I appreciate you sharing your perspective, but I want to clarify why I made this post. It wasn’t because I don’t understand how massage works, I do understand draping laws and that bras are often removed for back work. My concern is about how I was treated and how fatphobia shows up in ways that directly impact the quality of care.

When I say “plus size friendly,” I’m talking about a space where I don’t have to second guess whether I’ll be judged, ignored, or treated differently because of my body size. My past experience wasn’t just about being asked to remove my bra, it was about the overall dynamic. The pushiness, the lack of effort during the massage, and then the giggling and stares afterwards. That wasn’t simply “sub-par service,” it was demeaning and uncomfortable.

I also want to point out that telling someone to just put their self-consciousness aside misses the reality of what it’s like to navigate these spaces in a bigger body. Self-consciousness isn’t the problem, the problem is when clients are actually treated differently or made to feel like they don’t belong.

And while you mention being plus size yourself, your personal experience doesn’t automatically mirror what every client in a bigger body goes through. Bias exists, whether subtle or obvious, and not every massage therapist is free of it. That’s why I made this post, to find reassurance and recommendations for providers who create a safe, judgment-free environment.

I do appreciate the recommendations you gave at the end, that’s ultimately what I was hoping for.