are actually prepared to make clothes for people of all shapes and sizes, don’t say that you make clothes for people of all shapes and sizes.
If you’re a regular reader you’ve probably already guessed that I submitted an e-mail on their contact page explaining all of this and then saying:
Before I write about this I wanted to reach out to see if we can talk about it. I don’t know what the possibilities are but I’m interested in finding out. As a co-founder of the Fit Fatties Forum I can tell you that there are many fat women who have trouble finding workout wear in our size, including me.
Regardless, being excluded by your size choices, and then treated like we don’t exist in your PR and pull quotes is really problematic and I’d like to open a dialog about it. Just let me know what works for you and thanks for considering this.
They sent back:
Hello Ragen,
Thank you for contacting Fabletics we appreciate your interest in our brand. For any media or inquiries in our blogger program, feel free to send your information to [email protected].
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us anytime between 9am-9pm everyday (est) at 1- 844-322-5384 or through live chat at www.fabletics.com. Thank you and have a great day!
I decided to save them from themselves and self-select out of the blogger program, but I re-sent my e-mail to [email protected] and haven’t heard anything. If you’re reading this Kate Hudson, I’m in LA and I’d love to take you to lunch and talk about this – I bet we could do some cool things!
Activism Opportunity
You can help give Fabletics a chance to see where they’ve missed the mark:
Send an e-mail to [email protected]
Submit an e-mail on their contact page
Contact them on Facebook
Find them on Twitter @fabletics
Speaking of activism, after months of work I am so incredibly excited to announce that Jeanette DePatie and I launched the website for the Fat Activism Conference today. A virtual conference (so you can participate on the phone or computer from wherever you are), that features amazing speakers giving information, tools, and support for people of all sizes who are interested in fighting the bullying, stigmatizing, shaming, and oppression faced by fat people, and doing that work intersectionally. The conference will be August 22-24th, and there is a pay-what-you-can option to make the conference accessible to as many people as possible. Registrants will have access to the live workshops as well as recordings so that you can listen on your own schedule, or listen to a favorite talk again and again. Hope to “see” you there!
Like this blog? Consider supporting my work with a donation or by becoming a member! For ten bucks a month you can support size diversity activism, help keep the blog ad free, and get deals from size positive businesses as a thank you. I get paid for some of my speaking and writing (and do both on a sliding scale to keep it affordable), but a lot of the work I do (like answering hundreds of request for help and support every day) isn’t paid so member support makes it possible ( THANK YOU to my members, I couldn’t do this without you and I really can’t tell you how much I appreciate your support!) Click here for details
Here’s more cool stuff:
My Book: Fat: The Owner’s Manual The E-Book is Name Your Own Price! Click here for details
Dance Classes: Buy the Dance Class DVDs or download individual classes – Every Body Dance Now! Click here for details
If you are uncomfortable with my selling things on this site, you are invited to check out this post
