Shoppers Beware: Stores Are Using 'Skinny Mirrors' So You Look Thinner

Ladies! Be on the lookout the next time you're trying on clothes at a boutique, especially if you think you look especially fantastic in that tight little dress.

You may be falling for an optical illusion known as a “skinny mirror.”

Based out of California, The Skinny Mirror (yep, that's its name) makes mirrors with curved glass in order to make the person looking into them seem thinner than they appear.

The mirrors, which retain between $165 to $5,500, can make you look 10 pounds thinner.

So, while you may look fabulous in the store, you might be getting an exaggerated picture of yourself.

[caption id="attachment_856753" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The Skinny Mirror[/caption]

First launched in January 2013, the company originally planned to sell these mirrors to customers directly, but quickly attracted the attention of small boutiques, deciding to make mirrors to fit their needs as well.

A study at a lingerie boutique in Sweden saw a 20 percent increase in sales, and found that 86 percent of customers had a greater satisfaction rate using Skinny Mirrors.

[caption id="attachment_856755" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The Skinny Mirror[/caption]

Belinda Jasmine, the creator of The Skinny Mirror, said she was inspired to create it after she found an old mirror in her attic that made her look far heavier than she actually was.

She decided to make her mirrors because she wants to make women feel more confident about their bodies.

As a response to critics of the mirrors, Jasmine explains the company logo is displayed clearly on every mirror.

[caption id="attachment_856757" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The Skinny Mirror[/caption]

What comes from all of this, though, is a question about what this means for women's body image: Even if you know you're being tricked into thinking you're thinner, are you still going to feel great about yourself when you see that dress on in your mirror at home?

Citations: Alert Clothing Stores Might Be Using Skinny Mirrors to Make You Look Thinner (Elle)