With social media at play, there is a strong level of pressure now more than ever to fit certain beauty standards and body types. Luckily, there are women who are also on social media who own their bodies and show up in ways that inspire others to do the same. Some women are shapely throughout their adulthood while others grow into their curves.
Here are 15 women who know how to make a statement and stop the world with their fabulous physiques.
1. Angela Simmons, 37
Angela Simmons has flexed her naturally gifted body on Instagram for years. Every other scroll shows the former reality TV star pictured in a new swimsuit letting her hips and curves get all the shine. The media often praises her physique as well. In 2018, she modeled swimsuits as part of the Swimsuits For All Campaign. She was also applauded for sharing unedited photos of her walking the Miami Swim Week runway in 2022.
Houston Hottie, Megan Thee Stallion, often proudly flaunts her figure in skin-baring attire that hugs her body. There’s no question as to whether she loves her shape. Heck, she made a whole song based on body positivity called “Body.” In 2020, she went on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and said, “I definitely just want my fans and my supporters to feel like ‘You know what girl, Megan Thee Stallion said I’m fine. So I must be fine.”
Toccara Jones has long embraced her curvaceous figure since her days on America’s Next Top Model. She has been a memorable influence for other plus-size models after becoming the first plus-size model on the show.
Throughout the years, Ciara always had a slimmer frame until the “Level Up” singer had children. The mom of four started packing on the weight in her thighs and derrière region, and she’s not shy about showing it off. In fact, she bragged about it in her lyrics for “Run It Up.” She sang, “You ain’t gotta worry, you know that we straight/ Got a lil’ thicker, he grippin’ the waist.” The verses hint that her husband, Russell Wilson, can’t keep his hands off her thickened thighs.
When you think of a voluptuous woman, Niecy Nash should be in that lineup. For as long as she has been in the entertainment business, the 55-year-old has been praised for her coke-shaped body. Her outfits are often snugly fitted, allowing for every curve to have its shine. And while the world may love her physical structure, she didn’t always feel so confident about it. In 2017, she wrote a public apology to herself for criticizing what she thought were her body flaws after trying on a swim suit. At the end of the long apology, she wrote, “Loving your body can be a rollercoaster ride ESPECIALLY WITHOUT A FILTER! but…With all that said I purpose to be kinder to myself today then I was yesterday…. tomorrow i’ma try to keep the it going “I love you Niecy.”
Chloe Bailey wasn’t always proud of her body either. As it turns out, her insecurities came from the lack of representation she saw for bodies like hers on television. She toldAllure magazine in 2022, “I’ve always had thick thighs and a butt. But I was growing up at a time when, if someone on television told you that you had a big butt, they meant it as an insult. So I was a little ashamed of my curves. I tried to hide them. It took a very, very long time. Now, my favorite thing about [my body] is my butt.”
Since entering the industry, Lizzo has quickly become the face of body positivity for plus-size women. She showed thicker women around the world through her music why they’re special. Even now, since she’s lost some pounds, she carries on the same message of self-love. She unapologetically flaunts her body in bikinis, shorts and crop tops on Instagram proving she’s perfect just as she is.
In her career, Michelle Buteau is living proof of the phrase “if you want something done, you’ve got to do it yourself.” The comedian-actress created the show Survival of the Thickest after realizing there weren’t enough plus-size women getting main character roles on screen. The show follows a newly single plus-size woman who is trying to rebuild her life as a stylist. As of May 2025, the series has been renewed for its third and final season.
Danielle Brooks played the beloved Taystee in Orange Is The New Black and she took on the infamous role of Sophia in the musical adaptation of The Color Purple. However, her voice has been utilized for more than just reciting lines and singing. Back in 2017, she gave Vogueher thoughts on how the fashion industry has evolved for plus-size people.
She said, “I don’t know if fashion has made a wholehearted effort. It’s more like, ‘Oh this is a trend, let’s get on it.’ When it comes to how designers have approached making clothes for curvier people, she shared her opinion on that too. “I think they’re trying, but they can go harder and we should not be easy on them,” she says. “I don’t think we should pat anybody on the back for [doing] something they should’ve done 30 years ago.”
10. Da’Vine Joy Randolph
Da’Vine gives stunning looks on the red carpet just as she gives stunning performances in movies. The Oscar-winning actress serves luxury and glam all up and down her Instagram and it’s because she’s intentional about her fashion. According to a Vogue interview she did in 2024, she’s made a lookbook for her red-carpet outfits.
She said, “Honestly, I wanna give international movie star vibes. I like things that are timeless. It’s half of the reason why I watch a lot of old movies. I’ll pause movies and screenshot things and then send it to my stylist like, “I really love this neckline.”
Many people grew to love Amber Riley after she took on the character of Mercedes in Glee. In 2024, she called out the film industry on how plus-size actors are portrayed on-screen. She joined the “Of course” Tik Tok trend where users will share stereotypes based on their identity.
In her video she said things like “I’m a plus size black actor of course I’m going to play the sidekick and not the love interest.” She also said, “I’m mistaken for every other actress over 150 pounds whether they’re darker or lighter, taller or shorter, older or younger, and bear no resemblance to me whatsoever.”
Jill Scott is another curvaceous figure who has made waves on charts. The Grammy award-winning artist is a natural at commanding attention in her lyrics and her voice. In her music, she not only brings soul, she also brings poetry, femininity and tranquility. After making a name for herself in the music industry, Scott delved into other avenues in the entertainment space. She took her talents on-screen playing the infamous role of Sheila in Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married films.
13. Precious Lee, 35
For years, Precious Lee has been making strides in the modeling industry as a plus size Black model. In 2015, she was the first Black curve model to be in Vogue. She also became the first Black plus sized model to be on the cover of Sport Illustrated. During Lee’s journey she’s been involved in iconic campaigns and runways for household names like Versace and Balmain.
Queen Latifah is a woman of several talents. Not only can she act and rap but she had her own talk show in the early 2000s. Latifah always carried herself with poise and confidence throughout her career. With all that she has done, weight has still been a topic that she could not escape.
She revealed that weight was brought up by production on the set of her 90s sitcom Living Single. In 2022, she went on The Red Table Talk and said she and her cast members were told they needed to lose a few pounds. But to her, their ratings spoke for itself. She said, “We’re on the No. 1 show among Black and Latino households in America, and you’re telling us we need to lose weight,” said Latifah of her reaction. “Maybe you’re the one with the problem because maybe you’re the one that has the issue. Because the show is a success.”
15. Anita Marshall
Anita Marshall is another curvy woman who has been a pioneer in the world of fashion and modeling. Her journey began when she was signed in 2012, and ever since, she’s worked with brands like Marie Clair, Macy’s and Nordstrom. She also made her debut with Sports Illustrated in 2020.
When talking about being a plus size model to OTS Magazine, she said, “I feel like the plus industry is even its own industry. Because I am not in the ‘regular’ fashion world, I can’t compare the two. I do know every client I have ever worked for has been nothing short of amazing. I wonder if we have it better?! I’m just kidding but I have only been treated great by everyone.”
