Thumbs up to Using “Plus-Size” Models

I love the positive messages about body image that have gotten publicity recently. That’s unusual and something worth celebrating.

H&M’s use of a “plus-size” model without labeling her “plus-size” and model Jennie Runk’s positive statements about body image have been refreshing. I’ve written a number of posts about body image (linked to in Helping Mothers and Daughters Have Healthy Body Images). I believe this is a topic that can’t get enough attention.

While the average American woman is size 12/14 and “plus-size” models are often size 6-12 (“plus-size”???), giving positive attention to a diversity of healthy body types is definitely a step in the right direction. “Plus-size” models who have a healthy lifestyle are good both for the fashion industry and the body images of mothers and daughters around the world.

In case you haven’t read about Jennie Runk, here are some of the posts from major news sites that have featured her recently:

H&M Plus Size Model Jennie Runk Puts Unexpected Fame to Good Use from Yahoo Shine

H&M Praised for Using Size 12 Model in Swimwear Campaign from Time Style

Jennie Runk: My life as a ‘plus-size’ model at BBC News Magazine

H&M Swimwear Model, Featured On Website, Just Happens To Be Plus-Size from Huff Post Women

Another “plus-size” model who’s received a lot of positive attention recently is Robyn Lawley: Robyn Lawley’s Nude Dress At The American Ballet Spring Gala Is Stunning (PHOTOS) from Huff Post Style.

I put “plus-size” in quotes because I have issues with calling beautiful women with normal, healthy bodies “plus size.” I’d like to see an end to the use of the term. I love the statement in Why The Term “Plus-Size” Should Go Out Of Fashion by Leah Moreno from Feminspire. Writing about Robyn Lawley, she said: “However, I fail to see what makes her ‘plus-size,’ and if she is, does that make all other models ‘negative-size?'” She also says: “There needs to be an elimination of the term ‘plus-size’ and a shift to just the word ‘size.'” I totally agree!

What are your thoughts on the term “plus-size” and the use of “plus-size” models?

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