Larger women in ads for Target and Athleta

[Anonymous]

I have noticed this and I don’t like it when the larger model is the only picture. I am a size 12. I can imagine what a garment will look like on me if the model is the standard 0/2 or less than a size 16. However there was a dress I might have bought the other day, except the only picture was on a size 20 model and the waistband was tucked in a fat roll so I literally could not see it. The cut was not flattering on the model and it distorted seeing the shape of the pockets and how it would hang. I think if there is only one model used, they should use a Medium size 6/8. I feel like both a size 2/4 shopper and a size 12/14 shopper can extrapolate how a garment will look on them from a size Medium model.

I am all for plus size people having flattering clothes. I remember when 12/14 was considered plus size and many stores didn’t carry a size 12. However I feel like body shaped change larger than size 16/18 and aren’t just larger versions of the smaller size, but different proportions.

[Anonymous]

The models don't need to be super thin or ripped, but morbid obesity isn't something to advertise - and I say that at someone who used to be obese.

But I appreciate when retailers show bodies like these, which are much more realistic and healthy (and yes, if you're morbidly obese, there is no way you're healthy - even if your blood pressure is ok)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wish brands would also use models that are "regular" weight. Not size 0s or 16s only.

Isn't 16 the average size of an American woman? I am sure there are way more women at a size 16 than at a 0. And yes, I think we'd all like to see more diversity in models' sizes. Especially if I am buying online -- I'd like to see several different sized models in a garment.

The average shopper at these stores isn't a size 16 and 5'10" which is the size of a plus size model. Would be nice to see a pretty but "normal" model who was 5'5" and a 8-10 maybe

Yeah that would be nice. A lot of fit, healthy retail customers at a place like Athleta are that size (like a medium and 5'4").

Totally agree, more normal models would be nice

[Anonymous]

+1 to the idea of creating an entire new spin off brand that outfits obese people with attractive, well-made, trendy workout gear. Everything should be included: bigger undies, very supportive big bras, jackets, shoes in wide sizes ....

Like Torrid, but better quality

[Anonymous]

I love that people think hiding away fat bodies will solve America’s health concerns.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love that people think hiding away fat bodies will solve America’s health concerns.

So, you think "celebrating" fat bodies will solve America's health concerns? Ok.....

[Anonymous]

The pictures a few posts up are exactly the kind of models I'd like to see more often: average. I'm shaped similarly to the model in the black top and gray leggings, just heavier. Most models I see on clothing sites are either about a 2 or a 22. Neither kind of model shows what the clothes would look like on me.

BTW, thin people think a size 14 or 16 is enormous. (I was thin until I was 30+, so I should know.) The very large models you see online are at least a 20.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love when sites show two or more models of different body types/sizes wearing the same thing. It really helps me get a sense of how the clothing will look on me.

I love that. Especially when the person is a 6 or 8, since that is what I am. I especially like when they say the model’s height.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love that people think hiding away fat bodies will solve America’s health concerns.

So, you think "celebrating" fat bodies will solve America's health concerns? Ok.....

So you think that showing what somebody looks like in an outfit is celebrating it? Ok.....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Am I the only one that looks at the larger models and is turned off from buying it? I think I want to be sold the dream...

Good for them, just not sure it will help sales.

I wonder if skinny women don't want to be caught wearing the same clothes fat women wear?

I'm turned off because it's just not my size.
While I appreciate the diversity, but I am shopping for my own clothes.
I wish the websites would sort what I can see by what I'm more likely to buy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just got the most recent Athleta catalog and am frankly shocked at the women they have pictured. I’m going to ask them to stop sending me catalogs. Featuring what I would classify as morbidly obese women on the cover and throughout the catalog is a complete turnoff. Athleta is going to lose their primary customers if they keep going down this road. This is not something to be celebrated. These women are unhealthy and need to get their weight under control or they are going to DIE.

I am completely on board with showing curvier women who are more representative of American women. What they are doing now is way too extreme. If this a market segment where they actually think they can make money, then they should start a new brand specifically for plus sized women and send them a different catalog. Stop apologizing for featuring healthy models and stop changing and upending your entire branding and marketing strategy.

+1 morbid obesity should not be normalized!

It concerns me that you’re so upset by this. Do you have a history of body insecurity?

I just looked at Athleta’s website and saw around 20 different models, only 2 overweight. Maybe one of them obese but not “morbidly.” The overweight models were literally showing their plus size line. So I really don’t understand your concern?? Do you want size 0 models wearing the plus size clothing?

The morbidly obese woman is doing a yoga pose on the cover of the most recent Athleta catalog that I received in the mail yesterday. The women that you all are referring to on the website look ok.

[Anonymous]

I’d be very interested to see their sales figures from the catalog with morbidly obese yoga poser.

Most yogis I know are extremely fit and would not be want to wear the brand associated with obesity. Brand loyalty has it’s limits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d be very interested to see their sales figures from the catalog with morbidly obese yoga poser.

Most yogis I know are extremely fit and would not be want to wear the brand associated with obesity. Brand loyalty has it’s limits.

That must be why you I never see “yogis” wearing Athleta anymore.

Oh wait.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love when sites show two or more models of different body types/sizes wearing the same thing. It really helps me get a sense of how the clothing will look on me.

I love that. Especially when the person is a 6 or 8, since that is what I am. I especially like when they say the model’s height.

Love this and think it should be a standard. Also on board with the 6 to 8 models and extrapolating from there, or having multiple models showing the clothing. I am 5'6 and a size 2-4. The previous size 0 and 5'11 wasn't all that accurate, but after that being the standard forever I could kind of get it. I definitely have no idea whatsoever how something would look on me on al size 20 model. Can we split the difference and either show multiple body types or go with some sort of "medium" sized person?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d be very interested to see their sales figures from the catalog with morbidly obese yoga poser.

Most yogis I know are extremely fit and would not be want to wear the brand associated with obesity. Brand loyalty has it’s limits.

That must be why you I never see “yogis” wearing Athleta anymore.

Oh wait.

I have news for you... Lulu is selling items up to size 20 now.