When we think of Old Navy, we think of those almost funny, slightly creepy mannequin commercials and those extra comfortable, low-price fleece sweaters. But recently, Old Navy has made news for its supposedly sexist stance on plus-size clothing.
A new petition on Change.org is asking the company to stop charging women more for plus-sized clothing.
According to petition creator Renee Posey, Old Navy is charging $12-$15 more for women's plus-sized jeans online. Old Navy's Rockstar Super Skinny Jeans in a size six costs $27, but the same exact pair in a size 26 cost $40.
Not only is the company guilty of size-ism, but it is also guilty of sexism. While many might assume that Old Navy is simply charging more for the extra fabric, the company does not charge men more for larger sizes. Men's Slim-Fit Jeans cost $25 for all sizes.
"I don't understand why myself and women like me are being singled out and forced to pay more by Old Navy, when our male counterparts are not," Posey writes.
Old Navy also does not categorize men clothing as plus-size and groups all sizes of men clothing together on its website. Plus-sized women on the other hand, are separated from slimmer-sized women, and have their own "Women's Plus" section.
In response to the petition, Gap Inc., the retailer's parent company, defended itself by saying that more fabric and designs means more money.
"Old Navy is proud to offer styles and apparel designed specifically for our plus-size female customer, which includes curve-enhancing and curve-flattering elements such as four-way stretch materials and contoured waistbands, which most men's garments do not include," Gap Inc. spokeswoman Liz Nunan says. "This higher price point reflects this selection of unique fabrics and design elements."
While the retailer charges more for plus-sizes, it does not charge less for petite sizes.
The petition has received over 35,000 signatures.
Photo Credit: Mike Mozart /Flickr
