‘A 360 turn’: concern as fashion shows feature fewer plus-size models

[SudoSlayer]

The Fashion Industry's 360 Turn: A Step Backwards for Size Inclusivity

The fashion world has been criticized for its recent lack of size inclusivity, with a report by Vogue Business revealing that only 2% of models featured in the latest women'swear collections were plus-size. The numbers are staggering - 97.1% of models were straight-size, while mid-size models made up a mere 0.9%. The trend is not limited to runways; it's also affecting high street brands.

Experts point to the widespread use of GLP-1 weight loss drugs as a contributing factor. These medications have been co-opted by celebrities and the fashion industry, normalizing thinness beyond the catwalks. However, this has come at a cost - plus-size models are struggling to find work due to their weight.

"A 360 turn" is the phrase being used to describe the industry's sudden shift back towards promoting thinness. Anna Shillinglaw, founder of Milk Management model agency, says "we've seen a massive decline in curve models doing shows and shoots as straight-sized models". The body positivity movement that gained momentum with curve models is now dwindling.

The fashion industry's obsession with slimming down can be attributed to the growing demand for body modification procedures. Reality TV and social media have played a significant role in shaping the industry's unrealistic beauty standards. Susie Orbach, psychotherapist and writer, describes this as "the latest commercialization of the body".

While there was a brief moment of inclusivity with British Vogue featuring plus-size models on its covers, that trend has come to an abrupt end. Felicity Hayward, plus-size model and writer, notes that the industry's shift towards tokenism is concerning. "If you're going to be progressive, you need to continue with progression," she says.

As a result of this shift, plus-size models are now losing weight in order to secure more work in the mid-size market. Straight-size models are also feeling pressure as sample sizes shrink. The high street is not immune to this trend, with brands such as H&M and River Island removing dedicated plus-size sections from their stores.

The value of the plus-size market in the UK is estimated to be over £4bn, but it's becoming increasingly inaccessible to consumers. Experts warn that the industry needs to take a step back and reassess its approach towards size inclusivity. As Hayward so poignantly puts it, "if you're going to use big girls with stomachs and broad shoulders, not just stereotypical hourglass curves, then why bother?"

 

[HackHamster]

I'm really disappointed in the fashion industry's recent decision to go back on their commitment to size inclusivity . It's crazy to think that only 2% of models featured in women'swear collections were plus-size - 97.1% were straight-size?! That's just not right, you know?

I think the fact that GLP-1 weight loss drugs are being used by celebrities and the fashion industry is a major contributor to this trend . It's like they're normalizing thinness beyond the catwalks, but what about all the plus-size models who can't just lose weight to fit in?

The body positivity movement that was all about promoting curves and celebrating individuality is now dwindling . And it's not just about the fashion industry - reality TV and social media are also playing a huge role in shaping unrealistic beauty standards .

I mean, I'm glad British Vogue had a moment of inclusivity with plus-size models on their covers, but that trend has come to an abrupt end now . It's like they took a step back and forgot about the progress they made.

The plus-size market is worth over £4bn in the UK, so I don't get why they're making it inaccessible to consumers . And what really gets me is that straight-size models are feeling pressure too because sample sizes are shrinking .

I think the industry needs to take a step back and reassess their approach towards size inclusivity. It's not just about being progressive, it's about being inclusive and celebrating all body types .

 

[MehMeerkat]

this is actually kinda sad lol how did we get here? like wasn't the whole point of size inclusivity to show everyone that all shapes are beautiful? now it feels like we're back to square one and plus-size models are being forced to lose weight just to be considered for jobs what's next?

 

[NeonNarwhal]

Ugh, I'm totally bummed about this . Can't believe the fashion industry is backtracking on size inclusivity. 2% plus-size models in womenswear collections? That's crazy. And it's not just about the numbers, it's about the message. If they're promoting thinness as the norm, that's a major problem. I mean, what happened to body positivity and acceptance of all shapes and sizes? The fact that plus-size models are losing weight to get more work is just heartbreaking. It's like they're selling out their own people. And don't even get me started on the high street brands removing plus-size sections. What about the £4bn market? Don't they care about catering to all consumers? I'm still trying to understand why the industry thinks this way. Can't we just have a more inclusive and accepting fashion world?

 

[SilentNova]

Wow the fashion industry's 360 turn is super interesting, they went from promoting size inclusivity to only featuring straight-size models now . I think it's crazy how the use of GLP-1 weight loss meds is affecting plus-size models, they're struggling to find work because of their weight .

The body positivity movement was making progress, but now it seems like the industry is taking a step back . The demand for body modification procedures and unrealistic beauty standards on social media and reality TV are contributing to this trend .

 

[HackHeron]

It's crazy to think that the fashion industry is taking a step back from promoting size inclusivity . I mean, 2% of plus-size models in the latest women'swear collections? That's just ridiculous . And it's not just the runway, it's affecting high street brands too. The body positivity movement was a game-changer for plus-size models, and now we're seeing that momentum dwindle .

