The fashion industry has seen increased visibility for plus-size models, but is it enough? Our recent survey of 150 models reveals significant barriers still exist, including limited job opportunities and pervasive industry bias. Despite body positivity campaigns, only 30% of respondents have seen direct benefits in job bookings. Here, we explore what progress has been made and what more needs to be done.
Current Landscape: Visibility vs. Opportunity
In recent years, the rise of body positivity movements has paved the way for a broader acceptance of diverse body types in media and advertising. While many fashion brands have begun showcasing plus-size models and increasing size diversity, the real question remains: Are these efforts translating into tangible opportunities for models in the industry?
Our survey, conducted among 150 plus-size models from various age groups and experience levels, reveals that the answer is nuanced. Although 60% of respondents indicated that opportunities have improved somewhat over the past five years, a surprising 35% reported no change or a decline in opportunities. This highlights a persistent gap between public discussions about inclusivity and the reality of professional opportunities.
The Hard Truths: Challenges Plus-Size Models Face
The survey also shed light on the challenges that continue to hinder plus-size models’ careers. Respondents reported the following common obstacles:
- Limited Job Opportunities: A staggering 65% of models said that limited job opportunities were one of their biggest challenges.
- Lack of Clothing Options: 45% noted that finding suitable clothing for shoots is often difficult, affecting their ability to book work.
- Stereotyping and Bias: Half of the respondents reported encountering bias, being told they didn’t meet the “ideal” beauty standard or being pushed to conform to a narrower body type.
- Pressure to Lose Weight: 25% shared experiences of being asked to lose weight in order to secure modeling jobs, highlighting how some industry practices still prioritize certain body ideals over diversity.
When asked about the overall inclusivity of the fashion industry, only 5% of respondents felt the industry was very inclusive. A significant 55% felt that it was not inclusive at all, with 35% saying it was only somewhat inclusive.
The Body Positivity Movement: Real Impact or Lip Service?
One of the more striking findings was how respondents viewed the impact of the body positivity movement. While 40% of participants believed that it had a positive influence on the industry, a substantial 60% felt that it had not led to tangible changes in their professional lives. Only 30% said they had secured work directly due to the increased visibility of body positivity in campaigns and media.
These results reveal a disconnect between the industry’s external embrace of body positivity and the actual opportunities provided to plus-size models. It raises questions about the sincerity of brand commitments and whether real, systemic change is occurring or if efforts remain superficial.
The Role of Social Media: Advocating for Change
Our survey also highlighted the role social media plays in shaping industry perceptions and trends. About 40% of respondents said social media had a positive impact on the demand for size diversity, while another 40% felt it had no impact. This duality suggests that social media, while powerful for amplifying voices and building communities, hasn’t yet been a driving force in fundamentally changing the industry’s hiring practices or casting calls.
Moving Forward: What Needs to Change
The data collected underscores that, while there have been steps forward, the fashion industry has much work to do to support plus-size models equitably. To make real progress, here are a few actionable recommendations:
- Increase Representation in High-Profile Campaigns: Brands should go beyond token representation and consistently feature plus-size models in their mainstream campaigns, not just niche or seasonal collections.
- Expand Size Inclusivity: Clothing brands need to extend their size ranges to ensure that plus-size models have appropriate options for photoshoots and runway work.
- Diverse Hiring Practices: Agencies should take more proactive measures to recruit and represent models of all sizes, ensuring that casting calls are inclusive and free from bias.
- Sustainability in Change: It’s essential for brands to move beyond one-off inclusivity campaigns and commit to long-term practices that embed diversity into their culture and business models.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The findings from our survey make it clear that while body positivity has helped open doors for plus-size models, these doors remain limited and fragile. The fashion industry is at a crossroads where it can either continue with shallow gestures or push for meaningful change. By amplifying plus-size voices, creating more opportunities, and committing to true inclusivity, the industry can align its actions with the positive message it promotes.
Let’s make sure that the movement for body positivity doesn’t just stop at social media posts or ad campaigns but translates into tangible, equitable opportunities for all body types. The future of fashion should be one where everyone, regardless of size, feels seen, celebrated, and represented.