Is Plus Size, Full Figured, or Curvy the BEST Term for a Woman's Figure?

Society has always stigmatized the way a woman's body should be. Trends always come up: Kate Moss thin, Beyonce beautiful and the plus size revolution. it's impossible to have the "right" term to define a woman's body type. Everyone has his or her say so. Its important to understand what is most preferred by the masses.

According to Google, the most common term is plus size. Do women really like being called plus size? Or is it rather a term that is commonly accepted? The average American woman is a size 14. If a 14 is the AVERAGE SIZE, is plus size average size? Plus size is everywhere online: forums, blogs and marketing galore.

Many women are proud to be plus size, because "plus" means more to love. Large retailers: Lane Bryant, David's Bridal and Torrid make a fortune catering exclusively to, and marketing only to plus size women.

Plus size is a common word, easy to navigate in search engines or appeal to a mass audience without much guessing what they are targeting. Plus size by far is the most accepted term, but does that make it politically correct?

It appears as though most plus size women refer themselves as plus size for lack of better term. However, the curvy revolution is in full swing, and presents a nicer connotation. More ladies are proud of their chests and booty's, and prefer to be called curvy.

More and more models and average women consider themselves curvy, not plus size. Describing yourself as curvy is more flattering, uplifting and flirty. Curvy sounds sexy and intriguing!

Full figured is also a very popular term. Full figured could be seen as more of an outdated term. Marilyn Monroe was the quintessential full figured model, and bombshell. Nothing wrong looking like her, and full figured is making a comeback.

Full figured is often related to 1950's pin up models, with sexy hourglass figures, a body shape that anyone would die for! Even celebrities such as Selma Hayek and Queen Latifah are boastful of the term.

Whether you call yourself plus size, full figured, curvy, average or real size, personal preference must override societal stigmas. Change is amongst us ladies, and you are in control of the way you are perceived, and also to change the way society creates stereotypes for women.

Why Plus Size Brides Care What Others Think of Their Dress

I get asked all the time, "If I'm a curvy girl, what wedding dress looks best on my body?" I always answer the same way, "Whatever makes YOU comfortable." There is no science or evidence saying, "anyone over a size 18 must wear an A Line wedding dress, or only petite women can wear a sheath wedding gown."

You chose your fiancé because he looked best on YOUR arm (on top of a million other reasons) but you probably "tried" out others on your arm before committing. You didn't say, "I have curves, I can't have him." Nor should you sacrifice sexy short wedding dresses because of your curves or because society says "you shouldn't wear that." Chose a dress YOU like, not what you FEEL is acceptable.

If YOU are more comfortable in a plus size ball gown and prefer something modest... ROCK IT! The key is, it's YOUR wedding day, YOU know what makes YOU happy and comfortable so do what feels right. Similarly, if YOU feel like flaunting your curves, don't pass up plus size mermaid wedding dresses because your worried what others might say. Trust your personal style and have confidence in your choice, that's what your future hubby likes!

Now don't wear something inappropriate just for shock value either. You must be respectful. If you have a church ceremony, it's inappropriate to wear sexy short wedding dresses, or have cleavage spilling out, regardless if you are curvy or petite. Class and decency is key, but nothing wrong with a little sass and sex appeal. If you don't want your father seeing you like that, it probably shouldn't be worn! But you can always get a fierce reception dress to "make up for" your conservative ceremony gown!

On the flip side, too many curvy brides sacrifice style because they are insecure or scared of what others think. Some wear long-sleeved dresses or an A Line wedding dress that isn't as form flattering as she wanted. They go the "safe route" and buy a typical plus size gown that fits more like a curtain than a glove, even though they were yearning for one of the more sexy plus size mermaid wedding dresses.

It is good to take others opinions to mind, but not always to heart. When shopping for a plus size bridal gown, relate it to "shopping" for your husband. Sure you cared if your girls thought he was cute, nice and complimented you. But did you really care what they thought? Would you not be with him if they said he's not attractive enough? Probably not. So why take everything to heart with the wedding gown YOU will be wearing?