Despite plus-size bodies becoming more accepted among the more woke people out there, there are still only a few influencers and bloggers who are big and still celebrate their body the way an Emily Ratajkowski or Kim Kardashian does. Wondering who they are? We’ve shortlisted 12 plus-sized, body-positive influencers for you to follow so that loving your own body becomes that much easier thanks to the exemplary women you see on your Instagram feed.
@curvesbecomeher
Aarti Olivia Dubey is a desi girl based out of Singapore, who also manages the page @effyourbeautystandards. From blogging about body-positivity for fat women to addressing mental health issues, she talks about a lot of things your typical Indian influencer won’t. You won’t see layers of makeup, lots of spanx, or conservative dressing here. So, if you need someone to help you embrace your dark circles, your belly rolls, and your lovely brown skin, follow her!
Lu D’Souza, as they say, is a regulation hottie–in addition to being a body-positive fashion blogger and globetrotter who will fill your timeline with #goodvibesonly. Her swimsuit looks are #goals, her makeup is on point, and she does not let her size dictate what she wears or how she styles herself. You won’t find any of the “black makes you look skinny” type of advice on this profile!
Tinder Badhesha is a US-based model of Punjabi origin who will blow you away with her gorgeousness. Bringing #browngirlmagic to the forefront by repping us desi girls, skin, size and all–she has made a name for herself and become quite an icon. Whether it’s non-airbrushed pictures with cellulite or unabashedly owning her size despite being in an industry which is unforgiving as it is, she is India’s answer to Ashley Graham in more ways than one.
Jessica Kelley is all about that picture-perfect, sensual, pin-up style of beauty. Her pictures are a sight for sore eyes, with their softness and light. But the reason to follow her is not her makeup or pretty face–it is the fact that she celebrates her body. You won’t find her hiding herself or shying away from showing her body as it is–love handles and belly rolls, included. Who says you need to be Emily Ratajkowski’s size to look hot in aesthetically sexy nudes? Definitely not Mrs. Kelley!
Erika is proof that being fat is no reason to change your style, cover up, or feel self-conscious. A slap in the face of body-shamers who think fat girls can’t be hot or look sexy in lingerie–she doesn’t need to talk about body positivity. She just IS body positive in the way she carries herself, dresses, and confidently presents her physique.
Sonny Turner is a supermodel who has changed the game for plus size models of colour as far as their inclusion in the mainstream goes. She is vocal about the pressure on curvy models to have hourglass bodies free of tyres or cellulite, and is the self-love icon we all need. Saggy boobs, armpits that aren’t airbrushed, thighs that are not photoshopped to look thin, and a waistline which isn’t cinched like Kim Kardashian’s–her photos are what real beauty is about.
American model Tess Holliday is quite well-known internationally for representing big girls on the runway. Unlike the pleasingly plump curvy girls out there who get more acceptance since they are smaller, she has struggled to make fat-positivity more prevalent–and is quick to shut down anyone who criticises her body citing “health reasons.” Her statement “I know that my body offends so many, my existence makes some so uncomfortable, but yet each day, I get up & walk through the fire, because I have no choice but to keep going,” sums up the struggles of us fat girls well.
Why should you have to be a size two to wear what Kylie Jenner is wearing? Why do you need to have Gigi Hadid’s figure to look hot in a bikini? Kellee’s profile is proof that true body positivity is not just about living with your figure but revelling in the sexiness of your curves. Whether it is curve-hugging bandage dresses or some seriously sexy “Instagram influencer” style outfits–she is proof that you don’t need to be thin to be hot.
Coco Marie’s Instagram bio sums up her attitude towards life well: “I’m a fat girl in a bikini, get over it.” Stretch marks, cellulite, thick thighs and everything else about ourselves that we’ve been taught to hate are things Coco celebrates. Essentially a fashion blogger, her style is somewhat on the sexier side, making for a good lesson in not covering yourself up just because you’re plus size.
Stefania Feffario is fit, athletic, curvy, and looks “different” in every way possible. From shaving her head to sporting a pixie crop–she’s all about breaking stereotypes. Proof of how beautiful women are minus any airbrushing or photo-shopped slimming, there’s an old-world charm to her beauty–like Marilyn Monroe come to life not just in terms of the retro makeup but also the curvy size she is.
Ashley Graham is perhaps the most famous curvy girl out there today. Shooting to the forefront for being the first plus-sized model on the cover of Sports Illustrated, doing campaigns for big brands that have always been exclusionist in terms of size–she broke the glass ceiling in many ways. Despite having lost a bit of weight since then, she still keeps it real on her handle, and is sure to make you give up your thirst for a thigh gap.
Barbie Ferreira might be a young celebrity, but she is already a spokesperson for body positivity. Young women look up to her and she sets a great example about accepting and loving yourself despite how much society tries to criticise your body and tries to make you change yourself.
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