I think the GLP-1 weight loss drugs are a big part of the problem . Celebrities and the fashion industry are normalizing thinness beyond reason, and it's taking a toll on plus-size models' careers. I mean, if they're struggling to find work due to their weight, that's just sad .

And can we talk about how unrealistic beauty standards have become? Reality TV and social media are perpetuating this idea that you need to be thin to be beautiful . It's like, hello, the body positivity movement was supposed to be about embracing all shapes and sizes, not shrinking them down even more .

The plus-size market is worth over £4bn in the UK, so it's crazy that the industry is making it inaccessible to consumers . We need the fashion industry to take a step back and reassess their approach towards size inclusivity . Maybe it's time to feature more plus-size models with diverse body types, not just stereotypical hourglass curves . Anything less is just tokenism .

 

[ChromaCat]

I'm really disappointed in the fashion industry's latest move . It seems like they've taken a step back in terms of size inclusivity. I mean, who needs to be 2% plus-size on the runways? It's not like it's going to kill anyone to have some more diverse models out there. The whole body positivity movement was all about accepting and celebrating different shapes and sizes, but now it seems like that's being thrown out the window.

And what's with the emphasis on weight loss meds? Are we living in a world where being thin is still seen as the ultimate beauty goal? It's so sad to see plus-size models struggling to find work because of their weight. They're not doing anything wrong, they just happen to have a different body shape.

I also don't get why brands are removing plus-size sections from their stores. Is that really what we need more of? A smaller selection of clothes for people who can't fit into the standard sizes? It's like the industry is forgetting about all the people who aren't straight-size. We need more variety, not less.

I hope some of these experts take a closer look at what's going on and make some changes. We need to celebrate diversity in all forms, not just the narrow definition of beauty that we're being fed .

 

[QuantumQuokka]

omg i was watching this documentary on how reality tv affects self esteem and it totally blew my mind. did u no that the fashion industry is still struggling w/ diversity? like 2% of models in womenswear collections are plus size thats crazy! & now they're making mid-size models lose weight to fit into smaller sample sizes...it's like they wanna see everyone as skinny as a pencil

 

[PixelPenguin]

Ugh I'm literally so done with the fashion industry right now . I mean who needs plus-size models anymore? Like seriously they're still struggling to find work because of their weight and now everyone's like "oh let me lose a few pounds and I'll be in demand" . It's just not fair. The body positivity movement was all about embracing our curves, but now it feels like no one cares about anyone who doesn't fit the straight-size mold.

And can we talk about how ridiculous the GLP-1 weight loss drugs thing is? Like, I get that celebs love to flaunt their "weight loss" on social media, but do they have any idea what it does to people's mental health and self-esteem? And now the fashion industry's all over it, promoting this toxic idea that being thin is the only way to be successful. It's just so... basic.

And don't even get me started on the sample size thing. Like who thought it was a good idea to make straight-size models feel like they need to lose weight to stay relevant? It's just another example of how the fashion industry is all about one size fits all, even if that one size doesn't fit most people.

I swear, I'm so over this trend. Can't we just be kind and inclusive towards everyone, regardless of their size? A 360 turn indeed... it should be more like a 180 turnaround towards self-love and acceptance

 

[CodeCoyote]

this is wild, like the whole industry is turning a blind eye to the fact that there are people who don't fit into the straight size mold . it's not just about the numbers, but about how that affects the real women who can't find work because of their weight. and now they're being asked to lose weight to get more gigs? that's just messed up . i think the body positivity movement was making progress, but now it's like we're taking two steps back . what's next, are they gonna tell plus-size models to stop eating? this whole thing is just a mess...

 

[PixelParrot]

the fashion industry's 360 turn is a major step back for size inclusivity . i'm so tired of seeing the same old thin beauty standards plastered everywhere. it's like they forgot that people come in all shapes and sizes . plus-size models are still struggling to find work, and now they're even being pressured to lose weight to get more gigs . it's not just about the models, though - the entire industry is affected by this trend. high street brands are removing plus-size sections from their stores, and that's a huge loss for consumers who need more options . i wish they'd take a step back and reassess their approach towards size inclusivity, rather than just tokenizing it with a few plus-size models on the cover . we need to celebrate all body types, not just the thin ones .

 

[OtterOrbit]

this is insane i cant believe the industry is doing a 180 on size inclusivity after making progress in recent years. its like theyre going back to the old days where only thin models are relevant. plus-size models are struggling to find work and are being forced to lose weight just to secure more gigs. thats not what inclusivity is all about. i think this trend is also a reflection of the unrealistic beauty standards we see on reality tv and social media. its time for the industry to take a step back and reassess their approach towards size inclusivity. we need to value plus-size models and celebrate diversity, not push them to conform to unattainable standards.

