Plus-size Models Research Articles

Effects of exposure to plus-size fashion models on weight-related attitudes in bulimia nervosa: Findings from an exploratory study

Background and ObjectivesEating disorders are often linked to the internalization of the thin-ideal and weight stigma. The present exploratory study investigates the effects of plus-sized fashion media on weight-related attitudes in bulimia nervosa (BN). MethodsWomen with BN (n=27) and without an eating disorder (n=28) were exposed to 17 pictures of plus-size fashion models. Participants rated the attractiveness of the models. Before and after the exposure task, participants completed questionnaires on their attitudes towards people with higher weight as well as thin-ideal media. ResultsThe BN group rated the bodies of the plus-size fashion models as less attractive than controls, whereas no group differences were found in attractiveness ratings for the models' faces or full images. In both groups, negative attitudes about people with higher weight significantly decreased after viewing plus-size model pictures. Attitudes toward thin-ideal media remained unchanged, with scores higher for BN than controls. LimitationsThis exploratory study has several limitations, such as the lack of a control condition, small sample size, and reliance on only self-report data. ConclusionsThese exploratory results imply that the positive effects of plus-sized model images on reducing negative assumptions about people with high weight may not be limited to healthy individuals but also seem to extend to women with BN. Further controlled studies with larger samples and long-term assessments are needed to confirm these findings.

Size-inclusive advertising in the Asian fashion market: Female consumers' responses to a plus-size vs. Thin-size model in South Korea.

Global fashion brands have embraced size-inclusive advertising featuring plus-size models, yet the responses of Asian consumers to such advertising-where the average body size of women is smaller than in Western markets-have garnered little attention. This study, utilizing the S-O-R model, aimed to investigate whether the relationships among perceived actual and ideal self-congruence, perceived attractiveness and familiarity of a fashion model, and purchase intention vary based on the body size of the fashion model. We tested the hypothesized relationships using ANCOVA, confirmatory factor analysis, and multi-group structural equation modeling, analyzing 623 online survey responses from South Korean female consumers. Actual self-congruence had a greater influence on perceived familiarity in consumers exposed to a thin-sized model compared to those exposed to a plus-sized model. In contrast, ideal self-congruence had a more significant positive impact on the perceived physical attractiveness of the plus-size model than the thin-size model. Furthermore, the plus-size model's perceived physical attractiveness had a more significant positive effect on purchase intention than that of the thin-size model. This study highlights the importance of crafting advertising images that portray plus-size models as physically attractive to elicit favorable responses from Asian consumers.

Are Instagram Gym Advertisements Working Out? An Experimental Study of Model Body-Size and Slogan-Type.

Previous health communication research has demonstrated the negative psychological and health effects of depicting thin-sized models in mass media advertisements including on social media sites such as Instagram. However, gym advertisements are one common source for the presentation of lean and thin-sized models on Instagram. Therefore, the current study guided by social comparison theory and signaling theory aimed to experimentally examine the effect of thin-sized models relative to plus-sized models as well as slogan-type (health and wellness versus physique-based) on women's appearance comparison, body satisfaction, perceived gym fit, and intentions to join the gym. A sample of 217 undergraduate students who identified as women were randomly assigned to one of four Instagram gym advertisement conditions varying in model body-size and slogan-type. Appearance comparisons, perceived gym fit, and intentions to join the gym were measured post advertisement exposure and body satisfaction was measured pre-and-post advertisement exposure. As expected, exposure to Instagram gym advertisements featuring thin-sized models resulted in greater appearance comparisons and lower body satisfaction than exposure to Instagram gym advertisements featuring plus-sized models. Moreover, the combination of plus-sized models with health and wellness slogans in Instagram gym advertisements resulted in greater gym fit perceptions although there was no effect of model body-size and slogan-type on intentions to join the gym. This study supports social comparison theory, signaling theory, and practically the findings indicate that Instagram gym advertisements that depict plus-sized models (versus thin) with health-and-wellness slogans (versus physique) generate fewer body image concerns and lead to greater gym fit perceptions.

