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Super skinny models for M&S?

278 replies

CheeseDreamz · 01/02/2025 10:05

I am really struggling to shop online at the moment as it feels like many retailers are using super slinky and very tall models to show clothes that are usually aimed at a more average demographic and body type. M&S being the worst right now.

Before people accuse me of body shaming I am observing the predominant use of what is actually quite a rare human shape - not about whether it is attractive, or healthy or possible to achieve. 5ft 10+ and size zero with very long legs is not that common, especially over 25. I have my thoughts on this, but my question is more around the widom of doing this and the difficulty of shopping.

It's making it impossible to tell what a piece of clothing might look like if you have boobs or bum, even at a size 12. And in many cases the clothes don't even look that great. Also has the model wears size x information now gone on many sites?

Looking over a few sites it seems to be increasing in mens clothing too.

I know that representation of a variety of body types has been adopted (for years by some retailers) but it feel as if that is really waning now - weirdly it seems to be better in brands I would consider for younger people. There is some discussion in the media about "the return of hyper skinny" (though a quick google reveals there are articles on this going back to 2022), so it's a perennial thing. But really, who the hell do M&S think shops with them? It's so off-putting - all I see is that these clothes are not for me.

OP posts:
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Chungai · 30/04/2025 22:13

Shetlands · 01/02/2025 10:18

I totally agree re: M&S at the moment. It would be much better to show the item on 3 different sized women eg a size 6/8, a size 12/14 and a size 18/20.

This would cost thousands and thousands to do across their whole (huge) range. Possibly millions.

Which would push up their prices.

Gettingbysomehow · 30/04/2025 23:17

unsync · 01/02/2025 10:15

The postures are more of an issue for me. Why can't they just have a normal stance, front, back and side? No need for contortions unless it's exercise gear in which case a full body fold or downward facing dog is OK.

Absolutely. It's so irritating. I want to see the clothes and the length of them not the model crouching on the floor with thick tops stuffed into her waistband. It drives me crackers.

creamsnugjumper · 01/05/2025 08:04

They re just using models in the last throws of this being a thing, give it a year and you’ll be able to show the whole store as yourself, move into any pose and buy via chatGPT. Maybe 18-24 months for the stores ti adopt.

i also agree ASOS, pretty little thing etc all show a huge variety of models.

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