His comments weren't even controversial, as they echoed beliefs that are held by those in the fashion industry. Lots of clothing companies make it plainly obvious not everyone is supposed to buy their products.

He went into it in detail when he was interviewed by Guy Raz. Wilson defended himself by saying his comments had nothing to do with obesity, but rather material. He is a fabrics guy, and his clothes were being used to shape, a la Spanx, when they weren’t built to shape at all.

It’s a fascinating interview and one of the best in the “How I Built This” series.

I heard a tape of the original interview, too, and I was shocked that certain people with an agenda used it to ruin him. He very gently suggested that wearing them very tight and using the garments as a "spanx"-type girdle to shape wasn't how they're supposed to be worn. Plus-size activists hit the roof, for unknown reasons.

I second this, it was a fantastic interview. One of the things that stood out was how eloquent of a speaker that Chip Wilson is.

Not maybe, definitely. Just one of those things that for some reason isn't acceptable to say despite being obviously accurate.

I mean when I read the comments I rolled my eyes because clearly not all clothes are made and designed for every single human configuration out there.

> Human configuration

Your engineer is showing

Yes, especially for those who can't spend $100+ on yoga pants.

The human mind is easily persuaded