Nearly Two-Thirds of Plus-Size Women Confident in Themselves, According to Just My Size National Survey

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., June 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a recent survey conducted by plus-size apparel brand JMS/Just My Size, when it comes to confidence, size doesn't matter. Of the more than 6,200 plus-size women who participated in the annual survey, more than 64 percent said they were "confident" or "very confident" in themselves.

The results of the national survey of plus-size women on confidence and style were released today in New York City during Full Figured Fashion Week^®, where the brand also celebrated its 30^th birthday. 

"The Just My Size brand has been celebrating the curves and confidence of plus-size women for 30 years, so it is only fitting to release the results of this year's survey as we mark this birthday milestone," said Karen Fitzgerald, general manager of Just My Size Activewear. "We are thrilled to see so many women talking about the role that confidence plays in their lives."

Almost three-quarters of respondents said that they were more confident today than five years ago, representing a 10 point increase from 2013. One respondent pointed to the growing number of plus-size women serving as positive role models. "I see more women who are independent and spreading the [word] that we are who we are. No apologies. That thinking has rubbed off on me." 

Confidence seems to breed confidence. Another respondent noted, "In a society where being bigger is often frowned upon, a woman who can flaunt her curves with her head held high is a confident woman."

When asked to evaluate their level of confidence in different aspects of their lives, respondents highlighted strong confidence at work. More than 87 percent of respondents said they were "confident" or "very confident" in their work. "I have worked to push myself into doing things outside my comfort zone, which has made me more confident," said one respondent.   

Although personal confidence for plus-size women is increasing, only 11 percent of respondents said that plus-size women are more confident than women who are not plus-size. Some respondents pointed to a gradual shift in attitudes toward plus-size women: "We are in a size acceptance movement, teaching ourselves and others to love the skin you're in."

While almost two-thirds of respondents said they were "confident" or "very confident" in themselves, only 48 percent said they were "confident" or "very confident" in their personal style. Additionally, only 40 percent of respondents said they dressed to flatter their shape. 

"Style confidence starts with knowing what core pieces work best for your body type, and JMS is focused on making great-fitting, flattering essentials designed specifically for the plus-size woman," said Fitzgerald. "We want women to feel great inside and out. We're passionate about plus-size – and about confidence."

JMS is known for key style essentials at a value, providing the building blocks for her wardrobe from season to season, trend to trend. Introduced in 1984, the JMS/Just My Size brand began as a hosiery collection, and expanded to include intimate apparel, jeans, casual basics and activewear.

The JMS survey respondents reflect the brand's passionate plus-size community. More than 96 percent of survey respondents were size 16 or larger; and the average size of respondents was 22. The JMS brand has more than 820,000 fans on Facebook, and many of the brand's most active posts surround style and fit tips.

About JMS/Just My Size

JMS/Just My Size, a leading women's plus-size apparel brand, offers bras, panties, hosiery, casual essentials, jeans and activewear. JMS intimate apparel and hosiery are available at leading retailers nationwide; JMS apparel is available at Walmart stores nationwide. JMS/Just My Size styles also are available online at www.justmysize.com.

The JMS brand, owned by Hanesbrands Inc., is a leading marketer of innerwear, activewear and hosiery apparel under strong consumer brands. According to The NPD Group, a global information company, Hanesbrands Inc. is America's leading manufacturer of plus-size apparel (Consumer Tracking Service, units, year ending March 2014).

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140618/119269

Contact:

Terri Barnes
Ph 336-456-2344, Email 

SOURCE Just My Size