As social media grows, it plays a significant role in reinforcing the idea of a “perfect body.” Psychology Today says, “Body obsessions has become a societal mania.” Both men and women are progressively becoming dissatisfied with their body image, often turning to unhealthy methods to conform to beauty standards. From extreme weight loss and eating disorders to risky plastic surgery, body image dissatisfaction can dramatically affect bodily and mental health.

In response to the increasing pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards, a body positivity movement has swept over the country. Body positivity focuses on the acceptance of all body types, regardless of size, shape, skin tone, gender, and physical abilities. The movement promotes the appreciation of the functionality and health of the body rather than physical appearance. 

The body positivity movement in its current form began to emerge around 2012, initially focusing on challenging unrealistic feminine beauty standards. Body positivity combats the harmful beauty standards present on social media. It fights against criticism of the body and negative body image perceptions and celebrating body traits commonly regarded as “ugly.” The movement promotes a “feel positive” mindset, which has helped countless people build confidence and learn to love their bodies. 

When we started Undersummers, the movement had begun, but we were blissfully unaware of societal trends towards body dis-satisfaction. Our mission was to help women love their bodies , without needing to change their bodies with shape wear, diet, or exercise. We did this by offering a size inclusive selection and by keeping pricing equal for all.

Historically thigh chafing was regarded as a “shameful” problem for larger women, but at Undersummers we want to challenge that notion. We argue that it is a thigh problem, not a size problem. Thigh chafing affects and estimated 96% of women and is a concern for women of all shapes and sizes.

Many companies advertise shape wear as an ideal solution to thigh chafing, implying to women that the solution is to “slim down.” At Undersummers we offer thigh protection with an emphasis on comfort. Our shorts to wear under dresses protect without the squeeze or need to slim down with shape wear. We promote body positivity through and aim to help women feel good regardless of size and shape.

 Lani Liang