Why Size Inclusivity Is Declining in 2025 Fashion Shows
When it comes to the fashion world, nothing lasts forever. While we saw some brands embracing body positivity in the previous years, recent reports suggest there’s a decline in mid- and plus-size representation on runways. Let's take a deeper dive into the recent backlash the fashion world is recieving about size inclusivity.
What’s Actually Happening: Size Inclusivity Backlash in 2025
As 2025 is coming to an end, we decided to take a look into the fashion show reports for this year and we noticed the trends suggests a shift. The runway representation for plus size models seems to be dropping. Earlier this year the Vogue Business Autumn/Winter 2025 size inclusivity report provided us the data that 97.7% of looks presented across 198 shows were for straight-size models (US 0–4), only 2% were mid-size (US 6–12), and a mere 0.3% were plus-size (US 14+).
Of course, when you compare this to the previous seasons, this is a decline. For example, plus-size representation dropped from 0.8% in earlier seasons.
Token Curves vs Real Bodies
The reports earlier this year noted that designers are using manufactured or exaggerated curves (via padding or breast plates) rather than actually casting real plus-sized/ larger models. Vogue calls this a “theatrical spectacle” where the curves become a costume instead of truly representing body diversity. While I am not one to deny that I enjoy spectacles, especially when they are theatrical, I have to admit some of these were done in really bad taste. With these tasteless efforts, some of these brands can appear “inclusive” in silhouette, without actually committing to inclusive casting.
Some critics argue this reinforces control over what bodies are “palatable” instead of actually promoting real diversity. And as much as I hate to agree with the critics, girls, I fear they are not wrong this time.
Oh Oh, Is This The Influence Of The Big "O"?
Considering that Ozempic has been quite the trending topic recently, it is no surprise that the reports link part of this shift back to the mainstreaming of weight-loss drugs. As these drugs are transforming cultural ideas about body size, it is a possibility that they might be influencing fashion’s casting decisions. Some believe that size inclusivity is being deprioritized because of the changing body norms in the society.
Backlash from Industry Insiders
We are also seeing Industry Insiders are not all in favor of this shift. There is strong criticism that this move away from inclusive casting feels regressive. The Guardian even reported on how the decline is signaling a “return to thinness.” Some designers are more inclusive, but their efforts are rare and even casting directors also calling out the tokenism.
Menswear Trends
For AW25 menswear, there was a slight uptick in mid-size representation, but plus-size still remains minimal (0.3%). The report also shed light on how the increase in “mid-size” male models often corresponds to a more muscular build, not necessarily larger or diverse body types. We see that some of the designers are pushing back, but there's many more that still aren’t making genuine inclusive moves.
The question remains, are brands really being inclusive, or just putting on a show? With the consumer demand for diversity, the risk remains for brands that if they ignore real inclusivity, it may result in them facing backlash, or worse, losing relevance. Well, as I said before, nothing lasts forever in the fashion world, not even the death of trends. Maybe we will see body positivity make a comeback, sooner rather than later.