If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How much do you have to weigh to be plus-size?” you’re not alone. It’s a question I’ve heard countless times over the years. As a designer and founder of Undersummers, where we specialize in solution-based garments for women of all shapes and sizes, I’ve come to realize that this question goes much deeper than numbers on a scale. It’s not just about weight—it’s about how we define and perceive ourselves, how society categorizes women’s bodies, and how the fashion industry addresses (or fails to address) size diversity.
So today, I want to tackle this question head-on, not just with facts, but with heart. Let’s explore what "plus-size" really means, why weight shouldn’t define us, and how we can reframe the conversation.
Is There a Weight That Makes You Plus-Size?
The short answer is: no, there isn’t a specific weight that makes someone "plus-size." Weight alone doesn’t determine clothing size or body shape. Your height, proportions, muscle mass, and even how your weight is distributed all play a role in determining what size you wear.
For example:
- A woman who is 5'2" and weighs 180 pounds may wear a size 14 or 16, depending on her build.
- Another woman who is 5'10" and weighs the same may wear a smaller size because of her height.
This variability is why weight isn’t a reliable way to define size. Bodies are beautifully diverse, and the same number on the scale can look completely different on two people.
How the Fashion Industry Defines Plus-Size
In the fashion world, "plus-size" usually refers to clothing sizes 14 and up. But even this isn’t consistent. Some brands start their plus-size range at size 12, while others begin at size 16 or higher. The lack of standardization creates confusion and frustration for many women, myself included.
It’s worth noting that the term "plus-size" was originally created by the fashion industry, not by women themselves. It’s a label meant to categorize clothing, but over time, it’s become a way society labels people—and that’s where the real problem lies.
I often hear women say, “I don’t feel like I’m plus-size, but the store puts me in that category.” This disconnect shows how arbitrary and sometimes alienating these labels can be. It’s one of the reasons I’m so passionate about size inclusivity at Undersummers. Labels shouldn’t make women feel excluded—they should empower them to find clothing that fits and flatters. This is why at Undersummers we don't make this distinction.
The Emotional Weight of "Plus-Size"
I’ll be honest—this question hits close to home for me. As a designer, I’ve met women who carry an emotional burden with the term "plus-size." For some, it feels like a scarlet letter, a signal that their bodies don’t fit society’s narrow standards of beauty. For others, it’s a badge of honor, a way of reclaiming their space in a world that often overlooks them.
I’ve been both of those women.
I've struggled with my own body image throughout the years. Like many women, I internalized the idea that my worth was tied to my size. Shopping trips were a mix of excitement and dread—would I find something that fit? Would it look good? Would it make me feel good? Too often, the answer was no. I remember thinking, “Why does this have to be so hard?”
That’s why I started Undersummers. I wanted to create clothing that solved real problems—like thigh chafing—without making women feel like they had to change their bodies to wear them. I wanted to design for the woman I used to be: someone who deserved comfort, confidence, and style, no matter her size.
Why Weight and Size Labels Shouldn’t Define Us
The truth is, the number on the scale or the tag on your clothes doesn’t define your worth, beauty, or health. Yet, society often tells us otherwise. We’re bombarded with messages that smaller is better, that we should aim for some elusive “ideal” weight to be happy or accepted. It’s exhausting—and it’s wrong.
Here’s what I believe:
- You are more than your size.
- Your value isn’t determined by your weight.
- You deserve clothing that fits your body, not the other way around.
At Undersummers, we don’t design for a number. We design for real women with real lives, who want to feel good in their clothes and their skin. Our size range (XS-5X) reflects that commitment. Every size is thoughtfully designed, tested, and tailored to ensure it fits and feels amazing.
Reframing the Question
Instead of asking, “How much do you have to weigh to be plus-size?” let’s ask better questions:
- Does this clothing make me feel confident and comfortable?
- Does it fit my body well?
- Does it align with how I see myself and want to be seen?
When we shift the focus away from labels and toward how we feel, we take back the power that numbers and tags have over us. We deserve clothing that celebrates us, not confines us.
The Role of Size Inclusivity
Size inclusivity is about more than just offering a wide range of sizes. It’s about creating a world where women of all shapes and sizes feel valued and represented. At Undersummers, this means designing garments that address real needs—like anti-chafe shorts that prevent thigh rub—and celebrating diversity in our marketing and branding.
When we embrace size inclusivity, we send a powerful message: Every body is beautiful. Every woman deserves to feel seen and celebrated. And no one should ever feel like they have to “earn” their place in fashion by fitting into a certain size or weight.
Final Thoughts
So, how much do you have to weigh to be plus-size? The answer is: It doesn’t matter. Weight is just a number, and "plus-size" is just a label. What matters is how you feel in your body and in your clothes.
At Undersummers, we’re here to remind you that you are beautiful, just as you are. Our mission is to create clothing that supports and empowers you, whether you’re a size XS or a size 5X. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about fitting into a label—it’s about finding what makes you feel good, confident, and unapologetically you.
With love,
CarrieRae
Designer and Founder, Undersummers