Do plus-size models really benefit obese consumers? Investigating the influence of plus-size models on negative emotions and mental imagery

PurposeIn keeping with recent body image social trends, consumer demand for the adoption of plus-size models is increasing, although the use of thin models remains prevalent. The current study explores how consumers process information about fashion products displayed on different sizes of models in advertisements, focusing on model and consumer body sizes and both genders. As an underlying mechanism explaining how the relationship between model and consumer body sizes shapes consumer purchase intention, this study explores the role of guilt, shame and mental imagery.Design/methodology/approachThe current study uses a text analytics technique to identify female consumers' general opinions of thin models in advertising. Employing a 3 (consumer body size: normal, overweight, obese) × 2 (model body size: thin, plus-size) × 2 (gender: male, female) between-subjects online experiment (n = 718), the main study comparatively analyzes the influences of plus-size and thin models on consumer responses.FindingsThe results reveal that, despite body positivity movements, thin models still generate negative emotions among female consumers. For obese female consumers, advertisements featuring plus-size models produce fewer negative emotions but not more mental imagery than advertisements featuring thin models. Conversely, for obese male consumers, advertisements featuring plus-size models generate more mental imagery but not more negative emotions than advertisements featuring thin models. The results also reveal that the relationship between consumer body size and guilt is moderated by perceived model size, which is also moderated by gender in generating mental imagery. While guilt plays a mediating role in enhancing mental imagery, resulting in purchase intention, shame does not take on this role.Originality/valueThis study is the first to present an integrated model that elucidates how consumers with varying body sizes respond to different sizes of models in advertising and how these responses impact purchase intentions.Research limitations/implicationsOur findings only apply to contexts where consumers purchase fashion clothing in response to advertisements featuring thin versus plus-size models.Practical implicationsExposing normal-size consumers to plus-size models generates less mental imagery, and thus, practitioners should seek to match the body sizes of the models featured in advertising to the body sizes of their target audience or ad campaigns that include both plus-size and thin models may help improve message persuasiveness in fashion advertising. Moreover, guilt-appeal advertising campaigns using thin models would appeal more to thin consumers of both genders than shame-appeal advertising.

Strike a pose: Immediate effects of a model-created social media literacy video on body image and mood

Exposure to idealized social media imagery has been shown to be detrimental to body image among young women, and social media literacy may be protective. This mixed methods study aimed to evaluate the effects of an online video narrated by a high-profile, plus-size model on the body image and negative mood of young women and predictors of the effects. A sample of 304 young women, average age 20.95 (SD = 2.09) years, completed an online survey including pre- and post-exposure measures of state body image and negative mood, and trait measures of upward social media appearance comparison, thin-ideal internalization, and selfie-investment. A subset (n = 148) responded to open-ended questions to obtain feedback on the video coded categorically and through thematic analysis. Findings revealed immediate improvements in state body satisfaction and negative mood, with higher levels of trait appearance comparison and selfie investment associated with smaller effects of the video. Participants endorsed the video as raising awareness of unrealistic images but limited in terms of mitigating appearance comparison and selfie-investment. Furthermore, participants described that Iskra's status as a professional model also influenced their reactions. These findings highlight the importance of assessing for unintended paradoxical effects of social media literacy efforts and ensuring that such interventions are empirically based.

A Study of Attention Bias in Body Image Perception within the Context of Clothing Industry

In contemporary society, body anxiety is a prevalent and multifaceted psychological distress affecting individuals of all ages. The gaze of both same-sex and opposite-sex individuals can contribute to heightened body anxiety. Body anxiety is not merely a personal concern but also a collective societal issue. This study investigates people’s attention bias towards different body shapes, employing small and plus-size models as stimuli. Participants were presented with images of plus-size and small-size models wearing identical clothing. Both female and male models were included in the stimuli. Participants’ gaze patterns were recorded using an eye-tracking device, yielding quantified attention-related gaze results. Statistical analyses revealed that participants exhibited a higher level of attention towards small-size models, as evidenced by significantly longer fixation durations and higher fixation counts. Subsequent gender-based analyses demonstrated that female and male participants spent more time viewing small female models than male models. This finding suggests that participants placed a greater emphasis on female body figures and exhibited a preference for slim figures. At the same time, a greater tolerance towards male body figures was demonstrated. These results provide valuable insights into attention bias in body figures and gender differences.

Affect as Community Connectedness: Re-Framing Weight-Related Stigma and Disordered Eating Online

This article examines how affect, as community connectedness, is strategized by an influencer with her audiences when re-framing weight-related stigma and disordered eating online. An analysis of plus-size model Tess Holliday's Instagram posts ( n = 212) identifies four main frames: (1) disclosing experiences of body-shaming/blaming/stigmatization as “our pain,” (2) collaborating with fellow influencers in de-stigmatizing disordered eating among (fat) women, (3) engaging audiences in validating body diversity, and (4) defending their community against hate comments. The analysis foregrounds the action of emotion when exploring affective community-building strategies and project stigma in a context depicted as “authentic” and “intimate.” The article concludes by noting some limitations with influencer strategies and this study before offering suggestions for future research.

