Midsize and the relationship with one’s own image – 12/15/2023 – Balance

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Although categorizing bodies is an outdated topic, a new expression has emerged to include those who are neither thin nor fat: “midsize”. Of American origin, it is often used in the fashion industry to define models who wear something between 42 and 48 in Brazilian sizes.

A Folha report showed that the number of plus-size models grew modestly in the last fashion season in the northern hemisphere, while the presence of mid-size models showed a stable trend.

Plus were from 0.6% to 0.9%. Average sizes varied from 3.8% to 3.9%. In general, 95.2% of models wore models smaller than 40.

The term, despite having a permanent place in the fashion world, is gaining followers outside of it. Men and women who claim to have found their place amidst categorizations.

Some defenders of the expression argue that considering midsize refers to the perception of one’s own body and not necessarily being within the size established by the fashion industry.

Social media analyst Anna Clara Ferro, 27, discovered the term while doing research for her TCC (course completion work). She came across an article that explained the concept and immediately identified with it, although she wasn’t sure it fit into the category.

“It was kind of an epiphany, a mental explosion,” she says.

The expression helped her accept herself more. She started to notice women with similar bodies on the streets, in films and on social media. She began to see beauty in them and see herself with different eyes.

“Discovering that this group of women who identify with this definition helped me fit in somewhere,” she said. “In an ideal world, this type of nomenclature shouldn’t exist. But for the world we live in, which segregates and labels everything, sometimes the more labels, the more important, because in some of them you will see yourself.”

Nutritionist Marcela Kotait, volunteer coordinator of the Anorexia Nervosa outpatient clinic of the Eating Disorders Program at the Hospital das Clínicas at USP (University of São Paulo), says she prefers not to use the term with patients to avoid categorizations

“This classification of the body by size is something that I believe actually creates just another form of oppression,” says Kotait. “It ends up invalidating the plurality of forms.”

At the same time, he sees an attempt at inclusion through fashion, which brings common physical structures to the fashion environment. “Midsize is also a normalization of the common body. I think we are starting to talk about all types of bodies, even with specific standards, classifications and terms”, he concludes.

To read in Folha

Imagine going through menopause and having specific policies to support you? The columnist for SheetMarina Izidro, tells how the United Kingdom is discussing actions for women during this period.

A novel by Carolina Maria de Jesus is hitting the shelves. It is “The Slave”, an unpublished work by the writer. Reporter Vitória Macedo reports on how the book was created in this report.

Gabriela Caseff shows how influencers are transforming evangelical fashion through social media.

I also want to recommend

To read, the book “The second mother”, by Karin Hueck. The work has prose that involves us as it tells how two women who have a daughter experience motherhood. It mixes social oppression and tensions in private life, as well as a series of discussions about gender roles.

Are you in São Paulo and want a root experience? Go to Rei do Filé, which is in the city center. The place is over 100 years old and maintains its identity in its appearance and menu. The main dish is the filet mignon with garlic, but I really recommend the parmigiana.

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