Pinterest has been a go-to platform for fashion and outfit inspiration for over a decade.

With more than 3.5 billion images available to search, Pinterest rivals Instagram when it comes to content but, like Instagram, has also come under fire for promoting diet culture, thinness, and Eurocentric beauty standards.

TikTok creators have started series dedicated to critically engaging with Pinterest fashion and exploring whether or not the outfits are inspired or just representative of a certain beauty standard.

The internet asks: “Is it a fit or is she does skinny?”

Since 2018, Pinterest has reportedly taken steps to combat this issue by setting industry standards on product and policies “that promote a positive, diverse and inclusive experience.” For instance, the platform introduced technology that let users filter results by skin tone and hair patterns and integrated different skin shades into it’s “try on” beauty function.

However, until recently a search for outfit a specific aesthetic or outfit inspiration would largely render images of white straight sized people.

“Body type range” is a new AI-driven initiative that gives users the ability to filter outfit inspo by body type and aims to create a more inclusive and representative platform overall.

The filter uses AI to identify different body types in an image and users can refine their searches by selecting one of four types of bodies that best reflect them. Including disabled bodies and wheelchair users.

The AI also aims to diversify search feeds across the platform by ensuring that a more diverse range of images are selected as part of a search.

“Pinterest has shaped its algorithms to increase representation of both body type and skin tone across search results and related Pins,” reads the recent press release. “For example, if a user searches for date night outfit inspiration, they will see results inclusive of various body types and skin tone ranges.”

Pinterest says it partnered with the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA), model and size advocate Tess Holliday, and creators Natalie Craig, Kellie Brown, and Stefany Brito to consult on the plus size community’s needs.

“The presence of authentic representation on a platform, without having to add size or shape modifiers to get what you want, has never been more important to the emotional well-being of young people globally,” says Tess Holiday of the initiative. “I am immensely grateful to have been part of Pinterest’s journey to shine a light on plus-size individuals and show everyone else that genuine change is possible.”

Body type range launched on Monday across womens fashion and wedding verticals and Pinterest says it has already seen a 66 per cent higher engagement rate per session for those using the tool versus those who are not.

“At Pinterest, we believe that inspiration begins with inclusion,” says Chief Product Officer, Sabrina Ellis. “That’s why we continue to develop inclusive product experiences that make it easier to find the best ideas that feel made for you. With the powerful addition of our new body type technology to our suite of inclusive AI efforts, we improved representation of different body types on the platform across women’s fashion related searches in the US.”

How to use body type ranges

  1. Open the Pinterest app
  2. Select the search icon
  3. Type into the search bar (e.g. “fall outfits”)
  4. Click body types at the top of the search results
  5. Select from a range from 1-4 body types

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