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People are complaining about Serena Williams's new fashion line not being size inclusive

Serena Williams is taking heat for the size selection in her new clothing line. (Photo: Getty Images)
Serena Williams is taking heat for the size selection in her new clothing line. (Photo: Getty Images)

Serena Williams’s stylish new fashion line has fizzled among her fans who are disappointed in the size selection.

On Wednesday, the Olympian tennis pro released Serena, a 13-piece collection sold exclusively on her website, ranging from $15 to $215, including slip dresses, joggers, crop tops, and bralettes.

The clothes are stylish and the price point is reasonable — as Williams told Glamour, “There are so few people who have access to buy whatever they want, however they want. I want them to be able to buy these clothes.” However, some fans frowned at the sizes, which run from XS to XL, the latter of which is a size 14 and smaller than the average woman, who wears a size 16.

Alongside a video featuring models that was posted on the brand’s Instagram page, many people complained.

All of the models are THIN,” wrote @ste7301. “I hope this is NOT the only size you are catering to.” @Lucygoosey888 asked, “Why are the models skinny [and] not inclusive of every body shape?” @Allasunder wrote: “I’m with most people here…where are the plus size persons? I love the styles, but I guess I’ll just be window shopping this line only.” And @Kanawhachick wrote, “Would love to see women that look like you. Or at least a little thicker than the models here. A variety of women in ur clothing line would be awesome to see. But gorgeous line so far.”

Yahoo Lifestyle could not reach a Serena spokesperson for comment. However, on the brand’s website, the athlete says, “Introducing Serena, my first independent clothing line for all the ladies out there being awesome. My designs are inspired by strong, sexy, sophisticated, sassy, sure, smart, stylish, silly, and spontaneous women who are living their best lives, or making it up as they go — kinda like me.”

Some fans aren’t pleased with the size range offered in Serena Williams’s new fashion line. (Photo: Getty Images)
Some fans aren’t pleased with the size range offered in Serena Williams’s new fashion line. (Photo: Getty Images)

Aside from her professional achievements and role as mother to an 8-month-old baby girl, Alexis Olympia, whom she shares with husband and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, Williams often encourages body acceptance.

Last fall, Williams scribed an open letter to her mother, Oracene Price, sharing her experience with a so-called unconventional female form. “I’ve been called man because I appeared outwardly strong,” Williams wrote in the letter, published on Reddit. “It has been said that I use drugs (No, I have always had far too much integrity to behave dishonestly in order to gain an advantage). It has been said I don’t belong in Women’s sports — that I belong in Men’s — because I look stronger than many other women do. (No, I just work hard and I was born with this badass body and proud of it).”

She wrote, “I am proud we were able to show them what some women look like. We don’t all look the same. We are curvy, strong, muscular, tall, small, just to name a few, and all the same: we are women and proud!”

And in 2016, Williams opened up to her ex-boyfriend, rapper Common, on ESPN’s The Undefeated In-Depth, explaining, “There was a time where I didn’t feel incredibly comfortable about my body, because I felt like I was too strong. And then I had to take a second and think, who says I’m too strong? This body has enabled me to be the greatest player I can be, and I’m not going to scrutinize that. This is great. I mean, this is amazing.”

Still, Williams has always been interested in stylish self-expression. On Wednesday, the former fashion design student graced the July cover of Harper’s Bazaar U.K. wearing a black one-piece by Norma Kamali, and earlier this month she attended the royal wedding reception of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry wearing sneakers under her Valentino dress.

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