TOP 20 BODY POSITIVITY IN FASHION CONTENT STATISTICS 2025
When I first started looking into Body Positivity in Fashion Content Statistics, I realized how deeply the industry’s choices still shape the way we see ourselves every single day. From runway casting to the ads we scroll past on Instagram, the numbers tell a story about progress, setbacks, and the fight for representation that actually feels real. Sometimes it makes me think about the small things that bring comfort and confidence—like pulling on my favorite pair of socks before heading out, because even something that simple can feel like self-care in a world that pushes impossible ideals. These statistics aren’t just data points—they’re reminders of how the clothes we wear can empower or discourage us. And I wanted to share them here, because this conversation isn’t about trends—it’s about people, self-worth, and change.
Top 20 Body Positivity In Fashion Content Statistics 2025 (Editor’s Choice)
| # | STATISTICS METRIC | KEY INSIGHTS |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.8% of runway looks plus-size (SS25) | Only 0.8% of Spring/Summer 2025 runway looks featured plus-size models, reflecting poor inclusivity. |
| 2 | 4.3% mid-size models (SS25) | Mid-size representation stood at just 4.3% for Spring/Summer 2025. |
| 3 | 2.8% plus-size models (SS20) | Runways in SS20 saw 2.8% plus-size models, showing a decline by 2025. |
| 4 | 95.2% straight-size models (SS24) | Spring/Summer 2024 had 95.2% straight-size models dominating the runways. |
| 5 | 0.3% plus-size (AW25) | Autumn/Winter 2025 plummeted to just 0.3% plus-size representation. |
| 6 | Size 8–20 on Australian runways | Designers like Gary Bigeni featured models ranging from size 8 to 20 in Australia. |
| 7 | 69% Americans see fashion harming body image | Most U.S. adults feel fashion has a negative effect on body image, only 11% see it positively. |
| 8 | 60% think retailers better, but only 45% feel represented | Many believe retailers improved inclusivity, yet less than half feel personally represented in ads. |
| 9 | +43% social media body positivity mentions | Mentions of “body positivity” surged 43% YoY on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. |
| 10 | Mattel’s Barbie diversity (2016) | Mattel introduced curvy, petite, and tall body types in Barbie’s Fashionistas line. |
| 11 | 49 plus-size models NYFW (2019) | 49 plus-size models appeared across 12 shows at New York Fashion Week Spring 2019. |
| 12 | Weight-loss drugs trend | The popularity of drugs like Ozempic coincided with reduced inclusivity on the runway. |
| 13 | “Ballet body” influencer push | Influencers increasingly push thinness ideals like the “ballet body.” |
| 14 | 80% U.S. women dislike their looks | A vast majority of women are dissatisfied with their appearance despite diverse body types. |
| 15 | 1 in 5 UK adults experienced body shame | 20% of UK adults report feeling body shame in the past year. |
| 16 | 90% teenage girls pressured to be thin | Teen girls report extreme pressure from fashion/media to be skinny; 65% find models too thin. |
| 17 | 69% of models told to tone up | Majority of working models face direct pressure from agencies to change body shape. |
| 18 | 13% of U.S. population disabled | Adaptive fashion market serves 13% of the U.S. population, worth $21B in disposable income. |
| 19 | Adaptive fashion expansion | Brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Victoria’s Secret launched adaptive clothing lines. |
| 20 | Fashion Is For Every Body (2016) | This nonprofit runs inclusive runway shows featuring models of diverse bodies and abilities. |
Top 20 Body Positivity In Fashion Content Statistics 2025
Body Positivity in Fashion Content Statistics #1: 0.8% Of Runway Looks Plus-Size (SS25)
In Spring/Summer 2025, only 0.8% of runway looks included plus-size models, showing a sharp lack of inclusivity. This figure highlights a troubling backslide compared to previous years, where progress was slowly being made. The absence of diverse body types on global runways impacts consumer perceptions of beauty. Many argue that fashion weeks still prioritize unattainable ideals rather than real representation. This data underscores the urgency for systemic change in how bodies are portrayed.
