# Plus-Size Padding Portraits Refinery29 Uncovers a Plus-Size Practice That's Bad for Body Image By Meghan Young | Published 2015-04-09 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plussize-padding References: [refinery29](http://www.refinery29.com/plus-size-models-wear-fat-suits-photos) The use of Photoshop may have drummed up a lot of body image controversy in the fashion industry, but there are other practices that are just as troubling including the use of plus-size padding. As magazines and designers embrace plus-sized women more and more, they do so in their own way to create an ideal even within this demographic. Through the use of plus-size padding, which is explored by Refinery29 with the help of photographer Kristina Wilson, these models are able to fake a more perfectly curvaceous body without going under the knife. Plus-size model and industry consultant Elizabeth Taylor says, “Padding shows that advertisers don’t really believe a woman who really is size 14 or above can sell clothing. When I first started modeling, they told us that women want to see really skinny women sell regular-sized clothing. So, they see a size 0-2 and they're a 6 or an 8, and that's aspirational." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.9/10 - Popularity: 100% | Activity: 99% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Body Image Manipulation:** The use of plus-size padding highlights the ongoing issue of body image manipulation in the fashion industry. - **Idealized Plus-size Representation:** The practice of using plus-size padding reflects the industry's desire to create an idealized version of plus-sized women, potentially reinforcing unrealistic beauty standards. - **Authenticity in Advertising:** The controversy surrounding plus-size padding raises questions about the authenticity of advertisements and the need for more genuine representation in the fashion industry. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fashion:** The fashion industry is confronted with the challenge of reevaluating its approach to size representation and promoting inclusivity. - **Advertising:** The use of plus-size padding prompts a reexamination of advertising practices and the impact they have on body image perception and self-esteem. - **Body Positive Movement:** The issue of plus-size padding highlights the ongoing importance of the body positive movement in advocating for diverse and authentic representations of beauty. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Body-Inclusive Image Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/body-type-range.md) - [Celebrity Padded Shapewear Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultimate-butt.md) - [Body-Inclusive Reality TV Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roses-for-every-body.md) - [Romantic Size-Inclusive Intimates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gabi-gregg.md) - [AI-Powered Fashion Photography Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/betterstudio.md) - [Body Positivity Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nobodylikeyou.md) - [Unretouched Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dove-reimagine-beauty.md) - [Mock Social Good Fashion Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/not-models-own.md) - [Transformative Shaping Dresses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/body-by-miraclesuit.md)