When you’re living in a larger body, it’s often clear that the world hasn’t been designed with you in mind. Despite the reality that individuals of all sizes have always existed, their needs are frequently overlooked when it comes to the design of everyday products and spaces. Many environments are not accommodating, as society tends to favor a narrow definition of what is considered an ideal body size. Fortunately, some companies are stepping up to provide fat-friendly products that cater to larger individuals.
One such company is Big Fig, a mattress brand dedicated to creating comfortable sleep solutions for people in larger bodies. I recently spoke with Lucas Hart, the CEO of Big Fig, who shared insights about their mission and why serving the plus-size community is so important.
Founded in 2016, Big Fig emerged from the realization that many mattresses on the market were not built to adequately support plus-size customers. Lucas explained that this gap in the market often meant that larger individuals were buying mattresses that wore out much quicker than those of thinner customers. While many manufacturers profited from this cycle, Big Fig was determined to change that narrative.
“They recognized that these customers were not being well-served; they were being exploited,” Lucas pointed out. Big Fig took it upon themselves to create a mattress specifically designed to support larger bodies, focusing solely on this mission without diversifying into other brands or products.
For five years, Big Fig has dedicated themselves to ensuring that individuals in the plus-size community have access to quality sleep. “We don’t offer other types of mattresses. Our primary goal is to support and uplift the plus-size community through our manufacturing and design,” Lucas explained.
They understand that while creating a durable product might mean fewer mattress sales over time, the focus is on providing a valuable solution for their customers. Many plus-size shoppers are often misled into believing that pricier mattresses will last longer, but that’s not always the case. Lucas warns that if a mattress isn’t specifically designed for larger individuals, it will likely wear out quickly, regardless of its cost.
Quality sleep is essential for mental and physical well-being, and Big Fig believes that everyone deserves access to it. A supportive mattress can alleviate issues like back pain and joint stiffness, and the company is committed to investing in marketing to reach a community that might be skeptical of their offerings.
“We have a strong brand and loyal customer base, but there’s still more to accomplish. In my three decades in consumer products, I’ve never seen such an underrepresented group in the market. I hope other mattress manufacturers join us in serving the plus-size community,” Lucas shared.
But Big Fig is not the only company that caters to plus-size individuals. Here are a few more fat-friendly brands worth checking out:
- Eloquii: While Eloquii does have a higher price point, they offer diverse clothing options for plus-size individuals. They provide various fits for denim, including the Gena fit, which is perfect for those with larger waists and smaller hips.
- Universal Standard: If you’re in search of high-quality basics in a wide range of sizes (00-40), Universal Standard is a fantastic choice. They are known for their inclusive sizing and offer periodic giveaways, making their products more accessible.
- Zize Bikes: Founded by Clara Adams in 2005, Zize Bikes addresses the need for bicycles designed specifically for larger riders, with weight capacities up to 550 lbs. They also occasionally offer refurbished bikes at lower prices.
- Southwest Airlines’ “Customer of Size” Policy: Despite past issues with accommodating larger passengers, Southwest offers a policy that allows individuals to request a second seat at no additional charge, which can make flying more comfortable.
- Joyn: This on-demand video service offers a variety of movement classes for larger bodies, led by instructors who understand the unique needs of plus-size individuals. Joyn promotes movement for enjoyment rather than weight loss, and they offer free content alongside a paid service.
These examples demonstrate that there are brands out there dedicated to making life easier and more comfortable for those in larger bodies. As society becomes more aware of the needs of all body types, we hope to see even more companies following Big Fig’s lead in creating inclusive products. If you’re interested in additional resources related to pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource.
For more insights, feel free to visit one of our other blog posts, which discusses similar topics here.