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Style & Beauty

"Vanity" mirrors in stores

20 replies

Peaceflower · 15/08/2011 10:52

Tried on a top in the changing room at Debenhams recently, and when I looked in the mirror I saw a sleek and slim looking woman (I am size 12/14 and therefore neither). I asked the sales assistant if they used vanity mirrors and she swore they didn't!

It got me thinking and as I walked through the clothing sections I looked at all the mirrors, and if you look at them from a certain angle, some distortion is clear.

Is it only Debenhams or have you noticed something similar in other stores?

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MrsPlugThePlumber · 15/08/2011 11:19

H&M I think. The lighting is very good in there too.

Gingefringe · 15/08/2011 12:12

John Lewis definitely arent! I look like a fat frump in whatever I try on there!

catinboots · 15/08/2011 12:18

Mango - I look like a supermodel

suzikettles · 15/08/2011 12:22

I bought a dress in French Connection a few years ago because the cut was so flattering.

It went straight back after I'd tried it on again at home and come to my senses.

lynniep · 15/08/2011 12:27

Flipping Tesco! Everytime I look in the mirrors there, this size 10 person looks back at me. I'm a size 14 and theres just no way that I look like that. It REALLY annoys me. How am I supposed to know if I actually suit something if the mirrors are lying to me?!

BodyUnknown · 15/08/2011 12:28

Hobbs mirrors are always tilted ever so slightly forward at the top. It is hardly noticeable so you don't feel patronised, the slimming effect is brilliant, and I am not ashamed to say I recreate this at home - if I think I look decent, I will go out feeling confident.

I think most stores do the tilting thing, some more obviously than others, but I haven't noticed many mirrors which are actually distorting.

OP, at a size 12-14 you have nothing to worry about body wise even if you are not 'sleek and slim' in your natural habitat :)

MrsTittleMouse · 15/08/2011 12:34

GAP does it. I tried on a skirt there and thought it was lovely - checked with DH who tactfully told me that it wasn't very flattering - found a regular mirror and I looked about 3ft tall and 6ft wide. Drives me nuts.

They use the technique where all the mirrors are flush to the wall at the bottom, and 2cm proud at the top.

superv1xen · 15/08/2011 12:35

i didn't know about this! thats scandalous, cant believe they do that.

although don't think they do it where i shop as i usually look better in the mirrors at home :o

wildfig · 15/08/2011 12:36

My local Phase Eight either has very unflattering clothes or very honest mirrors. I don't know which I'd prefer to be the case.

notyummy · 15/08/2011 12:37

Quite a few places do it. I always run my hand down the side of the mirror when I try any clothes on to see if it is flush to the wall for the same distance from top to bottom - or whether they are trying to fool me. I can then take it into account when I decide to buy or not.

Peaceflower · 15/08/2011 12:43

so how long has this been going on? Not content with vanity sizing (yes, I've noticed that too), we are now being conned when trying on clothes in store.

I wonder if the returns rate has increased, hmmmmmmmm.

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chimchar · 15/08/2011 12:59

Omg. I had no idea this happens.

How do you all know these things???

VictorGollancz · 15/08/2011 16:05

If anyone passes the Peacocks in Liverpool One, and needs a kick up the arse with regards to going to the gym, go and look at yourself in the mirror in the shoe section (there's only about two mirrors in the whole place ayway). I honestly think it took two dress sizes off me. It's not tilted, so I don't know how they've managed it, but it is ridiculous.

Peaceflower · 15/08/2011 16:15

Just googled and found this old article in the Daily Mail. It seems that most stores don't want to admit to this trickery .

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1372909/Women-turn-magic-mirrors-used-high-street-stores.html

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FoofFighters · 15/08/2011 16:52

I had no ideal this happens!

I can safely say my local next don't do it. I look in their mirrors and a haggard skull stares back at me!

MoreSenseThanMoney · 15/08/2011 17:25

H&M is definitely terrible for this - their mirrors even make me look lightly tanned and glowing (in reality I'm so pale I'm almost blue). I think the mirrors in Zara are also very flattering.

On the other hand, I agree that John Lewis actually make you look worse than you really do. I always look hideous in there.

Technoprisoners · 15/08/2011 19:21

LK Bennett definitely.

Peaceflower · 15/08/2011 19:44

So, thus far, the rollcall, we think, is.....

Debenhams, H&M, Gap, Mango, French Connection,Tesco, Zara, , Hobbs, Peacocks, and LK Bennett

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Soups · 15/08/2011 19:55

Oh shit. I always look crap in changing room mirrors, and they're meant to be making me look good

Peaceflower · 15/08/2011 20:03

Soups M&S and New Look mirrors are very good for my budget!

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