Wednesday 12 July 2017

Clothing Retailers and Negative Body Image.




I absolutely love my curves, they are part of who I am and I think they give me a nice shape.  Yes I have a bit of a tummy but I did have 2 children and I wasn't one of the lucky ones whose body just bounces back.  I am not ashamed of how I look and dress in the clothes I like, as you can see in the picture above.  I like to wear leggings and tops that don't cover my backside. Why should I?  Unfortunately too many people fall victim to the whole "you should look like this" trend when buying clothes and it is making many people ill, seriously ill.


Growing up I used to look at magazines and think "I wish I could look like that" but that was before I knew those women didn't actually look like that at all. The flawless skin and looking perfect was due to the wonders of photoshop!!  With the growth of the internet and online shopping, the "need" to look perfect and have that "perfect" body shape is much worse now than it ever was.

I have looked at a few websites and being honest the majority are the same, they all use thin women to promote clothes they class as plus size. Online retailer Pretty Little Thing is one of the examples.

Their PLT Curve range is for size 8-20 has a statement above it - 

For all our girls that are blessed with a body like an hourglass or all about that b(ass) - we salute you. Body confidence is key to keeping your look on-point. If you typically have an ample bust and booty featuring a slim waist in-between, trust in our shape range (in sizes 8-20) to ensure the perfect fit

Yet the pictures show size 8-10 women modelling their clothes!! Now I don't know about you, but I would look utterly ridiculous in the majority of their clothes range, I will go as far as to say I really don't like much of their range purely based on the statement above. Not all women in the size range above have a slim waist!!  Now I am not body shaming when I say that, the simple fact is, we are all different shapes and sizes.  There is no one size fits all.


Example from PLT Curve



H&M are the next on my list.  They have H&M+ which covers sizes 18-36.  I like the fact they cover a good range of sizes but they are boring and well not very flattering. A lot of their tops are baggy, which I do like sometimes but their range should include other styles!! Say it with me, bright colours!!

Example from H&M+ 



The other part of this makes for hard reading.  So many young people, male and female, see these models and think to look perfect they have to be super thin.  What follows sadly can turn into an eating disorder which soon takes over their life, or tragically claims their life.  

Media using photoshop to give the illusion of the perfect body shape and flawless skin needs to stop!!  Clothing brands need to stop constantly using thin models to show off their clothes. They should embrace women of all sizes!!

Please never ever feel ashamed of how you look or who you are. Be proud, dress the way you love and live life to the fool.

If you, or someone you know have an eating disorder, please seek help as soon as possible by visiting your GP, out of hours or even go to a&e.  Never let anyone make you feel worthless.



10 comments:

  1. I love this! I really do wish the industry would sit up and take notice - the average dress size in the UK is a 16, so why do so many brands insist on marketing only to those who are tiny?

    I love the new regulation that's come in for catwalk models in France - fashion models now need to provide a doctor's certificate to prove that they're a healthy weight in order to be able to work, and from October 1st, magazines and other media will need to state if pictures of models have been digitally altered. It's a step in the right direction!

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    1. That really bugs me. The industry takes a very unhealthy approach. I really hope they introduce the same measures here as they are in France!! Can't wait for October 1st and the new rule to come in. It's a start in making a difference!

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  2. This is such an amazing post! I completely agree that this is an unhealthy approach! I love my curves, yes I would like to drop a dress size or so, but never to lose the shape of my body! x

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    1. Thank you :) I'm with you, don't mind losing dress size but not the curves!! x

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  3. I have just learned that river island doe a good plus size range which is ace

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    1. I have seen their plus size range online, wish my local store carried more. They sell quickly x

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  4. I have yet to lose my baby weight nearly ummm... four years into it. I find it really hard to find flattering clothes so it's good to know what shops are good for this!

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    1. I love shopping in New Look, Dorothy Perkins and George@asda. Absolutely love their clothes and they are both flattering and beautiful x

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  5. I was a bit shocked when I learned that a size 14 is considered plus size, but you are right, there needs to be a better range of models and clothing styles for larger ladies

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    1. Size 16 is the average dress size so by saying 14 is plus size is a sure way of making people feel dreadful about themselves. Same for the other way boring baggy clothes for larger sizes makes people feel worthless. Change needed and fast xx

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