The Shape of Exclusion (Representation in Yitty)

Yitty is a shapewear brand founded by Lizzo. And it is another brand that lacks wheelchair user representation.

Yitty talks about how inclusive they are. And I’m sure that’s true - when it comes to able-bodied people’s body size. But what about wheelchair users?

Diversity without disabled people is just ableism.

You know, I just found out yesterday Kim Kardashian has a shapewear brand (SKIMS). And I found out by seeing the disability representation they added as a result of them now selling adaptive clothing.

(This is one of the multiple photos on SKIMS’ social media.)

I understand SKIMS has been around a little bit longer than Yitty has (SKIMS first released September 10, 2019 and Yitty first released April 12, 2022), but wheelchair users shouldn’t have to wait years for representation and inclusivity.

Also, an adaptive collection shouldn’t be the only time to showcase disabled people. Wheelchair users are everywhere so why not show that?

We're human beings, we wear clothes, we like or want to try shapewear, we’re sexy. Why exclude us?

Yitty looks fabulous, but I will not overlook the exclusion of my community.

Not having representation - explicitly excluding so many people from your brand - is not okay. It hurts and causes harm.