Consumption of plus-size clothing: a systematic review

Purpose: The consumption of plus-size clothing is part of a growing market, but it is always surrounded by cloudy issues, such as the lack of a precise direction when it comes to producing and selling these garments and the prejudice surrounding the various areas of the fat body. Employing a systematic review, this paper aims to understand the consumption of plus-size clothing through an in-depth analysis of studies published in various areas on the subject. Design/Methodology/Approach: A systematic review was conducted in the WEB OF SCIENCE and SCOPUS databases, and 35 pertinent articles published up to the year 2020 were identified, read and analyzed in detail in this paper. Findings: The articles originated three thematic categories: Plus-size Consumption, which deals with consumer experience with the industry; Plus-size in the Media, which addresses aspects of advertising and plus-size models; Plus-size Identity, which covers identity formation and social influences. Research Limitations/Implications: Fourteen theoretical gaps were pointed out to be worked on by future studies, comprising online retailing, identity, demographic, contextual, methodological, cultural, and social issues. Originality/value: The present study represents pioneering work in the field of research on plus-size clothing, and, to the best of our knowledge, it is the first of its kind to conduct a comprehensive and systematic analysis of studies published in various areas related to this topic. While the plus-size apparel and retail market remain shrouded in nebulous issues, this research stands out as a valuable contribution by providing profound insights into consumption in this segment. Moreover, by identifying theoretical gaps and offering suggestions for future research, the study promotes advancements in knowledge and understanding of this emerging area. Its academic significance and potential impact on the industry make it crucial to developing more informed and inclusive strategies for the plus-size fashion sector.

플러스 사이즈 모델의 지각된 사이즈가 신체 만족에 미치는 영향 : 지각된 유사성과 신체 사이즈 변화 가능성에 대한 암묵적 신념의 조절된 매개 효과

The use of size-inclusive advertising in Western fashion markets has been well-received by consumers. However, the effect of such advertising on South Korean consumers has yet to be fully understood. To address this gap, we investigated the effect of inclusive advertising using plus-size models in the South Korean fashion market. Specifically, we examined the influence of perceived size of a plus-size model and perceived similarity to a plus-size model on body satisfaction, considering the moderated mediation effect of implicit belief about the malleability of body sizes. Data were collected through an online survey administered to 307 South Korean women in their 20s and 30s and analyzed using the SPSS Process Macro. Our findings show that perceived size of a plus-size model had a negative impact on body satisfaction. Furthermore, perceived similarity to a plus-size model mediated this causal relationship. We also discovered that the mediated relationship was moderated by implicit belief about the malleability of body sizes. This study highlights that, unlike Western consumers, South Korean consumers still respond unfavorably to size-inclusive fashion advertising featuring plus-size models. Therefore, differentiated advertising strategies are necessary for this market.

소셜미디어에서 전개되는 플러스 사이즈 패션 액티비즘 - 애슐리 그레이엄(Ashley Graham)의 사례를 중심으로 -

본 연구의 목적은 패션 액티비즘의 정립을 바탕으로 플러스 사이즈를 중심으로 최근 패션산업에서 나타나 는 신체의 다양성을 위한 패션 액티비즘에 대해 고찰하는 것이다. 연구방법으로는 문헌연구와 빅데이터 연구 방법인 텍스트마이닝과 인스타그램 아카이브 분석을 병행하였다. 연구의 수행을 위하여 패션 액티비즘을 펼 치고 있는 플러스 사이즈 모델인 애슐리 그레이엄의 인스타그램 계정을 텍스트마이닝 분석하였다. 연구결과 는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 인스타그램을 통해 전개되고 있는 신체의 다양성을 위한 플러스 사이즈의 패션 액티비 즘은 표준화된 사이즈에 저항하는 메시지를 담고 있는 해시태그와 함께 전개되었다. 둘째, 애슐리 그레이엄 은 그동안 주류 패션에서 볼 수 없었던 신체 이미지를 전시하며 액티비즘을 전개하였다. 셋째, 애슐리 그레이엄 이 공유한 이미지는 플러스 사이즈 여성들을 비롯한 많은 여성으로부터 동조를 얻었으며 상업화되어 새로운 사회자본으로 등장하였다. 넷째, 애슐리 그레이엄은 표준화된 이상미뿐만 아니라 사회적 이슈에도 적극적으 로 참여하는 모습을 보였다. 플러스 사이즈 모델을 중심으로 전개된 신체의 다양성을 위한 패션 액티비즘은 신체 사이즈에 관계없이 패션을 향유할 수 있는 패션의 민주화에 기여했다고 볼 수 있으며, 연령, 인종, 젠더, 장애 등의 다양성으로 확대되었다. 본 연구는 2012년부터 시작된 플러스 사이즈의 패션 액티비즘의 전개 양 상과 변화 추이를 이해하는 데 그 의의가 있으며 전개 방향을 예측하는 데 도움이 될 것이라 사료된다.

