Brazil’s Plus-Size Bikini Enthusiasts Make Waves

[redqueen]

http://jezebel.com/5880552/brazils-plus+size-bikini-enthusiasts-make-waves

A story about plus-size bikinis would be intriguing no matter what, but since we're talking about Brazil — a country with swimsuits so small a pubic hair wax was named for it — it's even more interesting. Apparently plus-size apparel is much-needed in Brazil, and that includes swimwear.

The AP reports that Clarice Rebelatto started Lehona, her exclusively plus-size beachwear line in 2010, and it is "a hit." But much like in the US, there are plenty of companies who refuse to add larger sizes to their lines. Luiz Rebelatto, Clarice's son and director of Lehona says: "Some brands, they don't want their image to be associated with chunky women… Only the thin, the rich and the chic."

Yet there is a market for Lehona's flesh-baring plus-size bikinis. And while the article itself seems to celebrate the brand, it also contains a cruel subtext. Reporter Jenny Barchfield describes plus-size beach enthusiast Elisangela Inez Soares as being "packed" into her swimsuit and "rubbing down the well-oiled bulge of her stomach and thighs." Seems like we're meant to feel that Soares' body — her bulges — should be covered; not shown off. ...

[Blue_Tires]

1. It's not a big secret that there are two types of women's clothing in Brasil

1. Very very tight
2. Very very revealing

I saw very little variation on ladies ages 8 to 80, no matter the body style

[redqueen]

3. I just thought it was interesting

This product seems to run counter to the way Brazilian women are usually portrayed, at least here in the US. Also I found the AP reporting to be interesting, as outlined by Jezebel's blogger.

[Skittles]

8. had some Brazilian gals here for training

had to tell them to dress appropriately and ditch the nose rings

[gratuitous]

2. What to do, what to do?

Have your "brand" associated with "chunky" women - Horrors! - or make money? What's a self-respecting exploiter of women to do? Maybe a nice tax break is in order for these clothing manufacturers?

[redqueen]

4. Well this company was started by a plus size woman...

who I guess wanted to wear a bikini, and didn't find enough variety, so she saw a market opportunity and went for it.

[gratuitous]

6. I was thinking more about the established companies

Seeing what Ms. Rebelatto had done, watching all that lovely, lovely money going into her coffers, and the other companies thinking, "Well shoot! If we had known those 'chunky' women had money, we'd have produced suitable apparel!" But they didn't because they didn't want their brand sullied by marketing to women they deemed unacceptable. Bummer for them.

[redqueen]

7. Ohhhhh...

hah, yes... good point.

[Howler]

5. Wow!

Those ladies look GREAT in those suits!

[guitar man]

9. Oh yeah

They're my kind o' women

[kimi]

10. Oh my.

Lose the suits, ladies, and just enjoy the sun and surf in the altogether.

Everyone will be so much more comfortable.

[HughBeaumont]

11. K for later.

[KamaAina]

12. Parabems! (Thank you!)

Wow!