Size zero is a woman's clothing size which is smallest in size. It is equivalent tosize 4 in UK, and size 32-34 in Europe. Its specifications are; bust size: 31.5inches (80 cms), waist size: 23 inches (59 cms), and hip size 32 inches (82cms).


Size zero became a buzz word in the world of fashion during the recent past. Models with a low Body Mass Index (BMI) are regarded as size 0 models. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight of an individual. BMI is calculated by taking the weight in pounds (1 kg = 2.2 pounds) and dividing itby the height in feet. For example: Weight = 45 kgs, i.e. 99lbs, and height is5'9", then BMI will be: 99/5.9 = 16.7. World health Organization considers a BMI of 16 or below to be unhealthy.


Size zero varies from petite size while there is a common misconception that both-are the same. Petite size refers to a woman who is less that 5.4" (163cms) in height. While many of these woman do wear size zero clothes, petite only refers to a woman with short height, and not necessarily a one who wears size zero apparels.


The zero craze:


The trend was initiated in US, by a few fashion designers, who repeatedly exhibited collections that can be worn only by size zero models. Hollywood is getting overrun with thin models who are more or less a skeletal frame. The trend is quickly spreading all over, and is getting to be one of the hottest fashion statements a woman can make.


Despite the row over thin fashion models, size zero clothing line have hit high street stores in UK. Fashion chains such as Miss Selfridge, H&M, and Top shop are having a good collection of these clothes. Starlets and models have set the notorious trend appearing with such figure in tabloid press in increasing numbers. This has resulted in the launching of numerous fashion apparels too;such as skinny jeans, headbands, oversized sunglasses, vintage tops, and big handbags to go with the skinny figure.

 

Growth for the size zero demand started with designers and apparel retailers tapped into a bankable face that women tend to feel more comfortable, and buy more when the merchandise is of smaller fit. Cosmopolitan magazine states that, taking advantage of this attitude some designers also tend to add some extra fabric in the clothes without altering the size tag. So, the size 2 apparel of today may be the size 4 some few years ago. As 4s morphed into 2s, the size 2 became 0. This is done as designers feel that when customers are happy to see small sized clothing fitting them, they tend to buy the same brand again.


Facts about size zero:


It is every woman's dream to achieve a slim figure and zero size tag for her apparels. Size zero is the new age woman's conviction, a Venus attitude. As quoted by Carrie Bradshaw (Sex and the City), "inside every fat woman is a thin one waiting to get back into them".


The incurable obsession of models to reach a pole position among her peers force them to opt for size zero protocol. The dramatically low weight of the ramp walk models has become a deadly influence on other young woman who try to mimic the same. This has become a growing trend, and is no longer limited only with catwalks and silver screens. Women try to imitate this Barbie doll appearance and the numbers are growing at an alarmingly high speed.


Size zero is also linked to anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder that creates obsessive fear of gaining weight. A recent survey in Britain revealed the shocking fact that one out of every hundred women surveyed had anorexia.


Vanity clothing trend, maybe in and out, but is here to stay. Finding a positive solution to the size zero debates is the job of models, stylists, and big league designers. Ultimately it will be the designers choice to decide the model to be cast in the runway. Selecting appropriate models looking fit and healthy will set a precedent.


References:


1)     Size-0.com

2)     Kouhl.com

3)     Metro.co.uk