AIBU to think Boden's models are too thin!

[trippingup]

Just that really... I've made a complaint about this image. It was served to me as a Facebook advert and it just really got to me.

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/womens-dresses/smart-day-dresses/j0141-pnk/womens-sweet-william-harley-textured-dress

That particular dress sells from a size 6- 22. It's a huge range. I've no issue with it being on a side 8-10 model.

That would be fine as long as such dresses were also sometimes shown on a model at the larger end of the spectrum. Unless it's a specific plus-size brand, they never are.

I always think the dresses won't look good on me even though I'm a normal size.

So anyone who isn’t a 12/14 isn’t a normal size? Would my size 8/10 frame be too skinny for you OP?

They're much more normal looking than on the bauken or finery websites. I can't even visualise what most of the clothes would look like on one of the average customers from their target market (women over 30 / 40?).

If the OP wants to see plus size models, River Island offers models and dresses for that particular category.
TBH, to be offended and complain because she feels like a photo of a thinner woman is offensive just because she has hang-ups about her body is just plain silly.

charlieHere I completely agree with this! Fat is not pretty, it’s unhealthy and we should not be making it normal or mainstream.

I an that size/shape. It's not too thin, should my size & shape not be represented because it makes others feel uncomfortable?

I always find these threads interesting particularly as I used to do a little bit of modelling back in the day when models were allowed to be “bigger” eg 5ft 9 size 8-10 as opposed to today’s 6-8. I do think we have lost sight of what “slim” looks like but I also think people massively underestimate how much weight the camera adds. How many of you had seen a celeb in real life & were surprised at their height/size? A 5ft 9/10 lady with a 24” waist & 34” hips is tiny in real life. Probably the size of todays 12/13 yr old but much taller.

Is it still body shaming when the images has been photoshopped?

Surely it becomes photoshop shaming at that point and nothing to do with the model?

I an that size/shape. It's not too thin, should my size & shape not be represented because it makes others feel uncomfortable?

Your size should be represented but not be the ONLY size represented.

Boden don't use real women because it becomes too mumsy.

Many years ago they used to use South African models because they had a sporty girl next door look and were generally a Boden size 8 (Boden comes up fairly big). However, they seem to have moved to slimmer European models. Not as skinny as catwalk models. Variety would be nice though.

What I do think would be helpful is if online retailers of clothing used models that were more representative of their target market.

So River Island's models would be 18-24, size 6-8 and 5 feet 8 inches.
Oasis' models would be 24-30, size 8-12 and 5 feet 8 inches.
M&S' models would be 40 - 60, size 10 - 14 and 5 feet 6 inches

When I buy a dress from Warehouse I always note that the model is a size 10 (great) but 5'10" four inches taller than me so I always cover up the legs to get a better idea of where it will come to on me, length-wise.

Personally, I think Boden hits the mark with models for its target audience who tend to be around 30 and very slim.

OP did you complain to Boden because:

a) the model, in your opinion, is too thin, OR
b) because they have not shown their clothes on models who range in size and height?

That's a perfectly normal looking woman

Fat is not pretty, it’s unhealthy and we should not be making it normal or mainstream.

I wasn't asking for "fat". Merely a range of different body types rather than JUST tall and slim.

I am a size 10, and 5ft 2. But I have H cup breasts. I never see any models with large breasts modelling clothes, unless they are specifically plus-sized brands. I am not plus sized. I am slim.

The model is slim. No way do the dresses fit in such a a form fitting way without some tailoring or pegs being used at the back. Their sizes come up large, but on these pics they look like topshop sizing.

Also think there’s a bit of photoshop overuse.

Only thing shocking about the first pic is that people would actually pay £98 for that horrible dress!

I'm 40 soon and still feel to young to wear Boden.

I am a size 10, and 5ft 2. But I have H cup breasts. I never see any models with large breasts modelling clothes, unless they are specifically plus-sized brands. I am not plus sized. I am slim.

If you've got H cup breasts whilst being a size 10 it's likely that the clothes that aren't designed for a larger bust wouldn't fit - most brands have 4 - 6 inch difference between waist and bust, H cup is 8 inches (isn't it?)

Sorry for slight hijack (but on the same subject).

I don't have an issue with the Boden image but this VB image just made me feel all the rage. And an urge to cook the model some roast potatoes immediately.

Thoughts on this one?

Image fail.

Link here, second image:

instagram.com/p/BdzyUQclgck/

Boden’s target audience is 30? Where did you get that from? I have never seen a 30 year old in Boden!

If you've got H cup breasts whilst being a size 10 it's likely that the clothes that aren't designed for a larger bust wouldn't fit - most brands have 4 - 6 inch difference between waist and bust, H cup is 8 inches (isn't it?)

Of course they don't, all my tops tend to be a size 12 or 14 but they still look ok - I usually wear things like pencil skirts with blouses tucked in, or high waisted jeans with loose tops.

It's very rare for women to be one uniform size, that was my point. I'm not asking for H cup boobs on a model but would be nice to see a larger breasted one who wasn't also a size 16.

Jigsaw models are thinner

Cos and Zars models are quite skeletal compared the Boden models.

Wow she looks normal to me!! She actually looks like my sister and I say this as an overweight person. She looks normal! Wouldn't bat an eyelid and I certainly don't think she's too thin at all.