Is plus-size shopping getting easier? Four Scandi models have their say

Though some small steps have been taken, many brands still have a lot of work to do when it comes to inclusive sizing

Whether you prefer IRL shopping or browsing online, the experience of surveying, trying on, and buying clothes should be comfortable and fun – not polarising. With that in mind, we spoke to four remarkable female models in Scandinavia to get their valuable perspectives on the changing landscape of sizing in the region's fashion industry. From the designers they love to what puts them off buying something new.

Isabelle Cohen

Represented by Mikas, Isabelle Cohen (Bella for short) is in the early stages of an exciting career. Although she's seen some positive changes in size diversity since her teenage years, she shares some insight on the difference between in-store versus online experiences. "When I was a teenager, I was already comparing myself to my slimmer friends. I could never buy what I wanted the way that other people could. Though it has become better, which encourages me, I prefer online shopping because it's easier to try on clothes on my own time. I feel more comfortable in my home if something doesn't fit well." Cohen notes that the same goes for her on-set experience with sample sizing, which is often made for with a specific body type in mind, limited to size S.

Her style inspiration lately comes from second-hand hunting, where the power of choice is endless. "I love Vestiaire Collective because I love finding unique patterns and pieces that have a history behind them – it's a lot more fun."

And what about Cohen's current favourite Scandi brand? “Acne Studios, easy. Even though they don't have the most extensive range in sizing, they make great staple pieces, and I've found their dresses to have a good stretch to them." If it's not a vintage or Acne staple, her most worn pieces this season come from Skims; "I am obsessed with their strappy black dress!"

Ceval Omar

Ceval Omar is a powerhouse of confidence and talent. Hailing from Norway and residing in Paris, she paints a mixed picture when it comes to plus-size shopping. "My general experience with shopping has been both good and bad," she says. "It isn't good when I don't feel comfortable trying on clothes in a certain environment or when I shop online and the clothes are not true to size. For that reason, I have started to shop in stores, but I try everything on at home – I'll bring back whatever doesn't fit and keep what does."

With a heart for high fashion, Omar is often seen in Jean Paul Gautier and LVMH. "Vintage shopping for designer staples in Paris is easy and fun," she notes. But the Scandi girl in her never sleeps, rocking pieces by Ganni and Holzweiller – a homage to her Norwegian side. "Ultimately, I get inspired by brands and designers looking to make something comfortable for the buyer that has functionality and that people want to wear," she says. "A simple solution would be for brands to hire and market body positive individuals to help with their diversity and influencing off the bat. Saying you have a wide variety of sizes and only going up to an L is not enough."

Ulrikke Skotte-Lund

In her feature last year in Vogue Scandinavia, Danish model Ulrikke Skotte-Lund wrote, "Every roll, every lump, every freckle, every curve, every 'unflattering' angle – my body is amazing, and so is yours."

Skotte-Lund has been outspoken about body and size inclusion since the beginning of her modelling career, proudly vocalising the need for change. Shopping mostly online, she says she has been consistently disappointed by the lack of Scandinavian size ranges, stating that "brands stopping at a size 42 (especially in stores) is not plus-size inclusive."

Her current favourite brand to shop for? "UK brand Selva Negra, because they have extensive sizing, and most of their normal clothes go up to a 4XL. I also don't want skulls on my shirt with glitter that says 'I love Paris' like so many plus-size collections have. I want ready-to-wear, non-fast fashion options that look good and make feel my age. The Sabi two-toned sweat set and Skims underwear are my go-to for wearing on set.”

Skotte-Lund says she will continue to advocate for size inclusivity with this important message to brands: "It discourages me that I'm never able to get the exact pieces I want because they never go up to my size. Most people want to dress nice, and it's frustrating when you have to work extra hard to find something that looks nice and is made well. Having extended sizing doesn't de-value your brand. In fact, you would benefit from it."

Christel Commey

Originally from Gothenburg and now based in Copenhagen, Christel Commey is a fashion innovator in her own right, yet is dismayed to find many brands in the region continuing to lag behind. "I find it hard shopping as a curvy woman in Scandinavia," she says. "I've had to think out of the box when it comes to shopping. I've had to be creative in combining and styling my outfits because there was never really anyone I saw represented or looking like me growing up curvy in Scandinavia."

Aside from Lindex, Moons, and Junes for undergarments, and Danish brand AISO for breast tape, second-hand shopping is Commey's go-to for a reason: "I've always loved the thought of creating something new with clothing that has been preloved by others. It just shows how versatile clothing and styling is.''

That versatility, she says, shouldn't be so challenging for brands to accomplish in sizing. "Don't push for body inclusivity if you can't handle the work that comes with it. It's not enough to have one or two token curvy models represented in your brands. Even brands pushing the movement still forget that there is a whole range of us – and for everyone reading, please internalise this: you don't have to fit within the ‘slim’ size range to look fly and absolutely stunning in the outfits you choose to wear."

Photo: Fiiri Agency