Model Imogen Ivy blasts ‘fatphobic’ Australia after struggling to find ANY designer clothes that fit

A plus-size model has slammed Australia for being ‘fatphobic’ after struggling to find clothing that fits her.

Imogen Ivy, from Sydney but now resides in London, wears a size 14 to 16 in the UK and US, but in Australia she’s a size 18.

The 24-year-old vented her frustrations in a video posted online after realising Aussie size guides differ from those overseas – and many brands are non-inclusive of sizes 14 and above.

‘If you are size 14 in Australia there is a slim chance you can walk into any store and buy clothes, let alone clothes you want. Size 16+ even smaller chance. Size 18+ don’t even bother,’ she wrote on Instagram.

This harsh reality excludes thousands of women from purchasing clothes from desired brands, making shopping frustrating and potentially damaging to someone’s mindset and confidence.

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In the video shared on Instagram, Imogen attempts to shop for clothes online from well-known designer brands like SIR and Zimmermann but they don’t stock her size or measurements in some outfits.

While Zimmermann and Bec + Bridge do go up to a size 16, they don’t stock clothing for her size 18 frame. 

‘Why can the UK, US and EU accommodate for larger sizing and correct sizing in store but Australia cannot? A size 10 in Australia is a size 6 in the US,’ Imogen told FEMAIL. 

Continuing to point out the differences, she goes on to question why the ‘biggest’ size in Australia is usually considered to be a size 12 when the average size among women is 10. 

Not only are certain brands non-inclusive, sizes vary among different brands – making it difficult to shop online with confidence.   

In another Instagram video, Imogen explained brands being not size-inclusive sparks a string of social and cultural issues – from ‘fatphobic’ dating culture to bikini culture and notions around being ‘fat’

‘The immediate jerk when you hear the word “fat” as well is something I believe the bikini culture of Australian needs to dismantle. Fat is not a negative word. You were taught it was. Fat is just a describing word,’ Imogen told FEMAIL.

After speaking broadly of the topic on Instagram, Imogen was supported by hundreds of others .

‘The largest sizes are usually 12, maybe 14 but the fit and sizing mainly comes up small too. And of course lack of any other representation!’ one person commented. 

‘So true! These labels cut their profits to a quarter of what they could by not catering to the majority of the market here,’ another wrote. 

‘I’m currently trying to choose bridesmaid dresses and can’t find anything I like because nothings inclusive!!’ a third added. 

Imogen said she grew up on Sydney’s northern beaches not being able to find clothes that fit, making her feel ‘isolated’. 

‘I am an Australian curve model in London and almost daily I am asked by bookers, agents and brands, “What’s the plus/curve/fat representation like in Australia?” I am always quickly reminded there is minimal representation or exposure in comparison to the UK, US and Europe,’ Imogen told Mamamia. 

But when she moved to the UK two years ago she was ‘baffled’ to find clothing that fit. 

‘I felt so included and it was so simple. You go through magazines here (in London) and I see people that look like me,’ she said.