What do YOU think?

Daily Mail.co.uk

We only like young, thin people - even when we are old and not so thin!

The second instalment in the open discussion forum - where you are free to speak your mind and comment how you see fit.

OK, a sweeping generalisation statement perhaps but pay attention - this is the science part:

Psychological research has shown that people who are perceived to be beautiful are given higher scores in job interviews; are generally more successful (financially) in life; receive more promotions than less attractive people; receive lesser sentences in criminal court; and so on. This is known as as the Heuristic Effect - beautiful people are good while unattractive people are bad. We look at the outward appearance and judge the character. It's common, we all use it as a short cut to difficult decision making processes: risk, danger, financial investments, and people we don't know.

Full size - Not plus size!

Now the not so scientific bit - anecdotal evidence (AKA my independent research of sewing blogs) has shown that those bloggers, who shall rename nameless, who are thin (size 4-10 both Uk & US), who are young (20-35) demonstrably have more followers than the more traditional, and much more common sewers - who are a more standard size 14-18 and over 35.

It's worse. On Pattern Review, pictures of slim sewers in their clothes get more views and comments than regular sized people. Really. Go and check for yourself. Just pick at random a page of reviews and compare the skinny with the normal. Regardless of complexity or perfection of the sewn garment - young, thin girls are rewarded with more hits and favourable comments.

OK OK OK. There are always exceptions to any rule and I am making generalisations here - some people have been blogging for years and have built up their supporters; others are extremely talented and worthy of following - others???? I'm not so sure.

Wait... I'm not getting a dig in at young, thin sewers by the way, I'm merely using you as an example. It's more a social comment on the acceptability of older, rounder women as fashion icons or role models for younger girls.

So why?

Two year s ago a German womans' magazine - Brigitte - decided to use real models in their photoshoots. They did not employ models and every woman chosen was 'average' size and 'normal' looking.




The editor, Lebart,  said "Today’s models weigh around 23% less than normal women.” The move was a response to complaints by readers who said they had no connection with the women depicted in fashion.

 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8294003.stm

The magazine did retouch the photos of normal women but then they do that with professional skinny models too and full makeup and styling was applied, as you would expect for a fashion magazine. However........

In two years subscriptions to Brigitte have dropped by nearly 22 per cent while 35 per cent fewer copies were sold in shops since the 'real people policy was introduced. This is Germany's best selling women's magazine by the way, not some little provincial rag. In September this year they went back to the professional model, but, at least, no size zeros.So while we do not like to be reminded of how physically imperfect we are, we apparently do not like to see it in others either. Darling Karl L called the move to real people as absurd as fashion was all about "dreams and illusions."So, it seems we are still tempted by youth and a media reinforced ideal of beauty. We like thin. We like young. Regardless of culture or country. Personally, I'm a UK 14. It has taken me a long time to accept that I will NEVER have Scandinavian thighs, Audrey Hepburn's neck, Bridgette Bardot's lips, Marilyn's waist or Farah Fawcett hair. I'm over it. I dress now to suit my shape and possibly my age (most of the time, but that's for another post.....). Making my own clothes has provided the opportunity to select better and better suited clothes than if I was shopping. It is the reason I went back to sewing in the first place, I just couldn't find what I wanted in the shops. What do YOU think? Photo credits: all over the place on Google Images.