A first for Sports Illustrated modeling sparks debate over the ‘plus-size’ label

 A landmark move for Sports Illustrated has created a lively debate about so-called “plus sized” models.

But, what if the model is just a size 12 — while US women average a size 14?

Many folks who are just seeing her for the first time are confused why Robyn Lawley usually works as a “plus-size” model.

Lawley doesn’t call herself a plus-sized model — but the media has gone wild this week calling her that since she is the first such model in Sports Illustrated.

But, that very focus on a size 12 — especially a size 12 that looks like Lawley — has many questioning the labels.

“I can see the ramifications on young women if their body is similar or larger than mine and they see a ‘plus size’ label,’ Lawley told Daily Mail Australia. “I just see no reason in any labels really, I just want women [to be] happy with their bodies.”

 In the modeling world, size 8 and above is considered “plus-size”, but she represents a healthy image as we are bombarded with size 0 models, a size that is unattainable for the majority of people.

Robyn Lawley is one of the most famous so-called plus-size models, and even has her own line of swimwear. She started the swimwear company, because she found herself wearing underwear when she would have to go on photo shoots.

“I don’t know if I consider myself as a plus-size model or not,” Lawley told Time magazine. “I just consider myself a model because I’m trying to help women in general accept their bodies.”