What a Miss-stake... shoppers condemn website for using size 8 models to sell plus-size clothes
FAST fashion website Missguided has been blasted by shoppers for using skinny models to market their range of plus-size clothes.
The row comes amid mounting calls for fashion brands to offer a more realistic view of women’s bodies that does not focus solely on slim models.
Customers accused Missguided of ‘profiting from plus-sized people without actually supporting them’.
Images from the plus-size section of its website show size 8 models wearing the range. Next to photos of a model in denim jeans and shorts is a note which reads: ‘Please note: The picture shown is our size 8 model.’
The plus-size style is typically sold in a UK size 16 up to a 26. Another similar disclaimer appeared next to a slender model wearing a jumpsuit, which said: ‘Please note: the picture shown is our mainline style.’
The models advertising the larger range are considerably smaller than average UK dress size for a woman, which is a size 16.
Among those to complain was Harriet from Somerset. She calculated that around 20 per cent of Missguided’s plussize range is currently not being modelled on plus-size women.
She wrote on Twitter: ‘So, Missguided are using straight size models to show their plus range and using a disclaimer of “you’ll just have to imagine what they look like on a plus girl” (paraphrased of course), to sell their clothes?’
Other women were also quick to criticise Missguided’s decision.
One wrote: ‘Um, quick question for you @ Missguided. Please can you explain why you’re suddenly using your size 8 models to sell your plus ranges?’
Another added: ‘The whole point of a plus size curve range is so plus-size and curve people can see what it would look like on a body like theirs.’
And another said: ‘This screams “we want to profit from plus-size individuals without representing or supporting them in any way”.’ Missguided did not respond to requests for comment.