Last week, Nike introduced plus-size mannequins at its London branch of NikeTown, and people had varying opinions – strong opinions. As expected, there was backlash. People on social media claimed that the brand was “promoting obesity” or sending a “unhealthy” message. An article by Tanya Gold in The Telegraph stated that the “obese” mannequins were “selling women a dangerous lie.”
While critics might be vocal, they’re actually in the minority. A new study found that the majority of people believe Nike’s move with the plus-size mannequins is a positive trend. According to a survey conducted by Golfsupport.com, 83% of people believe that more sportswear brands should follow Nike’s lead and include plus-size mannequins in their advertising. 41% of the 1,424 Britons surveyed said that the plus-size mannequins make them feel proactive, and an equal amount stated that the mannequins make them feel inspired in some way.
An overwhelming 90% of people believe that much more needs to be done in the sports industry to promote inclusivity and a representation of all body sizes.
Michelle Elman is a body confidence coach and fitness enthusiast. She thinks Nike’s plus-size mannequins are a significant step in the right direction and a great decision.
“No one wants to leave the house in clothes that make them uncomfortable; obese or heavy people are no different,” Michelle says to Metro.co.uk.
“Furthermore, to be able to work out properly and correctly, larger people deserve not only supportive workout wear but also a variety of beautiful choices.
“It’s very important to eliminate the idea that embarrassing or shaming people leads to better health decisions and that someone’s health can be predicted from their appearance.”
Becky Morris is a passionate advocate for plus-size fitness. She loves spinning, body pump classes, and playing badminton; she goes to the gym at least three or four times a week and believes that visibility of plus-size fitness apparel is crucial.
“The mannequins are a great idea because, first and foremost, they help normalize diverse body shapes compared to what you see much more often in real life,” Becky says.
“The mannequins we typically see are unrealistically toned, tiny, and thin, which can be really embarrassing or awkward if your body doesn’t look like that.
“They’re also fantastic because they give you a realistic view of how the product would actually look on a body like mine, rather than just having to guess and hope.
“They’re a win for everyone in my opinion. If girls can walk into a store and see that having a body like that is normal and okay, that could make a huge difference.”
We asked for diverse opinions on Twitter about the plus-size mannequins, and the response was generally and mostly very positive – it seems like this is the diverse representation fitness enthusiasts have been clamoring for.
“Most women aren’t as tall as the mannequins we typically see in stores, let alone as slim,” says Carrie.
“A greater visibility of different body types and diversities is absolutely necessary. Accepting and representing women as they are, rather than how the industry wants them to be, is crucial for women’s mental health.”
Mel is a personal trainer, and she’s a size 14/16 in fitness wear.
“I’m fitter and more toned now than when I was a size 10 professional dancer,” she explains.
“This isn’t at all about normalizing or promoting obesity; it’s about encouraging women of all shapes and sizes to shop from Nike – and this should have been done earlier.
“I know many larger-sized women who are fit and healthy, and I also know slimmer women who are very unhealthy!
“Encouraging people to exercise is the first step in helping them adopt a healthier mindset.”
“I’m 54, I’ve been on both ends of the weight spectrum, and I’ve had decades of diet and fitness culture telling me I don’t belong in a pair of leggings or a swimsuit,” says fitness blogger Jo Mosely.
“Moving with joy and freedom helps you become friends with your body and accept it as it is now. All women deserve and should be encouraged to feel good.”
“I think they’re fantastic,” says sports and exercise psychologist Dr. Josie Perry.
“I see many everyday athletes struggling because they don’t fit an athletic stereotype. Having realistic models and images out there helps them feel like they deserve to participate in sports happily and freely too.”
“Whether you’re a size 10 or 20, physical exercise is important and necessary for mental and physical health,” says freelance writer Laura Johnson.
“Exercise should be 100% inclusive and accessible for everyone, regardless of body type. Nike isn’t promoting obesity; it’s encouraging and normalizing exercise for all body types, no matter your body type.”
“I’m glad to see the mannequins,” says Helen, a counselor from Cornwall.
“I’m a size 16 runner, and not only do I want to buy clothes that fit me well, but every now and then, I want to see it modeled on a body like mine.
“The protest against the mannequins is essentially people saying that sports aren’t for everyone.”
Nicki Louise James is an entrepreneur and brand stylist; she also describes herself as plus size.
“When you walk into a women’s store, so often you’re presented with clothes on stick-thin mannequins for that so-called perfect look.
“But what Nike has done is promote a healthier perspective for larger women, and this should be celebrated.
“As a size 18 curvy woman, I also have an underactive thyroid, which means I struggle to control my weight. Do I still exercise? Yes, I do, I run a lot.
“What we should remember is that every woman is beautiful regardless of her size, and there should be a choice for everyone.
“Who says that being a size 4-6 means you’re healthy? And are we saying that plus-size women can’t exercise? Surely that’s not the point, right?”
Hannah Wilkes is a presenter and journalist for Sky Sports; she wants people to stop equating a certain size with being healthy.
“Showing a range of body types doesn’t necessarily mean they’re promoting an ‘unhealthy’ image,” Hannah explains.
“Think about the variety of body shapes you’ve seen while running a marathon. Look at the different builds on a netball court. Being above a size 12 doesn’t automatically mean you’re not fit.”
Of course, not everyone will agree. TV executive Ed Scott feared that the mannequins were normalizing “unhealthy” body types.
“Regardless of whether it’s positive for the body, being overweight can be unhealthy. Do we want to promote a healthy image, right?” Ed asked.
“I’m just saying that being overweight isn’t healthy,” he continued.
“Surely we want people to aspire to be at the optimal weight/BMI? If we say that you’ll be fine if you have that figure, they could have serious health problems later on.
“It’s great to have workout shirts so everyone gets in shape.”
But – according to those survey data, Ed’s concerns are not shared by many. The study found that 80% of the British public doesn’t believe that plus-size mannequins glorify obesity.
Aishah is a pediatric doctor, a qualified personal trainer, and runs her own weight loss coaching business. She’s truly passionate about women’s health and thinks it’s vital that people understand that health isn’t just about weight.
“A weight loss journey often involves more than just shedding pounds,” she tells Metro.co.uk.
“There can be a myriad of underlying issues, situations, and concerns that play a role in the habits people have that impact their health.
“I come across many women who say they feel uncomfortable going to the gym due to their size, so having a major influential company demonstrate that sportswear is for everyone goes a long way in showing we should all be inclusive.
“People in the UK, of all sizes, aren’t getting enough exercise. We should all do everything possible to spread the message that it’s right for people to move, regardless of their size.
“Our society has conditioned us to believe that thin is better, and anything outside of that doesn’t deserve the same respect or status.
“This needs to change because fat-shaming further damages self-confidence, self-esteem, and many other aspects of many people’s lives that they’re already struggling with.”
As a doctor, Aishah would never downplay or underestimate the potential health implications of obesity or being overweight, but she says it shouldn’t be the focus when it comes to these mannequins.
“One point to mention is that yes, obesity and a high BMI are connected to a host of medical issues.
“But I believe the focus should be on improving health habits first and foremost, in a healthy manner, and as a side effect of that, people will notice weight loss if it’s something they’re seeking.
“The weight loss and fitness industry is driven by the idea that we need to be thin, not by the idea that we need to lead a healthy lifestyle to be in the best shape to enjoy all the things we love.”
