Fashion and Form: The Impact of Body Image and Diet Culture on Clothing

Fashion has constantly changed over the years, but changing cultural standards are affecting clothing at unprecedented levels. Historically, Vox’s report on body image shares that many people have been body-shamed based on the color of their skin and weight, idealizing thin as the perfect body type. However, as more bloggers, writers, and activists began bringing “body positivity” into the picture, trends started to shift towards advocating for marginalized bodies and normalizing their body types in mainstream media.

Why are these views important?

As much as body image and diet culture affect clothing, fashion is also perpetuated by perceptions of beauty. This is especially important in adolescents and women who are easily influenced by the media, coercing them to fit into “idealized” positions despite harming their health. As found in a study in the International Journal of Eating Disorders, positive, intuitive eating and body appreciation has lowered the risk of developing eating disorders. Instead of forcibly fitting in, changing views on body image and diets are essential for keeping sustainable and healthy forms.

Culture is moving to accept diversity in beauty

More often than not, many who are plus-sized struggle to find clothing that fits their size because companies tend to cut costs on size availability. But with changing norms around body image, brands have become more accessible and inclusive in how they accommodate different body types. Not only did they increase the span of their clothing sizing systems, but they also adopted advertising featuring a more diverse group of models.

Some celebrities have even gone beyond the “usual” fashion sense to adopt their own satirical style and promote diversity. As shared in our post on Beyoncé’s Renaissance album, the styling team made sure to design her clothing to honor the pioneers of fashion and the genres by which the songs were inspired. With a much open culture today, it’s always best to be comfortable in your own skin and embrace your individualistic style rather than conforming to ideals.

Shifting diet culture to health, not image

In addition to body image, diet culture has evolved greatly in recent years. Many have moved weight loss from just being skinny to pushing for healthier living. As new weight loss plans from WeightWatchers showcase, customized food plans — where you can still eat your favorite dishes — are now part of a nutritious dieting program, as scientists have gone beyond calorie-counting for wellness. These are often coupled with easy-to-use phone applications, which make it easier to track down fitness progress.

This shifting mindset on diet culture has allowed positive changes in self-image. Instead of people starving themselves to attain their ideal body type, they are more conscious of what they eat and the nutrition it brings. A study from the University of Surrey has found that while thin-body ideals may remain, there are more intentions toward healthy eating. As mentioned earlier, more companies have been adopting more variety in the sizing categories, making it easier for people to focus on health rather than appearance. If you’re not sure where to start, you can always consult dieticians regarding what are the best choices for your body rather than blindly following fad diets. This way, you can stay confident and comfortable with what you eat, and at the same time, achieve your health goals.

Modern media has been presenting more diverse images of attractiveness, encouraging many to accept different body types as realistic presentations of beauty. Body image and diet culture have shifted to accommodate these changes, opening up greater fashion opportunities for everyone.

FASHIONADO