Body Positivity in Fashion Content Statistics #2: 4.3% Mid-Size Models (SS25)
For the Spring/Summer 2025 season, mid-size models accounted for only 4.3% of runway appearances. This figure demonstrates how underrepresented mid-size bodies remain in high fashion despite consumer demand. Many shoppers identify as mid-size, yet designers fail to reflect this in casting. Such exclusion signals a disconnect between the fashion industry and its customers. The numbers reveal how much work remains to normalize mid-size representation.
Body Positivity in Fashion Content Statistics #3: 2.8% Plus-Size Models (SS20)
In 2020’s Spring/Summer shows, 2.8% of models were plus-size. This figure, while low, was higher than in 2025, proving the regression in inclusivity. Over 80 plus-size models walked global runways that year, signaling a moment of optimism. However, the momentum was not sustained by major fashion houses. This shows how progress in body diversity can be fragile without consistent commitment.
Body Positivity in Fashion Content Statistics #4: 95.2% Straight-Size Models (SS24)
During the Spring/Summer 2024 fashion shows, 95.2% of models were straight-size. This overwhelming dominance illustrates how little space is given to other body types. Straight-size remains the standard, with mid-size and plus-size still tokenized. Such imbalance suggests an entrenched preference for thinness in casting. The stat reveals just how far inclusivity goals are from reality.
Body Positivity in Fashion Content Statistics #5: 0.3% Plus-Size (AW25)
By Autumn/Winter 2025, plus-size representation dropped to a shocking 0.3%. This is one of the lowest figures recorded in recent years. The decline is especially concerning given the global body positivity movement. It reflects a major regression at a time when inclusivity is supposed to be progressing. The fashion industry risks alienating vast audiences by ignoring these voices.
Body Positivity in Fashion Content Statistics #6: Size 8–20 On Australian Runways
In contrast to global trends, some Australian designers cast models from size 8 to 20. Gary Bigeni, for example, included diverse bodies in his runway shows. This wider size range sets a standard for inclusivity that larger fashion capitals could emulate. Local shows in Australia have often been praised for pushing diversity in casting. This shows that progress is possible with intentional effort.
Body Positivity in Fashion Content Statistics #7: 69% Americans See Fashion Harming Body Image
A YouGov survey revealed that 69% of Americans believe fashion negatively impacts body image. Only 11% felt it had a positive influence. These perceptions indicate widespread dissatisfaction with the industry’s portrayal of beauty. Fashion’s influence extends beyond clothing, shaping mental health and identity. This stat highlights the urgent need for brands to embrace genuine inclusivity.
Body Positivity in Fashion Content Statistics #8: 60% Think Retailers Better, But Only 45% Feel Represented
While 60% of consumers believe retailers are better at catering to all sizes, only 45% feel represented. This gap between effort and perception demonstrates a credibility issue. Representation in advertising and campaigns still fails to resonate with many shoppers. The mismatch erodes trust between brands and consumers. Without authentic representation, inclusivity remains surface-level.
Body Positivity in Fashion Content Statistics #9: +43% Social Media Body Positivity Mentions
Mentions of “body positivity” increased by 43% year-over-year on social media. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook amplified conversations around inclusivity. This growth reflects consumer demand for better representation in fashion. However, the online buzz doesn’t always translate into industry change. The contrast shows that audiences are ready, but brands lag behind.
Body Positivity in Fashion Content Statistics #10: Mattel’s Barbie Diversity (2016)
Mattel introduced curvy, petite, and tall body types to Barbie in 2016. This move diversified representation in a globally recognized brand. The dolls sparked conversations about body image among children and parents. It highlighted how toys can shape early perceptions of beauty. This milestone demonstrated the commercial potential of inclusivity.
Body Positivity in Fashion Content Statistics #11: 49 Plus-Size Models NYFW (2019)
New York Fashion Week Spring 2019 featured 49 plus-size models across 12 shows. This was one of the most significant representations in the event’s history. It marked progress toward challenging runway norms. However, the numbers declined in later years, showing inconsistency. Sustaining momentum is a recurring challenge for inclusivity efforts.
