Nike and plus-size models on social media

While doing my daily surfing of Facebook, I came across an article on BuzzFeed. The article was called “Nike used a Plus-size model on it’s Instagram and people have mixed feelings”. I have quite a few Nikes and decided to check the link. Well it turns out it wasn’t really an article but comments made by individuals on Instagram on their feelings on Nike having a plus-sized model. The majority of the people were happy that Nike decided to have a plus sized model. I myself am happy that Nike has decided to do this, after all I’m not skinny and all those beautiful, thin model’s make me self-conscious. I’m not fitting into a size XS or even a small anytime soon or ever.

So seeing this, I went and checked out Instagram. Nike’s instagram account is followed by 4.8 million people who, on the daily, are treated to an inspiring array of diverse ladies being total badasses. Largely absent from the mix, and from athletic brand advertisements in general, however, are women with curves.

Paloma Elsesser is one of our favourite models, and now she’s working with Nike.

Paloma Elesser, a New York-based model signed under Muse Management’s plus-size division appears on a post to model one of its new sports bras. Standing in a bra, leggings and nothing else, Elesser demonstrates how to tell if your sports bra fits correctly. What’s striking about the image, though, is what it doesn’t have: Any mention of her being plus-size or any indication that there is something different about this image compared to the rest on the page. Nike is normalizing the idea that women of all shapes and sizes care about fitness ― the ultimate goal on the path toward inclusivity. This is amazing!!

So I decided to check out the actual Instagram account and look at these comments, and while a lot of women are happy about this, a lot aren’t. Many of the new bras that are offered only go up to a size XL or E, which is considered by some experts to be pretty much the same size as a DD.

Some of the comments were:

“More of this! Curvy women workout hard too and seeing someone I can relate to makes me wanna follow this feed”

“This post is amazing.So glad to see Nike embracing women of all shapes and sizes FINALLY! So much more of this please!”

“Thank you, Nike, for taking a step toward changing the message about fitness and beauty for women and girls. I hope to see more from you!”

“I’ve never seen anyone that looked like me in a major athletic advert, until now. Thank you Nike ”

These are amazing comments, but of course there’s the negative also:

“Until you start offering plus sizes, this ad means nothing. Big girls work out too!!”

“Yes NIKE, this looks like a great Bra!! But….do you make them in a size 80E or 80F?”

So while Nike is trying they still need work to do. I will be the first to say I have never bought anything from Nike, other than running shoes which always fit. But I can say I know where these women are coming from.

Why have plus-size models if your clothes aren’t for plus-sized women?

About the Author

Sarah Stocks is a Community Service Worker college graduate that enjoys helping others as much as she can and spending as much time with her son as she can. Making the world a better place for her son to grow up in, is what she hopes to achieve, even if it's only a little bit at a time.