Pretty Little Thing’s ‘Am I skinny yet?’ top slammed

Online retailer Pretty Little Thing has been forced to withdraw a vest printed with the slogan ‘Am I Skinny Yet?’ from sale after it was slammed for promoting eating disorders.

Blogger and former anorexic sufferer Jess Mell said she was left ‘horrified’ by the slogan on the gym top. 

A size 8 model had been used to advertise the £4 black gym vest, which as of yesterday was only available in size extra small. 

Pretty Little Thing has now apologised to customers ‘who felt any offence by this’ and removed the top from their website. 

Online retailer Pretty Little Thing has been forced to remove a vest printed with the slogan ‘Am I skinny yet’ for sale after it was slammed for promoting eating disorders 

Jess, who has been recovering from anorexia since January 2015, said she was ‘disgusted’ by the slogan on the gym vest, which she says promotes eating disorders.

The student, from Howden, Yorkshire, said: ‘I was horrified when I saw it. 

‘I think it really promotes negative thoughts. By using a question like this on the front of a piece of clothing it prompts people to ask if they are skinny.

‘For such a big clothing brand to be promoting a slogan like that is terrible. It scares me to think how many people might have seen it and started to question themselves.’ 

Blogger and former anorexia sufferer Jess Mell (pictured) said she was 'horrified' by the slogan

Blogger and former anorexia sufferer Jess Mell (pictured) said she was ‘horrified’ by the slogan

She continued: ‘I think it would make people think they have to aspire to be skinny and consequently promote eating disorders.

‘I think everyone should be trying to promote body confidence and not body shame.

”The word skinny is also highlighted on the slogan and it is placed right on the waist. When people think of losing weight they focus on the waist.

‘By placing “skinny” on the waist it draws attention to that area. I don’t know why anyone would really buy it.’ 

The black gym top, which was on sale for £4, was also criticised by eating disorder charity Beat

The black gym top, which was on sale for £4, was also criticised by eating disorder charity Beat

The item, which has since been withdrawn from sale, was only available in an extra small size as of yesterday 

The item, which has since been withdrawn from sale, was only available in an extra small size as of yesterday 

Jess says she believes that retailers need to take ‘more responsibility’ for the slogans they put on clothing.   

‘I used to study fashion at university and I know how easy it is for a piece of clothing to become popular. If a young person saw this on celebrities Instagram they will want to buy it,’ she added. 

‘Anyone can be affected by an eating disorder but young women are very vulnerable and can often be influenced easily, especially through social media.’

Other social media users also took to Twitter to criticise the slogan on the vest top.

Other social media users also criticised the slogan printed on the vest online 

Other social media users also criticised the slogan printed on the vest online 

One person wrote: ‘[P]lease explain what the actual f*** this shirt is? As a brand do you mean to encourage body hatred amongst women in order to sell your products?’ 

Another added: ‘As if body dysmorphia / hatred aren’t common enough amongst women you want to sell them sports wear literally telling them they’re not “skinny” yet and potentially promote unhealthy weight loss?’  

A spokesperson for eating disorder charity Beat was also shocked by the vest which had been shared on social media.

The spokesperson said: ‘We are aware the fashion industry can play a big part in how eating disorders are perceived, influencing attitudes, beliefs and actions. 

Jess said she was 'disgusted' after seeing the slogan on the top, which she says 'promotes negative thoughts'

Jess said the slogan on the Pretty Little Thing gym top could cause ‘negative thoughts’

‘Sadly, this vest top is not the first example of how eating disorders can be trivialised or glamourised.

‘We know clothing such as this vest top can trigger negative behaviours in people who are affected by these complex mental health issues, which can cause serious harm.

‘Furthermore, the ideals presented within the fashion industry can exacerbate and prolong the illness, and we would encourage the promotion of healthy eating habits and body images in this area.’ 

Following the controversy, Pretty Little Thing removed the vest from their website.

The student, pictured with a tattoo dedicated to her recovery, says she believes that retailers need to take 'more responsibility' for the slogans they put on clothing 

The student, pictured with a tattoo dedicated to her recovery, says she believes that retailers need to take ‘more responsibility’ for the slogans they put on clothing 

A spokesperson for retailer said: #We’d like to apologise to Jess and any of our customers who felt any offence by this.

‘We take these allegations extremely seriously and encourage young girls to be happy and healthy whatever their weight, shape or size.

‘The T-shirt in question has been removed from our website and we will be working with our teams to ensure this does not happen again. ‘

Beat’s Helpline can be contacted via phone on 0808 801 0677 or email help@b-eat.co.uk. 



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