Body Positivity in Fashion Content Statistics #12: Weight-Loss Drugs Trend
The rise of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic coincides with declining inclusivity in fashion. Many observers link the shrinking diversity on runways to cultural shifts toward thinness. These drugs are reshaping beauty ideals at alarming speeds. Their popularity undermines the broader body positivity movement. The industry appears to be regressing rather than evolving.
Body Positivity in Fashion Content Statistics #13: “Ballet Body” Influencer Push
Influencers increasingly promote “ballet body” aesthetics online. This trend reinforces narrow ideals of femininity and thinness. It directly clashes with body positivity campaigns. Younger audiences are especially vulnerable to such messaging. The persistence of thin-focused trends complicates inclusivity efforts.
Body Positivity in Fashion Content Statistics #14: 80% U.S. Women Dislike Their Looks
Studies show that 80% of American women dislike how they look. Even women within healthy weight ranges feel dissatisfied. This widespread unhappiness reveals the damaging impact of unrealistic standards. Fashion plays a large role in reinforcing these insecurities. Greater diversity in media could help shift these perceptions.
Body Positivity in Fashion Content Statistics #15: 1 In 5 UK Adults Experienced Body Shame
In the UK, one in five adults reported experiencing body shame in the past year. Social and media pressures were cited as major contributors. Fashion’s lack of representation exacerbates these feelings. The stat underscores the psychological effects of exclusivity. It calls for systemic changes in how bodies are celebrated.
Body Positivity in Fashion Content Statistics #16: 90% Teenage Girls Pressured To Be Thin
Around 90% of teenage girls feel pressured by fashion and media to be thin. Additionally, 65% say models are far too skinny. These figures highlight the influence of fashion imagery on youth. Unrealistic ideals foster harmful self-comparisons. Greater inclusivity in campaigns could ease these pressures.
Body Positivity in Fashion Content Statistics #17: 69% Of Models Told To Tone Up
Surveys reveal that 69% of models were told to tone up. Over half feared losing jobs if they didn’t change their bodies. This shows that models themselves face body pressure from agencies. It highlights how exclusivity is enforced behind the scenes. Industry reform must include labor protections for models.
Body Positivity in Fashion Content Statistics #18: 13% Of U.S. Population Disabled
People with disabilities make up about 13% of the U.S. population. They contribute $21 billion in disposable income. Adaptive fashion seeks to serve this community. Yet representation of disabled bodies remains limited in mainstream fashion. The market potential proves inclusivity can also be profitable.
Body Positivity in Fashion Content Statistics #19: Adaptive Fashion Expansion
Brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Victoria’s Secret have expanded into adaptive fashion. These lines cater to people with disabilities or unique clothing needs. Such moves signal a broader understanding of inclusivity. However, adaptive fashion still makes up a niche market. Wider adoption could set new standards of representation.
Body Positivity in Fashion Content Statistics #20: Fashion Is For Every Body (2016)
The nonprofit “Fashion Is For Every Body” began in 2016. It organizes inclusive runway shows featuring models of all sizes and abilities. This initiative highlights how community-driven efforts can drive change. Unlike global brands, grassroots movements often lead the way in inclusivity. The project proves fashion can truly be for everyone.
A Personal Closing Reflection
Looking at these Body Positivity in Fashion Content Statistics, it’s clear we’re still in the middle of the journey. Yes, there are glimpses of inclusivity—brands experimenting with adaptive fashion, more conversations online—but the numbers remind us how far we still need to go. For me, it feels personal, because fashion should never make anyone feel small, unseen, or unworthy. Instead, it should feel like slipping into something that makes you stand a little taller, smile a little brighter, and maybe even dance around in your socks at home. Here’s to hoping the next set of statistics paints a story of genuine representation and a fashion world that finally reflects all of us.
SOURCES
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https://today.yougov.com/society/articles/36099-yougov-body-image-study-2021
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https://www.shoutoutuk.org/2024/02/13/not-much-has-changed-how-fashion-rules-body-image/
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https://www.bestcolorfulsocks.com/blogs/news/plus-size-model-statistics
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https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/fabulous/14339771/next-advert-ban-thin-model/
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_advertising_on_teen_body_image
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_media_use_in_the_fashion_industry