Woman launches #MakeMySize campaign to remind brands that people come in all shapes and sizes

Editor's note: This article was originally published on March 24, 2021. It has since been updated.

As fun and joyful as shopping can be, those who don't match the fashion industry's unrealistic body standards often find shopping for clothes to be a frustrating and disappointing experience. Many shoppers have a hard time trying to find clothes that fit them properly as brands use tactics like "vanity sizing" that opens up a world of annoyance and confusion every time one needs a few new clothes. Having run out of patience for such absurd sizing practices, a few years ago Instagrammer and inclusive fashion activist Katie Sturino launched the #MakeMySize campaign to send a simple but powerful message to the fashion industry: clothes should be made for people of all shapes and sizes.

Speaking to Health about how the campaign came into being, Sturino explained: "I had an online shopping order come in and nothing fit me. I'm a fashion blogger in New York City and I have a really tough time finding something to wear. And if I have a tough time, imagine how the regular woman who's not a fashion blogger feels. I'm hoping that designers will take note and extend their sizes. And if they don't already have plans to introduce extended sizing, I want them to see how many beautiful women they're missing out on."

"The #MakeMySize movement is about letting brands know that there is an opportunity to serve an entire size range of women who are just trying to wear their clothes and spend their money on the designs," Sturino told Grazia. "I started this not from the place of being a fashion blogger, but more from the place of a frustrated consumer. I am thrilled that the options are getting better season by season and that many brands are opening their eyes to this issue. I have been frustrated in my shopping experience for years as a size 12,14,16 woman..."

"I still cannot just pop to the shop in New York City to browse. I have to cherry-pick certain pieces from certain designers. Hope they have my size in store... or that they even make my size at all!! That's the point. I’ve been delighted with [an item of clothing] only to have it barely squeeze over my head for years. I'm tired of it," she added. The #MakeMySize campaign turned out to be a resounding success online with other frustrated shoppers also calling out brands for not being more size-inclusive.

Following the overwhelming public outcry, many brands have worked towards improving their sizing options. "I have had great conversations with brands that have resulted in progress, such as Veronica Beard and Diane Von Furstenberg, both of whom I am proud to work with. Their pieces are fashionable and inclusive for all women," Sturino told Bored Panda. "Though size inclusivity in the fashion industry has made a lot of progress in the past few years, it is clear that there are still some brands that will never extend their range. We have a long way to go."

Sharing some advice for those struggling with self-image, Sturino said: "Put your confidence on first and stop talking shit to yourself in the mirror. When you walk by the mirror after you have gotten dressed and feel deflated, cut that negative conversation short. Try to get out of your micro thought process and instead say, 'I really love my dress. I'm happy that I am doing so well at my job that I can afford this dress.' Also, don't look at another person and think, 'God, their life is perfect,' or 'She looks so cute in those shorts—I wish I looked cute in those shorts.' Because then you go down the rabbit hole of thinking you would look better if you didn't eat that sandwich or if you went to Pilates last night. Realize that every girl, even with all of her perfect physical attributes, has their own issues and insecurities too."