News 7th June 2019 by Megan Roantree

Nike Is Being Praised For Their Use Of Diverse Mannequins

This is so important.

Nike/Twitter

Nike/Twitter

Sports brand Nike is being praised for introducing a variety of mannequins with a more diverse look in their stores.

This month the brand’s NikeTown store in Oxford Circus in London features mannequins who are curvier than the standard straight-size often unrealistically thin mannequins in clothing stores. The store is also reportedly stocking para-sport mannequins too.

In a statement from Nike they explained: “To celebrate the diversity and inclusivity of sport, the space will not just celebrate local elite and grassroot athletes through visual content, but also show Nike plus size and para-sport mannequins for the first time on a retail space.”

The sports brand has been making more efforts to be inclusive over the last few years.

In 2017 they extended their size range to a 3XL and began working with plus size models.

Earlier this year, Nike teamed up with influencer Chloe Elliott also known as Chloe in Curve.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

If anyone tries to tell you that your body size will hold you back, they are absolutely wrong. A few weeks ago someone left me a comment saying ‘You are mad if you think you can do ballet’. Feels good proving people wrong, you’re only called ‘crazy’ til you do it ? ——————— This whole dream of a campaign is a collaboration I worked on with @nike + @veryuk – all hail brands working towards diversity + including plus size women in such a positive way! The campaign focused on the Nike One Leggings which are honestly the most comfortable pair I have EVER worn. I wore them from 9am-8pm, through a ballet/barre session with the incredible @paletacalmquality ,for lunch, to travel home and barely even realised I had them on. Super high waist, comfortable and they really move with your body – no rolling or falling down (thank the Lord) which annoyingly most plus size workout leggings do – but these do not move! Thank you Nike for taking the time to create a ridiculously well made plus collection + for your leaps and bounds in terms of inclusivity. Everything I’m wearing is available on the Very website ? Ph by @sarahellen_photography @nikewomen @veryuk #onelegging #bodypositive #ballet #barre #barreworkout #blok

A post shared by Chloe Elliott (@chloeincurve_) on

Naturally Twitter users were very excited by the progressive campaign.

This is so hugely important for so many reasons, and we’re delighted a sports store is taking the lead. In many types of clothing stores the models displayed often have tiny waists, long legs and overall unrealistic proportions, and this is something that all shops need to work on.

But it’s hugely empowering to see a brand associated with fitness and health displaying a curvier figure in their stores because it helps to remind us that there is not one type of healthy body shape. All shapes and sizes can be fit and healthy.

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