Seeing is believing: Plus-size models may boost body image

A new study shows that society’s seeming preference for super-skinny models may be only in the eyes of their beholders.

By Shannon McCarthy Nov 10, 2012 12:34AM

Preliminary research from Durham University in the United Kingdom reveals (yet again!) that what women see in the media shapes their views about their own shape. It seems logical, but it’s a message that’s only recently filtering in to top fashion magazines and couture catwalks – namely that if plus-size models are used in advertising and glam fashion shoots, women will find those body types beautiful and aspirational. And this may also have the side effect of boosting the self-esteem of average and plus-size women.

In the study, the more images of thin models the participants saw, the more they preferred that body type. Yet, when they were shown pictures of plus-size models, their preference shifted to that figure. What this reveals is that women have a much more diverse view of female beauty than our media portrays, and what we’re exposed to absolutely affects our definition of an “ideal body.” Follow-up studies with more women (and men!) are forthcoming.

Related: Plus-size fall fashion guide

Bing: See more photos of plus-size models

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Tell us: Do you think that we’d all be better served by a fashion industry that reflected our true diversity?

Photo: Courtesy of Scenicreflections.com

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199Comments

Best

Nov 11, 2012 9:45PM

I think plus-size models are quite beautiful. Most of the thin models have no curves at all and some could even pass for boys from the neck down. The curves are great and I think the model pictured here is a fantastic representative of plus-size.

Now if we can convince people that this is normal-size instead of "plus-size", then I think we will have less problems with girls having low self-esteem.

The fashion industry does shape how people view themselves. Not it is up to them to do the right thing.

Previous replies

MamaJ75

Nov 11, 2012 10:41PM

I have an idea; why don't we stop being sheep and letting the media dictate what we perceive as beautiful and decide for ourselves?

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L Santana

Nov 11, 2012 10:03PM

Many of those considered plus are really normal sized. Many of the fashion industries' models are not normal sized. I am so disappointed that the fashion industry has not changed considering the influence they have on young women and men. Our norm should be to appreciate the beauty in all shapes, sizes and ethnic beauty as well.

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donnabree

Nov 11, 2012 10:13PM

I think this would be a great contribution to society. I am always annoyed when I look at plus-size catalogs to find skinny models. I don't want to see what THEIR body type looks like in clothes, I want to see what a curvaceous woman looks like! I've been disappointed in some orders because they looked great on skinny but actually accentuated more than I wanted. Keep it real!

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Loving nature

Nov 11, 2012 11:05PM

"Skinny" or "thin" is not synonymous with healthy, just like, "overweight" is not synonymous with unhealthy. It is easy to pass judgement and call names, but it is appalling what people will do to their bodies to be thin to avoid judgement and slander, which pushes people toward bulimia, anorexia, drug abuse, and the "I will do ANYTHING to be thin" attitude that endangers the health of our youth because you society, yes YOU cannot except different standards of not only beauty, but health.

People are beautiful in every size shape and color. Just because some people carry their ugly on the inside doesn't make them better, smarter, more talented or worth more than someone carrying what society deems to be ugly on the outside. We have to be tolerant of diversity. Be kind to one another, everyone is walking a hard road.

Previous replies

donnabree

Nov 11, 2012 10:15PM

The other comment I would like for fashion designers is: Make small prints for us big girls! I don't like big prints that make me look much larger in pics! Plus make clothes with drop waists or other more flattering designs (Princess seams)! An empire waist makes me look pregnant and that's not the look I'm going for!!!!

Previous replies

my-o-my

Nov 11, 2012 10:34PM

Finally a little ole fashioned reality instead of the stupid mindless crap that is shoved down the throats of the public that is supposed to be artistic. So very refreshing to see a little sanity revealed.

Previous replies

Phoenix Gillispie (phoenix416)

Nov 11, 2012 10:16PM

I think it's great that there's diversity in the media because women want to feel like their own shapes are beautiful, too. It's not realistic that using super skinny 00 models will attract average sized women to shop where the skinny models are used. I have personally avoided shopping at places where the ads show only one body type, because it shows that the company only dresses that one body type (which I don't have). However, I don't want to see ANY size model naked like that, personally, but power to her for having such confidence to do something I could never do!