How realistic mannequins are changing the fashion industry

Get ready for some back fat

Mannequins
(Image credit: (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews))

The fashion world is notorious for promoting unrealistic body ideals that aren't attainable for most women, which is an especially relevant problem in the United States.

More than one-third of American adults are obese, and the average American woman wears a size 14. But you'd never guess that from visiting the average U.S. clothing store, where the vast majority of mannequins and dress forms display clothes for much smaller women. David's Bridal, for example, has used mannequins roughly equivalent to a size six in its stores since 2007.

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Meghan DeMaria

Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.