Social and Psychological Aspects

Breaking Cover: Plus-size Transgressive Dress on YouTube

---

Abstract

If participation in social media is generally available to any person who has internet access, what type of presence do groups that have generally been ignored by mainstream mass media have in the online world? The researchers interviewed a selection of plus-sized YouTubers who make videos about fashion to learn about their experiences. Fat is frequently stigmatized in U.S. culture. Sociologist Erving Goffman suggested that stigmatized people will try to “cover” and draw as little attention to their societally defined faults as possible. Interviewees, however, were not interested in covering. Instead, they were invested in transgressing the societal rules that limit and restrict fat individuals. This includes making themselves noticed online and in everyday life. They also wanted to represent plus-size people and serve as role models. Other themes from the interviews included the importance of agency, self-acceptance, and using fashion as a tool for self-discovery.

Keywords: stigma, transgression, fashion, YouTube, plus size, fat, social media

How to Cite:

McCracken, A., Damhorst, M. L. & Sanders, E. A., (2020) “Breaking Cover: Plus-size Transgressive Dress on YouTube”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 77(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.11808