More parents are concerned that the wording of clothing catering to larger-sized children can hinder their child’s self-esteem.
Many designers and department stores are now dedicating full clothing lines for plus-size girls as young as 3-years-old. Although parents are satisfied with having more sizing options they aren’t as comfortable with the wording.
Sears, for example recently launched their “Pretty Plus” line catering to girls ages 7 to 10. The plus-sized fashions feature the same designs and trends of their standard size clothing. Retailers such as The Gap, Old Navy, and The Children’s Place are also following this niche trend.
“A child being able to have the same clothes that everyone else their age is wearing is a great thing," said fashion expert Jene Luciani, whose 2-year-old daughter is taller than average. "However, you’re attaching a label to it like ‘plus-size’ and this child is seeing that from an early age. Will they feel like they’re still different from everyone else?”
Eleven-year-old Morgan Joseph said that she’s always had a hard time finding clothes because of her 5-foot-11 stature. But, she doesn’t enjoy being isolated from others kids when it comes to fashion.
"I don't really enjoy the word 'plus,'" she said. "I'd rather they just put numbers like they do for other kids."
