Stories of Plus-Size Influencers Changing Beauty Standards in 2025

julie

·January 23, 2025

·11 min read

What does beauty mean to you in 2025? It’s no longer about conforming to a narrow standard. Today, beauty embraces individuality, diversity, and authenticity. Plus-size Instagram influencers are driving this transformation, proving that style and confidence come in all sizes. They’ve redefined fashion, showing the world that beauty knows no limits when it comes to body type.

The beauty industry mirrors this evolution. Did you know that 71% of consumers now expect personalized shopping experiences? Or that searches for “sustainable skincare” have doubled in just five years? These shifts underscore the growing demand for inclusivity and representation. Plus-size Instagram influencers are leading the charge, using their platforms to promote self-love and body positivity. Their influence extends far beyond fashion—they’re spearheading a movement that inspires millions to celebrate their unique beauty.

The State of Beauty Standards in 2025

Progress in Representation

Increased visibility of diverse body types in media and fashion.

You’ve probably noticed how much the fashion world has changed in recent years. In 2025, the industry is finally starting to embrace a wider range of body types. Models of all shapes and sizes are gracing runways, magazine covers, and ad campaigns. But here’s the thing—true inclusivity goes beyond just featuring one or two plus-size models. It’s about making diversity the norm, not the exception.

Some brands are stepping up. For example, Girlfriend Collective showcases models of all sizes, from XXS to 6XL, and highlights women of different colors and backgrounds. Athleta’s All, Powerful campaign celebrates women from XXXS to 3X, proving that fitness and fashion belong to everyone. These efforts are helping to redefine the standard of beauty, showing that it’s not about fitting into a single mold but celebrating individuality.

The rise of body-positive campaigns by major brands.

Body-positive campaigns are everywhere now, and they’re making a real impact. Dove continues to lead the charge with its Real Beauty Campaign, which has been promoting self-esteem for over two decades. Girlfriend Collective uses its platform to support marginalized communities while promoting inclusivity. These campaigns don’t just sell products—they inspire you to embrace your unique beauty and challenge outdated beauty norms.

Remaining Challenges

Persistent societal biases and stigmas.

Despite progress, you’ve probably seen that some biases still linger. Society often clings to outdated ideas about what beauty should look like. Even with more representation in media, many people still face judgment based on their size. This shows that changing the standard of beauty isn’t just about what we see—it’s about shifting mindsets too.

The slow pace of change in certain industries.

Some industries are slower to adapt. High fashion, for instance, still struggles with inclusivity. Many brands separate plus-size clothing into its own category instead of integrating it into their main collections. This creates a divide that reinforces the idea that certain body types don’t belong. It’s frustrating, but it also highlights why continued advocacy for representation is so important.

Inspiring Stories of Plus-Size Influencers

Ashley Graham: A Trailblazer in the Body Positive Movement

Ashley Graham’s journey to becoming a global icon wasn’t easy. She started modeling at just 13 after being scouted at a mall. By 17, she moved to New York to chase her dreams, but the road was filled with societal judgment and personal struggles with self-acceptance. You might know her as the first plus-size model to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2016—a milestone that shattered stereotypes in the modeling world.

Her impact goes beyond the runway. Ashley rejects the outdated “plus-size” label, advocating for size inclusivity in fashion. She’s collaborated on clothing lines that cater to all sizes, from swimwear to lingerie. Her advocacy for the fat positivity movement has sparked important conversations about health and beauty. Critics sometimes challenge her views, but her message remains clear: beauty isn’t defined by size.

Milestone	Description
Modeling Career Start	Graham began modeling at age 13 after being scouted in a mall.
Move to New York	At 17, she moved to New York to advance her modeling career.
Sports Illustrated Cover	In 2016, she became the first 'plus-size' model on the cover of SI Swimsuit Issue.
Rejection of 'Plus-Size' Label	Graham has publicly rejected the 'plus-size' label, advocating for size inclusivity.
Advocacy for Body Acceptance	At a conference, she emphasized that health is not determined by size or shape.
Size-Inclusive Clothing Lines	Collaborated on various clothing lines that cater to a wide range of sizes.

Jessica Torres: Empowering Through Social Media

Jessica Torres uses her platform to empower others. She’s been open about her struggles with self-love and the pressures of comparing herself to others online. At one point, she even faced depressive episodes due to social media metrics. But she turned her challenges into a mission to inspire others. As Jessica puts it, “I created my pages to show other plus-size women that they can live comfortably in their skin now.”

Jessica has built a supportive online community by connecting with women who share her vision. She hosts events that bring women together to share insights and support one another. Her focus on mental health and self-acceptance resonates with her followers. Through her work, she’s shown that being part of the plus-size community is about more than fashion—it’s about embracing who you are.

Laura Adlington: Redefining Beauty on Instagram

Laura Adlington is another plus-size influencer making waves. On Instagram, she challenges restrictive beauty norms and encourages her followers to celebrate their unique beauty. Her posts often highlight the lack of inclusivity in the fashion industry, pushing for change. Laura believes that body-positive fashion should be accessible to everyone, regardless of size.

Her authenticity inspires others. She shares her personal journey with humor and honesty, making her relatable to her audience. Laura’s message is simple: you don’t need to change yourself to fit into society’s mold. Instead, you should embrace your individuality and wear what makes you feel confident. Her story reminds us that beauty comes in all forms.

The Societal Impact of Plus-Size Influencers

Shifting Perceptions of Beauty

Normalizing diverse body types in mainstream culture.

Have you noticed how much the idea of beauty has expanded? Thanks to plus-size influencers, diverse body types are becoming a regular part of mainstream culture. These influencers are showing that beauty isn’t about fitting into a single mold. It’s about celebrating what makes you unique. They’ve helped create a world where seeing different shapes and sizes in media feels normal, not groundbreaking.

