Mid-Sized Life Crisis
By: Jenna Downey
The midsize movement gained traction on TikTok this past year for providing a space for individuals who did not feel like they belonged in straight or plus-sized sizing. It has provided many mid-sized people—myself included—a new place of belonging when it has often felt like we were the problem for not fitting in elsewhere.
Midsize usually refers to those sizes anywhere from eight to 16, though there is no clear definition of the movement. Regardless, between the average American woman being size 16 and over 500 million videos under #midsizefashion on TikTok, the prominence of those who identify under this sizing metric is evident.
So, why are so many people concerned with the midsize movement? Why are so many people posting on TikTok? Up until the past two years, there has been little to no representation of this size range in media or clothing stores. Characters in TV shows, movies, books, etc., were depicted as being skinny or, on rare occasions, plus-sized.
This body size disparity doesn't stop with the media; many retailers across the nation rarely sell clothing past size 10, and plus-size clothing typically starts at a size 16—completely neglecting mid-sized bodies.
Since I hit puberty, mall trips have become a game of hoping I can find a store that carries my size. Even now, most of my clothes shopping is done online because I know I have few options in physical stores.
Mid-sized individuals like myself are left to feel like they do not belong or are unworthy of a label simply because of how society reinforces the absence of this sizing category. Even if the midsize movement did exist before its rise on TikTok, it never felt like it because there was no representation beforehand. This lack of representation in the media has caused me to fear that I will always be seen as less than because of my body size.
I was around 16 when I discovered the midsize movement. I explored tens of hundreds of Instagram profiles, lifestyle TikToks, and YouTube clothing hauls, all revolving around being mid-sized. Giving a platform to creators of this unacknowledged community helps create a safe environment that makes others feel worthy of their bodies and freely express themselves.
Kat from Euphoria, played by Barbie Ferreira, was the first character or person in any piece of media that I have seen that looked like me. I became obsessed with her style and confidence and began mimicking her. Without realizing it, I was able to accept my body rather than fighting to fit in with either straight or plus sizes. This is not to say my road to body acceptance has been easy, but being a part of a community with shared experiences has eased many of my anxieties about my body.
The most important thing I have learned along my body confidence journey is surrounding yourself with materials and attitudes, both online and personally, that reflect the mentality you wish to achieve. This could mean a number of things depending on your goals, your experience, and where you are on your journey. For example, I try to fill my Instagram feed with influencers with my body type to encourage positive thoughts about my own body or for outfit ideas for midsize body types.
The important part lies in figuring out what makes you feel worthy and loved in your own body, no matter your size or shape.