Online clothing brand Snag faces many complaints, with over 100 daily messages criticizing its models for being โtoo fat.โ This backlash comes amid a broader debate over body positivity and the representation of diverse body types in advertising. While some argue that such ads normalize unhealthy weights, others emphasize the importance of inclusivity and body acceptance.
The Debate Over Body Positivity
The fashion industry has long been criticized for its narrow portrayal of beauty, often favoring ultra-thin models. The pendulum has recently begun to swing towards inclusivity, with brands like Snag featuring models of diverse sizes. This shift has not been without controversy.
Advertising Standards Authorityโs Stance
The UKโs Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has historically banned ads featuring models who appear unhealthily underweight, citing societal pressures towards thinness. In 2024, the ASA received 61 complaints about modelsโ weight, with the majority concerning models who appeared too thin. None of these complaints were about Snag.
Public Reaction
Catherine Thom, a 36-year-old from Edinburgh, contacted the BBC, expressing that banning ads featuring thin models while allowing those with larger models was hypocritical. She argued that ads should not normalize extreme weights, whether underweight.
Snagโs Perspective
- Brigitte Readโs Response: Snagโs CEO, Brigitte Read, argues that shaming people for their weight does not help them lose weight and can negatively impact their mental and physical health. She calls the idea of banning ads featuring larger models a symptom of societyโs โfat phobia.โ
- Staff Dedication: Of Snagโs 100 staff members, 12 are dedicated to removing negative comments and promoting body positivity on social media.
Model Sophie Scottโs Experience
- Mixed Feedback: Sophie Scott, a 27-year-old model wearing UK sizes 24 to 26, has received positive and negative comments about her size. Despite the hate, she believes that if she can help one person accept their body, the negative comments are worthwhile.
- Body Positivity: Sophie emphasizes that fitness is not measured by appearance and that people should not make assumptions about her health based on size.
Industry Insights
- Victoria Mossโs View: Fashion journalist Victoria Moss believes the debate reflects societyโs discomfort with seeing larger bodies in advertising. She notes that even mid-size models (size 10/12) are considered plus-size, around the average size for women in the UK.
- ASAโs Position: Jess Tye from the ASA explains that the watchdog investigates ads encouraging unhealthy body weights. Ads promoting body confidence and featuring models relevant to the productโs size range are generally not investigated.
Potential Industry Shifts
- Increased Inclusivity: The fashion industry may continue to move towards greater inclusivity, featuring models of diverse sizes, ethnicities, and abilities.
- Balanced Representation: Brands and advertisers may need to balance promoting body positivity and avoiding normalizing unhealthy weights.
Experts suggest that the debate over body representation in advertising will continue to evolve, reflecting broader societal attitudes towards health and beauty. Brands that successfully navigate this balance may find more excellent consumer support.
Snagโs experience highlights the complexities of promoting body positivity in a society that often stigmatizes larger bodies. While the brand faces daily complaints, it also receives positive feedback from customers who appreciate seeing diverse sizes represented. As the fashion industry grapples with these issues, finding a balanced approach will be crucial. What are your thoughts on the representation of diverse body types in advertising? Share your perspective below and subscribe for more insights into fashion and body positivity.
