Mannequins, especially female, influence self image as stores show disturbingly thin ones

New research in the UK has shown that body size of male and female mannequins can be disturbing, more so of female ones.

We might not realize it but mannequins not only play a crucial role in the fashion industry but also influence the consumer’s self-image. In the first study of its kind, a research shows that the body size of mannequins used to advertise female fashion in the UK are too thin and may be promoting unrealistic body ideals.

The study showed that mannequin body types used by fashion stores promoted unrealistic body ideals. (Shutterstock)

New research from the University of Liverpool, led by Dr Eric Robinson from the University’s Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, surveyed national fashion retailers located on the high street of two cities in the UK.

The body size of ‘male’ and ‘female’ mannequins was assessed by two research assistants using visual rating scales.

Severely underweight

The study, published in the Journal of Eating Disorders on Wednesday, found that the average female mannequin body size was representative of a severely underweight woman.

The average male mannequin body size was significantly larger than the average female mannequin body size and only a small proportion of male mannequins represented an underweight body size.

Body image problems

Dr Eric Robinson said: “We became interested in this topic after seeing some news report about members of the general public noticing that some mannequins in fashion stores were disturbingly thin.

The study noted that unrealistic body ideal is particularly disturbing in the case of women.

“Because ultra-thin ideals encourage the development of body image problems in young people, we need to change the environment to reduce emphasis on the value of extreme thinness.

“We of course are not saying that altering the size of high street fashion mannequins will on its own ‘solve’ body image problems. What we are instead saying is that presentation of ultra-thin female bodies is likely to reinforce inappropriate and unobtainable body ideals, so as a society we should be taking measures to stop this type of reinforcement.

“Given that the prevalence of body image problems and disordered eating in young people is worryingly high, positive action that challenges communication of ultra-thin ideal may be of particular benefit to children, adolescents and young adult females.”

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