Shifting the Standard of Beauty: Beginning of the Body Inclusive Model.

Background: While the American standard of beauty idolizes unattainable thinness, social media exposure has been instrumental in crafting a more inclusive perception of beauty.Methods: Using several websites with public data on models, we gathered body measurements and characteristics of both plus-size and the overall top 10 paid mainstream models. We then collected social media data for these models using the social media analytics tool called Social Blade. We compared social media data between plus-size and mainstream models.Results: While plus-size models have increased BMI, the waist/hip ratio was 0.74 on average, compared to 0.71 in mainstream models. The average social media following among the top 10 plus-size models was 3.8 million compared to 38 million amongst the top 10 mainstream models (p = 0.039). There was no significant difference between the average likes per post, average comments per post, and total posts between the top mainstream models and top plus-size models (p-values 0.11, 0.12, and 0.15, respectively).Conclusion: With the changing societal body image in America, plus-size models have gained in popularity and positively impacted a body-inclusive model of beauty. However, the mainstream model still prevails as the social media powerhouse of influence.

Media, obesity discourse, and participatory politics: Exploring digital engagement among university students

Situated within research on youth, participatory politics, and media framing of obesity, this study examined how undergraduate students in a media literacy course engaged with obesity discourse as a nexus of civic participation. Twenty-nine students enrolled on the course identified frames of obesity in plus-size model Tess Holliday’s Instagram posts surrounding her controversial Cosmopolitan cover in 2018. Analysis of these frames – self-validation, injustice of fat-shaming and stigmatization, influences of Instagram celebrities on fat embodiment, and health stereotypes of obese people – enabled the students to critique activist responses to accepted body norms and moral values facilitating weight bias. In efforts to reframe obesity within their social media communities, the students created and shared online media content, prioritizing societal influences in obesity representation. In this process, students cultivated participatory practices of comprehending and sharing (social) media framings of bodies and health. Hence, this article offers contextualized understandings in youth digital engagement learning.

Designing for Curves

Designing for Curves

‘She Should Not Be a Model’: The Effect of Exposure to Plus-Size Models on Body Dissatisfaction, Mood, and Facebook Commenting Behaviour

AbstractObjectives: The present study investigated the exposure effect of plus-size models on body dissatisfaction and mood, and the nature of participants’ commenting behaviour towards images of plus-size models. Method: The study was comprised of 92 female university students who were exposed to Facebook photos of plus-size models. Participants were randomly allocated to having the exposed photo paired with positive, negative, or neutral comments, and participants were asked to leave an anonymous comment on each picture. Results: Results showed that participants had less body dissatisfaction and better mood after exposure to plus-size models regardless of the comment condition. Additionally, comment condition significantly influenced the type of comments participants contributed — in photos paired with negative comments, participants were significantly more likely to leave negative comments themselves, with 40% of participants leaving negative comments compared with 4% in the positive condition, and 12% in the neutral condition. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that the negative comments of plus-size models can encourage bystanders to contribute negative comments themselves; reinforcing the need to develop better protocols to oppose cyberbullying and encourage an online environment of positivity.

The impact of inclusive fashion advertising with plus-size models on female consumers: The mediating role of brand warmth

ABSTRACT This study investigates the effectiveness of inclusive advertising featuring both plus-size models and straight-size models on consumers’ responses. By building on the Brands as Intentional Agents Framework (BIAF), the study also investigates the mechanism of the positive effect of including plus-size models on brand performance. For this study, a between-subjects design of model body size (diverse versus straight only) and a moderator of consumer body size (plus versus straight) were used; a multivariate analysis of covariance was conducted, along with a mediation analysis, to test the proposed hypotheses. The results indicated that inclusive advertisements depicting models with diverse body sizes had a positive main effect on brand attitude and an indirect effect on brand attitude and purchase intention. Brand warmth mediated the positive effect of diverse body sizes on brand attitude and purchase intention. This study contributes to the literature on body image by demonstrating the effectiveness of including plus-size models on two levels of consumer responses – brand attitude and purchase intention – and by demonstrating the mechanism of brand warmth. This study also informs brand managers as to how embracing plus-size models can benefit brand performance.