Encouraging self-acceptance and confidence in others.

Plus-size influencers don’t just change how beauty looks—they change how it feels. Their openness inspires others to embrace self-love. One influencer shared,

"I will say though that the plus size community is the only reason I still have a presence on social media. When I receive messages from other plus size people letting me know I somehow helped in their self love journey by being so open and loving towards myself while sharing my vulnerabilities truly makes the hate worth it."

This kind of impact goes beyond fashion. It’s about helping you feel confident in your own skin, no matter your size.

Driving Industry Change

Pushing brands to adopt inclusive sizing and marketing.

The fashion industry is finally catching up. Influencers have pushed brands to expand their size ranges and rethink their marketing strategies. Did you know plus-size clothing now accounts for over $21 billion? That’s because more than half of women wear a size 14 or higher. Brands like ASOS and Fabletics are stepping up, offering inclusive sizing and featuring diverse models.

Influencing the next generation of designers and creators.

These influencers are also shaping the future of fashion. One expert noted,

"Plus-size fashion influencers are redefining beauty standards and setting new fashion trends with their fearless approach to style. They have shown that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and that fashion is not confined to a single body type."

This shift is inspiring young designers to create for everyone, not just a select few.

Building a Global Movement

Connecting with audiences across cultures and countries.

Plus-size influencers are building a global community. They connect with people from all walks of life, proving that diversity is universal. Whether it’s through social media or in-person events, they’re uniting people around the idea that beauty belongs to everyone.

Inspiring activism for broader social change.

Their work goes beyond fashion and beauty. By challenging stereotypes, they’re sparking conversations about equality and inclusivity. One influencer shared,

"I believe it’s important to show plus creators in areas like travel, beauty, and gaming because just like everyone else, plus size people are also doing these things."

This movement is about more than body positivity—it’s about creating a world where everyone feels seen and valued.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Addressing Ongoing Biases

Combating fatphobia in media and society.

Fatphobia still lingers in many corners of media and society. You’ve probably noticed how plus-size influencers are often left out of campaigns in areas like travel, beauty, and gaming. This lack of representation sends a harmful message: that plus-size individuals don’t belong in these spaces. Many campaigns still feature slim women exclusively, creating a gap that reinforces outdated stereotypes.

To combat this, you can start by questioning the media you consume. Ask yourself: Does this campaign celebrate diversity? Does it reflect the world around me? By supporting brands and creators who prioritize inclusivity, you help push back against fatphobic narratives.

Educating others on the importance of inclusivity.

Education is a powerful tool for change. When you talk to friends or family about body positivity, you’re helping to shift mindsets. Share stories of influencers who embrace their bodies and challenge beauty norms. Highlight how diversity in media benefits everyone by creating a more inclusive world. Small conversations can lead to big changes.

The Role of Allies and Advocates

How brands, creators, and individuals can support the movement.

Brands play a huge role in shaping beauty standards. When they expand size ranges and feature diverse models, they send a clear message: everyone deserves to feel seen. Companies like Aerie have made strides, but some still focus on selling self-esteem through products rather than addressing systemic issues. True support means going beyond marketing to create real change.

As an individual, you can support the movement by amplifying voices of plus-size influencers and advocating for inclusivity in your community. Every action counts.

The importance of intersectionality in the body positivity movement.

Body positivity isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about embracing all aspects of diversity, including race, gender, and ability. Intersectionality ensures that everyone’s experiences are valued. When you celebrate diversity in all its forms, you help create a movement that uplifts everyone.

The Future of Beauty Standards

Envisioning a world where all bodies are celebrated.

Imagine a world where beauty isn’t defined by size, shape, or color. In this future, you’d see all body types represented in media, fashion, and beyond. Everyone would feel empowered to embrace their bodies without fear of judgment. This vision isn’t just a dream—it’s a goal we can work toward together.

The potential for continued progress in the next decade.

The next decade holds so much promise. With more people advocating for inclusivity, the momentum will only grow. Designers, brands, and influencers are already paving the way for a future where diversity is the norm. By supporting these efforts, you’re helping to build a world where everyone can confidently say, “I embrace my body.”

Plus-size influencers have achieved so much in redefining beauty standards.

They’ve led the body positivity movement, inspiring self-love and acceptance.
Their work has normalized diverse body types in media and fashion.
The industry now offers trendy options for all sizes, proving that style belongs to everyone.

But there’s still work to do. Brands must offer affordable pricing, inclusive shade ranges, and sustainable practices. You can help by supporting creators who celebrate diversity. Together, we can build a world where every body is celebrated.

Let’s embrace the beauty of individuality—because it’s time for everyone to feel seen.

FAQ

What is the role of plus-size influencers in changing beauty standards?

Plus-size influencers show that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. They challenge outdated norms and inspire self-love. By sharing their stories, they help normalize diverse body types in media and fashion, making inclusivity a priority.

How can you support the body positivity movement?

You can follow and amplify plus-size influencers, shop from inclusive brands, and educate others about the importance of diversity. Every small action, like sharing a post or starting a conversation, helps create a more inclusive world.

Why is representation in media so important?

Representation shapes how you see yourself and others. When media includes diverse body types, it sends a powerful message: everyone deserves to feel seen and valued. It also helps break down harmful stereotypes.

Are brands really becoming more inclusive?

Many brands are making progress by offering extended sizing and featuring diverse models. However, some industries still lag behind. By supporting inclusive brands, you encourage others to follow suit and prioritize representation.

Can plus-size influencers impact industries beyond fashion?

Absolutely! Plus-size influencers inspire change in beauty, travel, fitness, and more. They prove that all body types belong in every space, encouraging industries to embrace diversity and rethink their standards.