How is the fashion industry triggering Body Dysmorphia?

By Satvika

The fashion industry is one of the leading causes for BDD and other eating disorders. The trends in the fashion industry change frequently. But it is not just about clothes, shoes, bags etc. It is also the beauty standards. The fashion industry has the power to control a person’s perception about themselves. 

Fashion industry tends to set unrealistic goals and standards of beauty. When you buy clothes online, it may seem as if the clothes looked better on the model than yourself. This comparison can be a trigger point for BDD. Since we want our clothes to look appealing on our bodies like the models, it can sometimes be harmful since these body types are unobtainable for the average population. Also, in fashion magazines, magazine covers, advertisement campaigns there is a possibility that the pictures are highly edited which makes the models look flawless.

In September 2017, model Emily Ratajkowski said French magazine Madame Figaro edited her images. She called the outlet out on Instagram, while admitting she was 'extremely disappointed' to see her 'lips and breasts altered.' This is just one example of how photoshop is used to create ‘perfect bodies’. It is also used in removing stretch marks, blemishes, discolorations, scars, and so many other normal aspects of the models bodies in such a realistic way that we actually start to think that this is how bodies should look.

Is it really size inclusivity?

There are also some fashion brands that make clothes for a certain body type and body size. Not being able to fit in these brands of clothes can make you feel that you do not have the same body as the general population. Which can also trigger BDD. Recently some brands are attempting to hire ‘plus-size’ models, which in reality, is the body size of an average woman instead of a conventionally slim model.  In reality, these models are not plus sized and these brands don’t actually cater to people with bigger bodies. They just pretend to be size inclusive while not making an effort at all. They only use the term ‘body positivity’ as a marketing strategy. 

With all the standards that the fashion industry sets, it could trigger body dysmorphia in many people like us. This could result in anxious behaviors such as checking the mirror constantly, wearing clothes that would hide the body or avoiding social events because of the fear that others might judge them for their body. This can lead to isolation. In many cases, BDD can also lead to eating disorders.

Hence, it is important to be aware of what we see on social media and fashion magazines and how it affects us. It is highly imperative that we challenge the standards set by the fashion industry and demand more inclusivity in the sizes of models as well as the clothes.