“Real” bodies in plus-size fashion

ABSTRACT In recent years, a number of clothing brands have launched viral body-positive marketing campaigns featuring diverse groups of women of various sizes and body types in Photoshop-free ads. These anti-Photoshop campaigns that stress “real” bodies “exactly as they are” serve to counter the narrow and quite distorted image of beauty presented by Hollywood and Madison Avenue. While these campaigns alter the landscape by eliminating Photoshop from their image production process, their attempt to increase size diversity actually maintains the status quo since the plus-size models on display are typical commercial plus-size fashion models who are on the smaller end of the plus-size spectrum. Despite its best efforts, fashion hides bodies over a size 16 from consumers. In this paper, I discuss the regulation of plus-size models and the strategic use of padding in fashion, and how this perpetuates a narrow and fabricated image of beauty. I also discuss the rise of size 22 model Tess Holliday, who revolutionizes the commercial definition of plus size and rages against the status quo in fashion.

Representaciones de la mujer de talla grande en la publicidad: caso Forever 21

La representación física de la mujer es un tema trascendental en la publicidad. Algunas marcas han apostado por modelos atípicas, que muestran lo que parece diferente, pero es común y real. Dentro de ellas se encuentran las modelos de talla grande y esta investigación analiza sus representaciones en la publicidad de la marca estadounidense Forever 21. El objetivo es determinar si se ha promovido, aceptado y valorado el concepto de talla grande como una nueva representación de belleza. Se procede con una investigación en dos fases. La primera identifica las representaciones generales de la mujer de talla grande en la publicidad, explicando cómo se han incorporado nuevos roles. Para ello se recurre a diversas fuentes documentales para observar cómo la publicidad es promotora de estereotipos y estilos de vida. La segunda parte indaga en la publicidad de Forever 21, en su cuenta oficial de Instagram, con un análisis hermenéutico basado en el modelo de Julio Amador Bech, al que se agregan cuestiones de tipografía, planos, ángulos y tomas. Se tomaron en cuenta las imágenes publicadas durante tres meses, del 1 de marzo al 30 de mayo de 2018, observando que sólo 26 imágenes de las 682 publicadas incluyen modelos de talla grande. Esto representa un 3,8% de los posts. Sólo se eligieron las imágenes donde aparecen, a la vez, las modelos La'Tecia Thomas (de talla grande) y Fiona Barron. Esto permite, a simple vista, hacer una comparación, y nos sugiere un análisis muy rico, inédito y original.

Experimental Effects of Viewing Thin and Plus-Size Models in Objectifying and Empowering Contexts on Instagram

ABSTRACT To counter the negative effects of viewing unrealistically thin and attractive models in beauty and fashion advertisements, some companies depict women with larger bodies in their advertisement campaigns. Previous experimental evidence suggests women may feel more satisfied with their own bodies immediately after viewing advertisements featuring these models. The current study aimed to extend these findings by examining the moderating role of trait body discrepancies and the presence of objectifying advertising slogans in advertisements. A sample of 202 undergraduate students who identified as female viewed advertisements depicted on Instagram that varied in the model’s body size (thin or plus-size) and slogan type (objectifying or empowering). Body satisfaction and actual-ideal body discrepancy were measured. As expected, the body size of the model significantly improved women’s body satisfaction and this effect was moderated by participants’ actual-ideal body discrepancy. No effects for objectifying slogans (versus empowering slogans) featured in the advertisements were discovered. The implications for these findings are discussed.

#BeingReal about Instagram Ad Models: The Effects of Perceived Authenticity

ABSTRACT This research suggests that perceived authenticity plays a significant mediating role for the effects of model image modification and body size on consumers9 advertisement and product evaluations. Participants reported that they liked the advertisement more—and more likely would buy the advertised items in advertisements—with a not digitally enhanced plus-sized female model, because of the perceived authenticity of the model. The results of this investigation also suggest that attitude toward the advertisement and purchase intention were highest when a plus-size model who was not digitally enhanced was featured on a women9s clothing brand9s Instagram account.

Transformation or Assimilation? Examining Identity and Organizational Tensions at Full Figured Fashion Week

Full Figured Fashion Week (FFFWeek) is a week-long event envisioned to be a countervailing force that challenges traditional body standards in the US fashion industry, showcasing plus-sized models and offering a safe space for fat bodies to commune and patronize plus size vendors. However, two years of participant observations with a critical lens has revealed how FFFWeek employed organizational decisions that demonstrate the complicated context of fashion and fatness, along with the ongoing struggle between body positive and fat accepting discourses, and the inner workings of capitalism and hegemony as an attempt to create social change.