While the fashion industry still has a long way to go with inclusion and representation, some powerhouse and inspirational plus size models have broken through the noise. If you’re practicing body positivity and need some curvaceous inspiration, we’ve got you covered.
Fashion is for everyone, or at least that is why we want to believe…. But it s also why sites like The Curvy Fashionista exist, to ensure that it can happen. And with this sentiment, that means celebrating all kinds of beautiful bodies! But let’s be honest, the fashion world hasn’t always reflected that reality. That’s why we’re spotlighting five incredible plus size models who are redefining the industry with their style, confidence, and infectious positivity.
Get ready to follow these inspiring women and see how representation, visibility, and diversity are not just trends – they’re essential for a more vibrant and inclusive fashion landscape. Seeing yourself reflected in the media you consume is powerful. It can boost your confidence, inspire you to experiment with your style, and challenge narrow beauty standards. These models are breaking down barriers and proving that fashion is truly limitless! So, get ready to be wowed, empowered, and maybe even discover your next personal style icon.
Let’s dive in!
5 Plus Size Models to Follow on Instagram
1. Paloma Elsesser (@palomija)
Hailing from Los Angeles, California, Paloma won Model of the Year at the 2023 Fashion Awards. “Modeling changed my narrative and gave me a sense of purpose in challenging norms around our bodies that I too had been indoctrinated into,” Paloma shared in an essay for The Cut. “My body became a vessel for connection. A vessel for thought.”
2. Precious Lee (@preciousleexoxo)
Representing Atlanta, Georgia, Precious grew up connected to nature and says that being spiritually connected is important to her. “Meditation and working with your breath is the best way you can connect with your body,” she wrote for Vogue. “It gives a sense of awareness. Taking that time to take in air…your body thanks you on a cellular level, a spiritual level. When you implement it, it’s transformative.”
3. Alva Claire (@alvaclaire)
London’s own Alva is a Jamaican-British model whose first catwalk was for 2019 Savage x Fenty. “I want to see women like us given freedom, a real sense of expression of the individual, and not to be put in a box of the way this industry and society thinks we should be,” she shared in an interview with Dazed.
4. Ava Hariri-Kia (@lava_ava)
A New Yorker, Ava recalls being a trusting kid, until at 13 years old, a photographer told her to lose 30 pounds. “Growing up, I was always bigger than the other girls,” she wrote for Bazaar. “It was just who I was, and I accepted that—until the rest of the world told me I shouldn’t. But when I realized I could carve out my own space in fashion and use my personal style as a weapon, as a means to celebrate both my body and personality, my entire world expanded.”
5. Leslie Sidora (@lessancee)
Born in chic Paris, Leslie got her start by taking photos in New York with a friend. A Los Angeles agency discovered and signed her shortly afterward. “Do not be scared to speak up for yourself,” she shared in an interview with Flaunt. “If something is wrong, you have to talk about it. If it’s behaviors that will make you feel uncomfortable on set, if the makeup doesn’t look right, if the hair doesn’t look right, I think it’s really important to speak up on it.”
As you look for examples of yourself in the world, hopefully you’re seeing more and more representation of diverse body types. Having these curvy, plus size models to follow on Instagram may help to remind you that every body is a beautiful body. Keeping more realistic shapes on your feed may help you normalize the body you see reflected in your mirror.
The author’s content and opinions have not been pre-reviewed, approved or endorsed by Discover.