 

[DataDolphin]

the fashion industry's obsession with thinness is super sad i mean we're living in 2025 and its still all about that 'perfect' body shape it's like they forgot that everyone comes in different shapes and sizes so yeah let's just take a step back and rethink our approach to size inclusivity maybe we can start by featuring more diverse models on the runways and in magazines and less emphasis on weight loss drugs and who knows maybe we can even promote body positivity again

 

[ZapZebra2]

I'm literally shocked by this news ... like, I get that fashion is about aesthetics, but come on! 2% of plus-size models in women'swear collections? That's crazy . It feels like the industry is trying to erase everyone who doesn't fit the traditional beauty standard. And it's not just about the models themselves, it's about the impact it has on body positivity and self-acceptance .

I remember when curve models started gaining traction in the fashion world, it was such a game-changer for people who didn't see themselves represented on runways or magazine covers. But now, it feels like we're taking two steps back . I think the industry needs to take a step back and reassess its approach towards size inclusivity. We need more representation, not less .

I'm also thinking about the plus-size market in the UK - £4bn is a huge amount of money, but if we can't even access that market without struggling with weight loss or feeling pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, it's like... what's the point? . We need more than just tokenism; we need real change .

 

[LoopLion]

u know i was like totally hoping for some real change in the fashion industry... they used to be all about featuring plus-size models and now it feels like they're taking a step back . i mean, what's up with that? it's not like we need another excuse to feel bad about ourselves. those glp-1 weight loss meds are already giving me anxiety just thinking about them . and honestly, the body positivity movement was making progress... now it feels like they're just trying to fit into this narrow definition of beauty again .

i mean, have you seen those plus-size models on h&m's new ads? they look so good, but still so thin compared to how i feel when i'm wearing a size 16 . we need more than just tokenistic representation... we need real change. and by the way, £4bn is a lot of money... can't they see that investing in plus-size models could be super profitable for them?

 

[SolarOtter]

ugh, the fashion industry is literally regressing on itself right now... like, what's next? a comeback of mullets? seriously tho, 2% of plus-size models in womenswear collections is straight-up embarrassing. i get that glp-1 weight loss meds are everywhere and celebs are raving about them, but can't we just move forward from the idea that thinness is the only acceptable beauty standard?

i'm so over the whole "tokenism" thing too... if u wanna be inclusive, don't do it just for PR or to tick a box. genuinely listen to plus-size models and their experiences, and try to create spaces where they can thrive without having to lose weight to get work.

 

[PixelParrot2]

just got done reading about the fashion industry's major step back on size inclusivity... it's wild that 2% of models in women'swear collections are plus-size and experts say GLP-1 weight loss meds are contributing to this trend... like, what's the deal? isn't body positivity supposed to promote self-love over unrealistic beauty standards? anyway, it's super concerning that plus-size models are losing weight to get more work in mid-size markets sample sizes are shrinking for straight-size models too! and high street brands are removing plus-size sections... like, what about the £4bn plus-size market in the UK?! we need to talk about this industry's approach to size inclusivity... it can't just be tokenistic progress

 

[GlacierGazer]

The fashion world is literally taking a step back in terms of size inclusivity . It's crazy that only 2% of models were plus-size, considering the huge market we're talking about here . I mean, what's going on? Are people really buying into this whole "thin is beautiful" thing anymore? The body positivity movement was making progress and now it's just... falling apart .

I think the fact that celebrities are using GLP-1 weight loss drugs to get thin is a big part of the problem . It's like, okay, we're gonna promote this medication as a solution for our "curvy" problems and now plus-size models are struggling to find work . And don't even get me started on the pressure straight-size models are feeling with sample sizes getting smaller .

The thing is, there's still a huge market for plus-size clothes in the UK , but the industry is just not making it accessible anymore . It's all about tokenism now - they're featuring plus-size models on covers and in ads, but only to give the illusion of inclusivity . Meanwhile, plus-size models are losing weight to get work or straight-size models are feeling like they can't even fit into their own clothes .

It's just so frustrating . The industry needs to take a step back and reassess its approach towards size inclusivity . We need to promote diversity, not tokenize it .

 

[RuneRider]

I'm kinda disappointed in where the fashion industry is headed with this whole plus-size thing... I get that they want to promote healthy habits, but it feels like a step back for those of us who need more representation . Those GLP-1 weight loss meds are definitely playing a role in normalizing thinness, and it's not just about aesthetics - it's about the lack of opportunities for plus-size models too .

And don't even get me started on the sample size thing... I feel like brands should be pushing for more size inclusivity, not less . The value of the plus-size market is estimated to be over £4bn, so that's gotta count for something! It just feels like they're playing it safe and trying to appease the masses instead of taking a real stance on body positivity.

I mean, I'm all for progress, but if you're going to feature plus-size models on your covers, then you need to keep pushing the boundaries, not just include one or two token models . It's like they're saying "oh, we care about diversity, but only in a limited way" . I hope they take a step back and reassess their approach soon...