Plus-Size Barbies: Do They Exist? (PHOTOS, POLL)

We've seen Hollywood icon Barbies, tattoo Barbies and royal Barbie-like dolls. One thing they all have in common, however, is their teeny-tiny waists. Barbies, as we all know, are legendarily skinny.

So what about plus-size Barbies -- do they exist? We're ashamed we hadn't wondered about this sooner, but Daily Venus Diva did some research and found that yes, there are a few plus-size Barbies (and Barbie-esque dolls) to be had.

Turning up in Daily Venus Diva's search was an Effie from "Dreamgirls" doll, whose memorable curves are clad in a glam brown gown; a Rosie O'Donnell Barbie, who wears the sort of baggy blazer the real-life TV host sports; and The Emme Doll, made to resemble plus-size model Emme Aronson (who these days spends her time blogging for us).

Then there's the curious "Ciotka Kena" Barbie, which in Polish means' "Ken's Aunt." Apparently in Poland, Ken has an aunt with voluminous blonde hair and a white lace teddy -- and real-woman curves. A limited edition, "Ciotka Kena" Barbie would most definitely be considered plus-size stateside.

Other than that... there's not much. Even the Oprah Barbie depicted the TV host in her (much) skinnier days, lest a celebrity's curves become immortalized in plastic.

There are plenty of thin models and celebs, but the facts on the ground are that 33.8 percent of adults and 17 percent of kids and teens in the US are obese. Does society, namely young girls, need a plus-size Barbie?

Quick Poll

Do we need more plus-size Barbies?

YES! Children should have realistic examples of what a "pretty body" can look like.

NAH. Kids barely notice a doll's waist size.

Share your vote on Facebook so your friends can take this poll

(Via Daily Venus Diva)

Comments

[EllaMode]

11:02 AM on 12/21/2011

Aren't Tonner dolls 16"??? (That's what I kept seeing when I searched for clothing patterns.) You mentioned dolls by Tonner, NOT Mattel (aside from Rosie, with her ugly outfit). Even the donner VERY TALL dolls don't have everyday clothes. === Still no playing as Barbie's friend going to the mall or to lunch.

[karen25]

03:34 AM on 10/28/2011

Actually, the 'Ciotka Kena' plus-size Barbie doll from Poland was never a mass-market toy, but was a limited-edition pop-art creation by a Polish artist who specializes in satirizing consumerism. The Judgment of Paris forum wrote a complete description of it:

http://www.judgmentofparis.com/board/showthread.php?t=1920

The post includes many images. Interesting story. I wish there were a real plus-size Barbie doll just like it.

[Blah]

02:59 PM on 10/27/2011

I'm responding to the video, not to the article (Barbie what?).

It's getting kind of old to hear women that are not curvy, but clearly overweight talking about being a "real woman".

Yes, you are a real woman, but so is that naturally slim (as in not anorexic) woman that exercises and eats right.

Another thing...I'm all for people accepting how they look, but, unless you have genuine healthy issues that keep you heavy, shouldn't you be able to accept where you are AND still work to get healthier?

[imissmydog]

05:50 PM on 10/27/2011

I hate the term "real woman/women."

[rybalaw]

12:30 PM on 10/27/2011

Barbie complete with her 40" bust 20'' waist size is not unattractive. If she were real she would be a lot healthier than the waifs that model for the major fashion designers.

[Vanessa1129]

12:37 PM on 10/27/2011

...add back problems to that 40" bust.

[Jennypie]

11:59 AM on 10/27/2011

Maybe the corn industry should create one and call her CARBIE!

[Atom Splitter]

01:11 PM on 10/28/2011

*Coffee snort* Agree about the fantasy of it all. However, I believe that the ones who complain about Barbie and her "assets" are usually unattractive people who don't know they're unattractive. It's JUST A DOLL.

[sidittygal]

11:16 AM on 10/30/2011

Yes people who don't love barbie are all ugly. Is that the basis for some study in a scientific journal?

[Jennypie]

11:53 AM on 10/27/2011

Girls choose Barbie because she's pretty, has sparkly clothes, colorful shoes and lots of accessories to create make-believe scenarios. I don't think they really notice waist or breast size, but they're not looking for a doll that looks like Mommy or for that matter, Ken's frumpy Aunt with a girdle. Where's the fun in that?? Let them have their dream doll fantasy. They'll have plenty of time to learn about love handles, saddle bags and belly rolls when they grow up.

[Vanessa1129]

12:38 PM on 10/27/2011

LOL >>>> @Ken's frumpy Aunt with a girdle.

[PCMinistry]

11:37 AM on 10/27/2011

Barbie is officially at a high risk for diabetes.

[PCMinistry]

11:35 AM on 10/27/2011

Oh we definitely need plus sized barbies. Promoting obesity as something that is normal is something we have to do as just one of our many depopulation methods. The barbie should come with fast food and a 52 oz. HUGE GULP from a gas station.

[Vanessa1129]

12:39 PM on 10/27/2011

LOL >>> @ a 52 oz. HUGE GULP from a gas station.

[Vanessa1129]

11:24 AM on 10/27/2011

...oh me oh my! stick a needle in my eye...lol


Just SCARY......Barbie in a spanx!

[fredly2]

10:52 AM on 10/27/2011

Well, when it comes to "Barbies", I think they may be far less dangerous and harmful than fooling around with the real thing, or even trying to. What one thinks is what one thinks.

[SukiTheCat]

08:32 AM on 10/27/2011

Everyone is different and how one reacts to a doll is not the same as someone else, but I grew up playing with Barbie dolls, it was just a doll to me, it didn't negatively affect how I viewed my body or anything like that, it was just a doll.

[KDMac]

12:33 PM on 10/27/2011

I think a lot of girls grow up with Barbie dolls, and a lot of girls have a skewed body image. But I'm not sure if the two are related.

[pslcitizen]

08:25 AM on 10/27/2011

If your entire self esteem is revolving around a toy..that's sad.

[Vanessa1129]

11:07 AM on 10/27/2011

lol

[pslcitizen]

08:21 AM on 10/27/2011

lol Really, how about some normal dolls?

[KIVPossum]

07:45 AM on 10/27/2011

The plus sized dolls shown don't look plus sized. They look like a normal, healthy woman

[Vanessa1129]

11:08 AM on 10/27/2011

lol...yes!

[furby6]

11:38 AM on 10/27/2011

Normal, healthy middle aged women. If you have a spare tire at 10 years old, it's not normal.

[negirl]

11:58 AM on 10/28/2011

If you have size double d breasts at ten years old, that is not normal.

[Lupe Trujillo]

06:43 AM on 10/27/2011

its a doll to put dresses on...A DOLL