Comparing Plus Size and Sample Size

Comparing Plus Size and Sample Size — Love It or Leave It?

December 22, 2009

V Magazine's upcoming issue sets out to prove that fashion can flatter any figure. The magazine attempts this by pitting a "plus-sized" model and a sample-sized model against each other, even offering each model's measurements — Jacquelyn comes in at 5'9'' 32/24/34 and Crystal at 5'9'' 36/31/41. The women are shot wearing the same fabulous frocks and it's hard to argue that they both don't look fierce. But do you think these images empower women of all sizes or does the issue come off as an unhealthy, gimmicky competition?

49 Comments

Bettye Wayne 3 years 11 weeks

Interesting anon 37, I thought she looked gigantic too.

3 years 11 weeks

When I first looked at the photo I was struck by the giantness of the girl on the right. Everything seemed super-sized. The models are the same height, but the girl on the right looks like she would tower over the other girl. As I studied it more, I realized that she is closer to the camera than the girl on the left. I copied the image and cropped both girls to compare the size. I looked at the center spears on the necklaces since in reality they would likely be the same size. The girl on the right looks 12% bigger than she actually is due to her distance from the camera. I adjusted the size of the image to make the necklace spear the same size in both pics and voila - the fat girl doesn't look as huge. Bizzare.

karjofas86 3 years 20 weeks

I love it, because it shows how the sample model looks awful, with her skinny bones, against the much fuller richer "plus" size model. that let me tell you.. i think she doesnt look plus at all.. i am a plus size girl and i dont look like that! but i know that i have much more lovely curves that the sample model!

Briandiesel 3 years 20 weeks

In a couple of the photos you can see how they've photoshopped Crystals legs. It's actually a terrible job and makes the whole idea stupid and pointless. If you're going to do this, why not make it really real and put them in more normal clothes and poses and not fix their bodies

zeze 3 years 21 weeks

Although my measurments are really close to the small model (but I am NOT 5'9) I honestly see the model on the right as more attractive. I think in clothes curvier girls look hotter, but in bikinis/naked the skinny girls work it better.

zeze 3 years 21 weeks

Although my measurments are really close to the small model (but I am NOT 5'9) I honestly see the model on the right as more attractive.I think in clothes curvier girls look hotter, but in bikinis/naked the skinny girls work it better.

3 years 21 weeks

I hated it!! I looked through the slides and the girl on the right is trying too hard to pose. It made her look rediculous! I'm not a skinny girl myself but I absolutely hated the "plus sized" model!

zuke 3 years 21 weeks

Looking at skinny models makes me hungry. I'm really sick of rail-thin-ness.

genesisrocks 3 years 21 weeks

I don't think "plus-sized" is very accurate. A 31 inch waist sounds about right for someone who's 5'9. Other than that I loved the idea

3 years 21 weeks

I like it. I often see something on a size 0 model in a mag and think "cute, but no way I could wear it". Well, this shows you if you can. What I don't like is that pose! It doesn't work for either model or the garment.

Bettye Wayne 3 years 21 weeks

The sample size model's measurements have been changed... she does have 34 inch hips, not 24. Since my measurements are so close to Crystal's, I do like that I get a better idea of how the clothes would look on me.

Bettye Wayne 3 years 21 weeks

bonniebonnie 3 years 21 weeks

I think the outfits are fabulous and high fashion. This is not a catalog, it's V. They're not trying to show you outfits to wear everyday. And, they are using the terms "plus-sized" and "normal" in terms of models...completely different scale system. Don't take offense! I'm close to Crystal's size and I'm 5'11. I love seeing high fashion in my size as well as smaller or larger sizes. If you do your part to support the baby steps (ie - this fashion spread) then it could lead to even more real and more diverse magazines in the future.

bonniebonnie 3 years 21 weeks

Yogaforlife 3 years 21 weeks

I think the outfits are hideous and the poses even worse. Crystal Renn should not hold her right arm against the body like that because it makes the arm look bigger than it is whereas holding the arm away from the body makes the arm look more toned/sleek. I agree - it is fern gully meets shiny rave wear. I don't like the side by side juxtapositioning of the women.

Yogaforlife 3 years 21 weeks

I think the outfits are hideous and the poses even worse. Crystal Renn should not hold her right arm against the body like that because it makes the arm look bigger than it is whereas holding the arm away from the body makes the arm look more toned/sleek.I agree - it is fern gully meets shiny rave wear. I don't like the side by side juxtapositioning of the women.

3 years 21 weeks

Meah. Since they're gonna photoshop anyway, just put in average-sized (read: 10/12 American) and only have to pay one model.

3 years 21 weeks

The model on the right..Crystal Renn.. WAS PHOTOSHOPPED TO LOOK SKINNIER THAN SHE REALLY IS! I just looked up current pics of her and she is much heavier than that. . So much for the "real" woman.

meeshee 3 years 21 weeks

i hate the term "plus-sized." that girl is normal! oish.

finzup 3 years 21 weeks

I am glad "plus sized" is in quotes. I think it's ludicrous to call that "plus sized" girl "plus sized". She is pretty much NORMAL sized. She is toned, fit, and basically just a perfectly proportioned larger size than the skinny model. It's kind of insulting because real plus sized people (size 16 on up) cannot wear these types of clothes. Plus sized clothing needs to be different, for a plus sized body.

finzup 3 years 21 weeks

outsung 3 years 21 weeks

I agree with ali321 that the women on the right looks much better but honestly when I saw the two pictures next to each other I thought it was just a close up until I read the title of the article and looked closer.