The fashion industry has made some strides in acknowledging body diversity, but for plus-size models, the path to full inclusion remains challenging. Through a survey conducted with 150 plus-size models, we collected critical insights into the state of representation, the struggles faced, and the opportunities that still need to be realized. This post dissects the survey findings and outlines what the industry must do to create meaningful change.
Key Survey Findings
1. Limited Job Opportunities When asked how often they book modeling jobs, 70% of respondents reported that they only book jobs a few times a year or rarely. This statistic highlights a key issue: while media campaigns may have increased visibility for plus-size models, the actual opportunities to work remain limited.
2. Inclusivity in the Industry A significant 55% of participants said that the fashion industry is not inclusive when it comes to body diversity. This finding points to a gap between the visible presence of plus-size models in advertisements and the broader practices of fashion brands and agencies.
3. The Gap Between Representation and Reality Only 30% of models indicated that they were booked for jobs due to the body positivity movement and size diversity campaigns. While campaigns might be helping to shift public perception, they have not yet consistently translated into job opportunities or sustained career growth for plus-size models.
4. Challenges Faced in the Industry Respondents detailed several barriers:
- Limited Clothing Options: 45% cited difficulties finding suitable clothing that aligns with job requirements.
- Stereotyping and Bias: 50% reported being subject to biases that label them as not fitting the ideal image.
- Pressure to Conform: 25% shared that they had been asked to lose weight to book certain jobs, demonstrating the pressure still exerted by an industry that doesn't fully embrace body diversity.
What Needs to Change: A Roadmap for Progress
1. Expand Size Ranges and Representation Brands must go beyond the occasional inclusion of plus-size models and ensure that their collections are sized for diverse bodies. Models should be featured in more high-profile, mainstream campaigns, not just niche or commercial markets.
2. Move Beyond Tokenism Representation should be authentic and not just a checklist for campaigns. Plus-size models should be seen as part of the fashion industry’s core, appearing in fashion weeks, ads, and runway shows, not only in specific “plus-size” contexts.
3. Address Bias and Stereotyping Training programs should be implemented across agencies and casting teams to recognize and address unconscious biases. The industry must foster an environment where plus-size models are hired for their talent and suitability for roles rather than being limited by size-based preconceptions.
4. Create Consistent and Sustainable Opportunities Increased visibility is just the first step. Brands should establish long-term partnerships with diverse talent and seek to elevate plus-size models in all aspects of their marketing, from social media to large-scale campaigns.
Personal Stories: The Human Element
The survey data alone isn’t enough to capture the full impact of these challenges. One respondent shared, “Even when campaigns become more size-diverse, I’m still often passed over for jobs that go to smaller models. It’s disheartening to know the opportunities don’t match the visibility.” Stories like these underscore the disconnect between what consumers are seeing and what models are experiencing behind the scenes.
Conclusion: Turning Data into Action
The data is clear: while there is a growing recognition of the importance of size diversity, the real work of transforming the fashion industry is just beginning. The insights from our survey emphasize that it’s not enough for the industry to simply pay lip service to inclusivity. True change requires action—sustainable, industry-wide shifts that make a tangible difference for plus-size models.
By taking these steps, the fashion industry can create a more equitable and inclusive environment that allows all talent to thrive, regardless of size.