Size Doesn't Matter

There has always been a stigma around the size of models in the fashion industry. Problems and opinions are always arising from this sensitive topic.

Should plus-size models be encouraged? 

Should skinny models be encouraged?

These are two similar but very different questions with very different opinions...

Skinny models:

Super skinny models have always been 'the thing' in the fashion industry. They are seen to be sexy, beautiful and 'healthy'. From constantly seeing beautiful skinny models on TV, in magazines and ever on Instagram nowadays, it has become the norm in our society. We are more likely to buy something we see on a skinny model rather than a plus-size model, right? With men also encouraging slim, sexy figures it's hard for women to appreciate their own bodies. We often accept skinny models over plus-size models as we aspire to be like them. When in reality these women are on strict exercise regimes and restrictive unhealthy diets. We often know this already but still try to implement it into our own life causing many health problems.

With 'thigh gaps' being a huge trend in 2013 there was a huge rise in anorexia, bulimia and even suicide cases among young girls especially. Thinking they would never be seen as beautiful or accepted if they didn't have a thigh gap, they took it into their own hands. 

Luckily now that trend has passed and the new trend seems to be much 'healthier'. With the 'big booty' being the current trend on Instagram it's encouraging women to get healthy in the gym and build muscle rather than loose weight. It's a much more achievable and realistic trend for women to strive towards.

Plus-size models:

Only recently have plus-sized models been a 'real thing' in the fashion industry and something for people to look up to. As many people are suffering with body confidence issues they have brought a real light to the issue. With skinny models showing unrealistic body images plus-size models are here to help. Since showing more plus sized models to women their body confidence has increased  and mental health issues have decreased as they can relate and compare their own bodies more to these models. Ashley Graham, a plus-size model, says "size doesn't matter" as long as "you take care of your body". Nobody should be judged because of the way they look or how much they weight but are plus-size models really good for us?

Although they help with body confidence and mental health issues, plus-size models do have their bad side; they are promoting obesity. Showing people that being curvy is okay is great as long a they are at a healthy weight for their body, which many are not. Some people say "you are glamorising laziness and obesity". With the government becoming concerned about the amount of people getting diabetes and having heart attacks from obesity, should the fashion industry be promoting this lifestyle? With plus-size models starting from a size 12 should they really be considered plus-size? This issue is very hard to resolve as the publics opinions are very split. Plus-size models promote obesity, whereas skinny models promote anorexia. How do we win?

In my own opinion we should all love and respect our own bodies and should never be ashamed of how we look. Putting other people down because of their looks or weight should be taken seriously. You may see it as a joke but it may really hurt someone else. I think models should only be signed to an agency if they are of a healthy weight for their height and can promote a healthy lifestyle and body image to young girls. 

I hope you enjoyed reading about the issues behind plus-size and skinny models and how they can effect young girls and women. I would love to know your opinions on the issue so please comment below. What body types should we be promoting in the fashion industry and why?

Emma Victoria