National Plus Size Appreciation Day

Celebrated on 10/06/2026

Quick Fact

National Plus Size Appreciation Day was established to promote body positivity and combat weight stigma. It encourages people of all sizes to embrace their bodies and celebrate diversity in fashion and media.

Origins and Establishment of National Plus Size Appreciation Day

National Plus Size Appreciation Day was founded in 2015 by Gwen Chris, a plus-size model and body positivity advocate, to create a day dedicated to celebrating plus-size individuals and challenging societal beauty standards. The holiday emerged from the growing body positivity movement, which sought to address discrimination and lack of representation for larger bodies in fashion, media, and everyday life. The first celebration focused on online campaigns and community events to raise awareness about size inclusivity.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its inception, National Plus Size Appreciation Day has grown from a grassroots online movement to a widely recognized day, with events such as fashion shows, panel discussions, and social media campaigns. Brands have increasingly participated by featuring diverse models and promoting inclusive clothing lines. The day is now celebrated annually on the third Saturday of October, with hashtags like #PlusSizeAppreciationDay trending. It has also inspired year-round advocacy for size inclusivity in retail, healthcare, and entertainment.

Facts & General Observations

• Over 67% of women in the United States wear a size 14 or larger, yet plus-size fashion accounts for only 18% of the apparel market.
• Studies show that weight stigma can lead to negative health outcomes, including increased stress and avoidance of healthcare.
• The body positivity movement has led to a 17% increase in plus-size models in fashion campaigns from 2015 to 2020.

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