Snag Clothing Faces 100 Complaints Daily Over Model Sizes

The chief executive of the online apparel brand Snag has disclosed to the BBC that the company receives upwards of 100 daily complaints asserting that the models featured in their advertisements are “excessively overweight.” Brigitte Read, the founder, articulated that her brand—spanning sizes 4 to 38—employs models who frequently become the subjects of vitriolic commentary regarding their physiques. This controversy emerged within a broader societal discourse following a recent incident involving a Next advertisement that was deemed unsuitable for portraying an “unhealthily thin” model.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) reported receiving a total of 61 complaints concerning models’ weight in 2024; however, the overwhelming majority pertained to appearances of models perceived as underweight. Notably, in this climate, there were no investigations initiated against Snag.

Catherine Thom, an Edinburgh resident, expressed her disbelief at the apparent double standard where advertisements featuring underweight models are outright banned for fostering socially irresponsible ideals, while those showcasing models who are categorically obese are celebrated in the name of body positivity. Thom criticized the relentless bombardment of “morbidly obese” imagery perpetuated by Snag on social media, questioning the fairness of such portrayals when juxtaposed with the restrictive policies against thin representations.

In response to this contention, Read vehemently argued that ostracizing individuals based on their weight does not facilitate healthier lifestyles; rather, it detrimentally affects their mental health. She contends that individuals of all body types are equally valid and deserve representation, advocating for a societal shift towards acceptance and inclusivity.