...

Logo Pasino du Havre - Casino-Hôtel - Spa
in partnership with
Logo Nextory

UK regulatory watchdog ASA bans Zara ads for portraying ‘unhealthily thin’ models

Culture • Aug 6, 2025, 9:10 AM
6 min de lecture
1

The UK’s advertising regulator Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned two "socially irresponsible" Zara adverts for depicting models considered “unhealthily thin”. 

The fast fashion retailer’s ads, released in May, featured one model wearing an oversized white shirt with her “protruding collarbone” emphasised by the shirt’s design and another model in a short white dress whose “gaunt” appearance was accentuated by the design. 

The ASA ruled that these images were irresponsible and ordered Zara not to use them again.

According to the watchdog, a shadow effect was used to make one of the model's legs appear "noticeably thin". They added that the position of the model's upper arms and elbow joints made her body look "out of proportion". 

“Protruding collarbone” and "gaunt" appearance
“Protruding collarbone” and "gaunt" appearance Zara

Zara confirmed that it had amended the product listings after receiving the complaint and removed the images.

The retailer then released a statement saying that both of the models had medical certification proving they were in good health, and that none of the images had been modified, beyond minor lighting and colouring edits. 

A Zara UK spokesman said: “We note the ASA’s decision following an individual complaint regarding two images on our website which we removed when the ASA made us aware.” 

The statement added: “We are committed to responsible content and follow stringent guidelines and controls in the selection and photographing of models, as well as in the selection of images.” 

The ASA also investigated two other Zara advertisements, but neither of them ended up being banned. 

The ASA ruled that these images were irresponsible
The ASA ruled that these images were irresponsible Zara

There have been wider calls for brands to ensure responsible and diverse representation.

The ASA's decision further highlights ever-growing scrutiny regarding the portrayal of body image in fashion advertising, and follows a similar ruling against high street retailer Marks & Spencer last month, which saw an online ad banned after clothing and camera angle made the model look “unhealthily thin”.

Additionally, UK retailer Next also had an ad which was banned earlier this year. The ASA said that the advert for blue skinny jeans was “irresponsible”, as it emphasised the thinness of the model's legs using camera angles.

Next said it disagreed with the decision and said the model, while slim, had a "healthy and toned physique".


Today

Director Francis Ford Coppola gives update following 'scheduled' cardiac procedure in Rome
Culture • 11:29 AM
6 min
Amid reports that the legendary American director had been hospitalised in Italy, Coppola released a statement reassuring fans.<div class="small-12 column text-center article__button"><a href="https://www.euronews.com/culture/2025/08/06/director-francis-f
Read the article
Former Rolling Stone Mick Taylor claims Met Museum has his stolen guitar
Culture • 10:41 AM
6 min
A rock 'n' roll relic is stirring up drama between a guitar legend and one of New York's most iconic museums.<div class="small-12 column text-center article__button"><a href="https://www.euronews.com/culture/2025/08/06/former-rolling-stone-mick-taylor-cla
Read the article
Oasis fans raise more than €17,000 for family of man who died at Wembley concert
Culture • 9:54 AM
4 min
Lee Claydon died on Saturday 2 August after falling from one of the upper stands in Wembley Stadium during an Oasis show. A GoFundMe page has been set up and has so far raised more than £15,000 (€17,000).<div class="small-12 column text-center article__bu
Read the article
UK regulatory watchdog ASA bans Zara ads for portraying ‘unhealthily thin’ models
Culture • 9:10 AM
6 min
Two advertisements from fashion giant Zara have been deemed “socially irresponsible” and banned for featuring models that appeared “unhealthily thin”.<div class="small-12 column text-center article__button"><a href="https://www.euronews.com/culture/2025/0
Read the article
‘The Walking Dead’ actress Kelley Mack dies aged 33
Culture • 7:17 AM
5 min
Kelley Mack, who appeared in many TV shows including AMC's The Walking Dead, died after battling a type of tumor that affects the brain or spinal cord. She is remembered for her "infectious enthusiasm and dedication to her work" which "inspired countless
Read the article
Eighty years on, Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors are still calling for peace
Culture • 6:14 AM
12 min
Eighty years after Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ageing survivors are urging the world to remember what was lost – and to imagine a future without nuclear weapons.<div class="small-12 column text-center article__button"><a href="https://www.euronews.com/culture
Read the article
'Rock ’n’ Rom': Romanian teacher channels Elvis to fight anti-Roma prejudice
Culture • 12:18 AM
14 min
In Romania, Tudor Lakatos blends rock 'n' roll and activism to challenge stereotypes and inspire Roma children – one hip-swivel and Elvis classic at a time.<div class="small-12 column text-center article__button"><a href="https://www.euronews.com/culture/
Read the article