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Flattering Clothing: Why the Concept Is Unethical in the Context of Fashion
In recent years, the conversation around ethical fashion has gained significant momentum. More people are becoming aware of how their clothing choices impact not only the environment but also the people who make those garments. However, there’s another conversation that often gets overlooked in the ethical fashion space: the harmful nature of the term “flattering.”
The fashion industry is deeply intertwined with societal standards of beauty, which have historically been narrow and exclusionary. The idea of “flattering” clothing is based on the notion that bodies need to look a certain way to be deemed acceptable or attractive. This concept perpetuates unrealistic and often harmful beauty standards, which are in direct conflict with the principles of inclusivity, fairness, and empowerment that are central to ethical fashion.
Stephanie Yeboah, a prominent writer and body-positive advocate, challenges this notion head-on. She explains that “flattering” is often used as a backhanded compliment to encourage people, particularly women, to dress in ways that make their bodies appear smaller or more aligned with traditional beauty standards. Yeboah states, “The term flattering is actually loaded with so many layers of internalized misogyny and body-shaming, it’s hard to even quantify” . For an industry that prides itself on being more inclusive and fair, this language feels contradictory.
The term “flattering” has historically been a coded word, used to manipulate people into conforming to beauty ideals that do not celebrate individuality. Refinery29 points out that the idea of “flattering” clothing reinforces the myth that only certain body types deserve visibility, stating, “To believe in ‘flattering’ clothes is to believe that not every body is beautiful or deserving of visibility, and that’s a narrative that needs to be unlearned” . Ethical fashion should not just focus on the materials and production methods but should also challenge harmful narratives around body image and beauty.
Similarly, Bustle has made the decision to ban the use of the word “flattering” altogether. Their rationale? The term reinforces narrow, patriarchal ideals about how bodies should look. Bustle’s editorial team stated, “In the end, the word reinforces an idea that we need to look a certain way — usually smaller, slimmer, or leaner — to be accepted” . In a space where ethical consumption means standing against exploitation, pollution, and injustice, it makes sense to also stand against body-shaming and conformity to restrictive standards.
Ethical fashion is about more than sustainable materials and fair wages; it’s about creating a culture of respect and inclusivity that empowers all bodies, regardless of their shape, size, or appearance. This means moving beyond traditional concepts of “flattering” clothing, which is rooted in a system that values some bodies over others. Instead, we should embrace the idea that clothing is a form of self-expression and personal choice — a celebration of our unique, beautiful, and diverse bodies.
By shifting away from the language of “flattering,” we can foster a fashion culture that truly aligns with ethical principles, promoting inclusivity and body positivity. It’s time to unlearn the myths and narratives that have long dominated the fashion industry and move toward a future where everyone can feel seen, respected, and empowered by their clothing choices.
Sources:
: Stephanie Yeboah, The Hate Word: Flattering, Stephanie Yeboah Blog, 2018.
: Refinery29, The Myth Of Flattering Clothing, Refinery29, 2022.
: Bustle, Why We’re Banning The Word ‘Flattering’, Bustle, 2018.
Editor: McKenna Kostyszyn
Image Via Pexels
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