Say What?: Iris Apfel Says Women Over Size 10 Shouldn’t Wear Stretch Jeans

Friday Oct 28, 2011 – by Clutch

From C+C — It seems every week a prominent name in the fashion industry succumbs to diarrhea of the mouth while speaking to the media. Iris Apfel, the 90 year-old fashion designer who is considered by many to be a fashion icon, is the latest figure to offend the buying public in an interview.

Apfel told The Telegraph: “Now when I walk down Fifth Avenue in the summertime I just want to throw up. It seems that the fatter and uglier people are, the fewer clothes they wear. The shorts and flip-flops and tight jeans on butts that go from here to Poughkeepsie … I always say they should put people in jail for wearing clothes like that. Especially stretch jeans over size 10 [a UK size 14] – they should be outlawed. Ten years ago people were starting to look like slobs in New York, now it’s an epidemic.”

While many would agree that clothes that are too tight are unsightly on anyone, Iris Apfel should know better than to put a size limit on a piece of clothing. There are plenty of size 10 women in perfect shape who look phenomenal in stretch jeans; in fact, several plus-size denim brands make a point to include lycra in their jeans because it compliments women with curves so well. Furthermore, Apfel’s choice of words, “fat,” “ugly,” and “slob,” aren’t sitting well with readers, no matter their size.

What do you think of Iris Apfel’s comments? Do you find them offensive? Do you agree with her? Discuss.

kat says:

October 28, 2011 at 11:12 pm

She’s entitled to her opinion, but I think she’s blind if she thinks this sloppiness issue is a fat issue. I live in a college area, and this young girls are tacky as hell. They dress as if skinniness and designer labels are enough to constitute style.

But hey, it’s their choice. Free country :-/

↑ Reply

Lonnie says:

October 28, 2011 at 11:34 pm

It’s easy to put a “size” , (usually anything above a 6/8) in an attempt to identify what looks less than attractive on individuals…I don’t think it’s that simple.
I think those who set “trends” have used the porn industry as a model for what women should wear. Sadly, many have bought into it….

tabatha says:

October 29, 2011 at 10:30 am

so what? this’s her opion. i think she looks like an old “DUDE” as that is my opion.

October 29, 2011 at 10:32 am

opinion………………….sorry

teebot says:

October 30, 2011 at 11:31 am

i don’t agree that >size 10 shouldn’t wear stretch jeans, but i wish people of all sizes would be more mindful of how they look. guys running around with tight pants they can’t pull up past their knees? women prancing around the drugstore in 6 inch stilettos they can’t walk in? teens in the mall in their pj’s? noooooo ma’am,

y. says:

October 30, 2011 at 3:12 pm

When I was a 14/16 (currently an 8/10) the jeans that looked BEST on me were of the stretch kind. Of course, they’re still the jeans I feel that look best on me, because they show off curves and “hold things” in.

***hopefully this comment gets through, it is not in any way derogatory o_O***

Mr. Man says:

October 31, 2011 at 9:43 am

Actually she said OVER size 10…..and yes I totally and absolutely agree with her.

Niecey says:

October 31, 2011 at 12:40 pm

She’s only telling the truth.

Tawnymarie says:

October 31, 2011 at 1:38 pm

Don’t be mad don’t be offended, if you want to wear certain clothes, make sure you have the body type to Rock it.

jaded says:

November 1, 2011 at 5:26 pm

I disagree. Anyone can wear well-fitting stretch jeans. It is like the most flattering and comfortable choice. Everyone needs to be mindful of size, and pick something of an appropriate size. Everyone also needs to pick the right top to go with the outfit. Crappy fashion sense and fit have no size limitations. (For the record, I’m a size 18 and wear stretch jeans all the time, in my size with a well-fitting top in my size — not 4 sizes too small)

Chigirrl says:

November 1, 2011 at 6:12 pm

well fitting yes, with a top that covers and flatters at the same time. i’ve seen plus size women in well fitting jeans and they have looked very nice but I am not a believer in this notion that just because something is made of stretchy material then any size can wear it. a size ten may not need to be the cut off as this so-called fashion icon asserts. but if you have cellulite showing and muffin top and everything is jiggling then no matter what size you are, you shouldnt wear it. i dont put my size 6 ass in size 2 pants!!