Hi everyone, it’s Becky here, I look after the social media management, blogs and newsletter here at Kasbah Clothing. Heather and I were chatting last week about the glorious weather we’ve been having and how important it is to feel comfortable in what you’re wearing. That’s why Heather always tries to offer a variety of different sleeve lengths, styles and shapes. But as a plus size brand, we do often hear how some of our fabulous customers don’t always feel confident wearing sleeveless styles. And we think that’s such a shame!
I am a plus size women (a size 22/24), I’m 40 years old now and have always been bigger, even as a teenager. I know from personal experience that overcoming those style ‘rules’ often placed on us can be really hard.
It ain’t nothing but a state of mind
We have to get straight to it and acknowledge that in most cases it really is to do with confidence. As plus size women, we’ve been told by so-called style experts to cover up this, and accentuate that. Our comfort and confidence is often sacrificed for the sake of what others might deem ‘flattering’ or ‘size appropriate’. The truth is though, we all have arms, fat or thin, wobbly or toned. Everyone has them and the beauty of the human race is that we are all very different and we should be able to dress as we wish.
What’s the worst thing that could happen?
Some (very cruel) people might look, but that really is it, that is the worst that could happen. Honestly though? Most people wont even bat an eyelid. It is hot, and millions of people across the world are dressing accordingly. Anyone in their right mind won’t care what you’re wearing or if you’re baring your arms. The only thing stood in our way is our mindset. We know undoing years of being told what to wear and what not to wear is hard, but the way I look at it is, first and foremost, my comfort has to come above anyone else’s.
Small steps – Get comfortable with feeling comfortable!
If you’re still struggling to find the confidence to venture out in sleeveless outfits, try some of these small steps to help.
- Surround yourself with positive influences – throw away the trashy mags that pick apart women and their image, these publications only serve to make you feel bad about yourself. Try following some plus size bloggers or facebook accounts (this truly helped me, so much so, I started my own blog).
- Begin by wearing sleeveless items around the house, get comfortable with feeling comfortable!
- Then try heading out wearing a lightweight pashmina or bolero, and as the day progresses, maybe slip it off to eat lunch, or in the car. These small steps will help build confidence!
- Finally, throw that rule book out of the window. You can wear horizontal stripes, small prints, spaghetti straps or anything your heart desires. Fashion was designed to be fun, frivolous and pleasurable. Find the joy in your clothes again. Just because you’re plus size doesn’t mean to should hide!
We really hope you’ll consider having a go at wearing sleeveless styles and enjoy the wind beneath your wings 😉
Darn right! Tasteful well-designed clothing makes me feel great. I have several of your sleeveless styles and my fashionista friends say it’s a big upgrade in my appearance. As one friend put it: “being a plus size does not mean covering up in bags! It means stylish clothing that fits.”
Ruth! That is so amazing to hear! Absolute music to our ears. We are so glad you are rocking your Kasbah designs with confidence! Becky Xx
Becky, that was a great articl, thank you. I’m size 22 and wrinkling – I thought fat was supposed to smooth things out!
I STILL, after 67years, struggle to wear certain styles, but I’ve bought some absolutely gorgeous sleeveless (linen) clothes for summer from Kasbah – Rafia and a linen top (oh lor, Trevia?) twice, which are a joy to wear. I keep hoping to get the top in black since I have the other colours, but I may have to buy it in the navy or white, again!
Keep on selling natural fibre clothes – we who wear a fat overcoat have a tendency to overheat, even in winter.
Best wishes, Jane
Thank you Jane, that’s lovely of you to say. I’m so glad you’re finding joy in Kasbah clothes! Xx
Having discovered Kasbah about 2 or possibly 3 years ago, I have fallen in love with Kasbahs fabulous, colourful and comfortable jersey tops. I love the back pleat and especially this Autumn/Winters colours. Reading your blog on the summer sleeveless dresses, I could not agree with you more. Having bought three of them myself, and this is the first time in twenty odd years at least since I have bought and worn a dress. I found them to be flattering and so comfortable as well as lovely colours. I cant wait to see next summers dresses, to see if Heather can tempt me to buy more, I’m sure I will. Just a little note, I find you all so helpful and especially yourself and Corrine who always has time for a little chat and advice on any queries I may have. So thank you all…from a very grateful customer. Stay Safe & Well, Warmest Wishes Janice
Ahh Janice, thank you so much for your lovely words. We are delighted to know that Kasbah brings you confidence, that’s exactly what Heather wants to achieve with her designs, and myself and Corinne want to build upon when we interact with lovely customers like yourself! Sending you lots of love, Becky Xx