Sunday, February 9, 2025

It Seems Like H&M Has A Bit Of A Body-Shaming Problem

Since arriving on our shores back in 2015, Swedish brand H&M have faced a few customer complaints. This one out of Jozi isn't a very good look.

Perhaps you, like many others, have taken a liking to shopping at H&M.

I mean, it stocks cool (debatable) staples that are relatively affordable, and every now and then offers something a little different.

Daring, even.

The Swedish retailer made its way to South Africa in 2015 and, while welcomed by many with open arms, has faced a few challenges along the way.

A while ago it sent out a racist tweet, and now it seems it has a sizing problem.

Jessica Everson, a 30-year-old creative from Johannesburg, took to Facebook to express her dismay after trying on a size 16 skirt, reports Good Things Guy.

Including a photo to illustrate her dismay, Everson pointed out the varying size discrepancy, while also unpacking how that could affect children who were shopping at the retailer.

And the pic:

Eish, we’ve all been there.

So when exactly is H&M going to learn? I only ask because this isn’t the first time H&M has been accused of body shaming:

Earlier this year, a Londoner brought the issue to a Facebook group called Free to Be OK With Me, a body-positive community that aims to hold clothing companies accountable on inclusivity matters.

Sharing a photo of two pairs of size 16 skinny jeans — one from H&M, the other from Primark — Samantha Bell wrote, “I know I’m not the first person to raise this, but holy s***, H&M need to do something about their sizing. This is a size 16 from H&M (blue) vs a size 16 from Primark (black).”

Bell added, “So, I measured the difference. 14cm/5.5inches. FOURTEEN CM! FFS. And yes, they’re both the same style (skinny fit).”

H&M did, however, reply to Everson’s query, although I wouldn’t advise anyone looking for tips on how to deal with social media engagements of this kind to follow the same route:

Poor form, H&M. Please up your game.

[source:goodthingsguys]