One size does not fit all
May 12, 2020
Taking matters into their own hands, students look to acquire true representation and inclusiveness. They hope using tools, like social media, to voice their perpetual concerns will serve as a wakeup call for those who might be struggling to fit an unrealistic concept.
“We all have different bodies, therefore we should have more sizes provided for us, not just one size,” Rivera said. “Plus, most one-sized clothes often only fit people that are smaller which sends the wrong message across. If you don’t fit into a piece of clothing that is one size fits all, you’re going to feel like you’re not the ideal body type which can severely affect the way [you] see [yourself].”
[The only way to eliminate the stigma is] by taking people as they are and loving them for it.
— senior Micaela Galvez
Teens are beginning to take pride in their unique body types, recognizing they are free to express themselves as they wish without following a societal norm. Students like Pizano embrace their masculinity by being bold with fashion choices and encouraging those around them to do the same.
“The best way to remove the stigma of men having to look a certain way is to be the change,” Pizano said. “If we want men to feel OK with venturing out of their comfort zone with fashion, we have to take action. One guy defying societal norms and deciding to challenge it will inspire many more [to do] the same. It’s a chain of events that will empower men in the world of fashion.”
Young adults continue to struggle finding a common ground in accepting their physical appearances. However, they are confident today’s ever-changing society will evolve into one where people can steer away from the physical aspects of fashion and focus more on their mental health and other non-materialistic concepts.
“[The only way to eliminate the stigma is] by taking people as they are and loving them for it,” Galvez said. “People tend to idolize [celebrities] and so [they] idolize everything about them. I think what’s been changing, especially now, even with different economic standpoints and different societal norms, most people are starting to accept other people for who they are, not what they look like.”