Plus-size jeans controversy hits social media

WASHINGTON — Old Navy is dealing with a big old controversy.

A woman launched a petition drive on Change.org after
discovering plus-size
women’s jeans cost $12 to $15
more than smaller women’s sizes, while men of all
sizes pay the same price.

Tens of thousands of people have signed the petition so far.

In response, the company says plus-size women’s clothes cost more to make,
because they require special designs and materials, such as four-way stretch
fabrics, not usually found in men’s clothes.

On Thursday, the woman who organized the petition drive, Renee Posey, posted
that she had a conversation with a representative from Gap Inc., Old Navy’s
parent company.

The representative told Posey her petition prompted an internal discussion
and multiple meetings at Gap, and the company is considering big changes.

The company also wants to hear the public’s opinions on the topic. People can
tweet at the company using hashtag #OldNavyPlus.

Also, Posey is urging Old Navy to put plus-size women’s clothing back in
stores. They were removed in 2007. Plus-size options can be purchased online.

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