Everybody will tell you the fashion trends come and go. There are days when it doesn’t even take a year before something falls into obscurity! Pinterest boards can scarcely keep up with the ebb and flow of the fashion market. But clothes are not the only products that tend to fluctuate in terms of popularity. It feels as if the female body is still going through trends and fads. Over the years, magazines have told us what is considered hot and not. There is also a famous female celebrity who is considered to be the epitome of beauty. Let’s go back in time to see how women’s “ideal” body shape has changed for a century.
How The Ideal Female Body Type Has Changed In The Last 100 Years
The Gibson Girl Of The ’10s
In the past, it was too costly to print pictures on the pages of magazines. Back then, to get their point across, businesses would hire illustrators. Charles Gibson was an especially popular women’s magazine illustrator. The artist has produced the piece you are looking at! He portrayed rich women wearing tight corsets that gave them a ramrod-straight pose and the hourglass figure.
The Gibson Girl Of The ’10s
Camille Clifford Was A Gibson Girl In The Flesh
When it comes to the topic of the Gibson Girl, Camille Clifford was considered the real-life version. She participated in a competition aimed at discovering someone that looked like a Charles Gibson painting. In the end, she won! The judges felt it looked more like her than any of the other candidates in the illustrations.
Camille Clifford Was A Gibson Girl In The Flesh
The Flapper Of The Roaring ‘20s
There is not anything the Gibson Girl has in common with the It-girl of the ’20s. The flapper had short hair and was not wearing a corset. There was no longer something hip about an hourglass figure or a dramatic updo. Since the passage of the 19th Amendment, women finally had the right to vote. This came after almost a century of fighting and campaigning for this right! Fashion changed after this political upheaval.
The Flapper Of The Roaring ‘20s
Margaret Gorman Was A Lean Beauty
Margaret Gorman was a beauty queen who, in 1921, became Miss America. Her fans believed she had the perfect body form of the decade. This was far from the Gibson Girls’ curvy of the previous era, as you can see. This time around, people respected females with slim bodies!
Margaret Gorman Was A Lean Beauty
The Soft Siren Of The ‘30s
It was an iconic and fun era, but that was not always the case for the Roaring Twenties when it was around. The boxy flapper dresses dropped off the radar as the stock market crashed. In the ’30s, women wore more fitted dresses that better hugged the body’s curves. This would have been a faux pas if it had happened a couple of years earlier!
The Soft Siren Of The ‘30s
Dolores Del Rio Was A Hollywood Stunner
In those days, people looked towards Dolores del Rio when it came to the ideal body. The children of today would say that she’s their body inspo! Photoplay defined her body as “roundly turned” and “warmly curved” as the magazine called the Mexican star the Hollywood actress with the best figure.
Dolores Del Rio Was A Hollywood Stunner
The Star-Spangled Girl Of The ‘40s
The ’40s brought lots of changes. Let us not forget that this was the decade of World War II. Just about everything was affected by the worldwide conflict, including the ideal type of body. Long limbs and broad shoulders have become desirable. The “torpedo” or “bullet” bra was also introduced during this era.
The Star-Spangled Girl Of The ‘40s
Betty Grable Was The Pin-Up Girl Of The Decade
We are sure that you are familiar with Rosie the Riveter! While Betty Grable wasn’t as brawny as the feminist icon, we daresay she was just as popular. In the ’40s, she was the most admired pin-up girl! It is hardly a stretch to say all the men in the army had a photo of her in their footlockers.
Betty Grable Was The Pin Up Girl Of The Decade
The Hourglass Figure Of The ‘50s
In the ’40s, slightly curvy women were deemed attractive. The ’50s took it a step further with the rise of the hourglass shape. Gone were the days when it was thought to be desirable to have a thin physique and strong shoulders. Magazines even started placing advertisements for weight gainers who said their hips were widening!
The Hourglass Figure Of The ‘50s
Marilyn Monroe Had The Ideal Body
We doubt that the lady needs to be introduced in this photo. There is not a single doubt in our minds that you know Marilyn Monroe! She has the perfect figure of an hourglass, after all. We are not sure if it is possible to get any better than this. It is not hard to see why other women were so envious of her in the 1950s.
Marilyn Monroe Had The Ideal Body
The Twig Of The ‘60s
This only shows that the perfect female body type goes from one end of the spectrum to another. After a decade, the twig overthrew the hourglass figure. All of a sudden, curves were no longer regarded as fashionable. People this time around were all about thin extremities, small waists, and narrow hips!
The Twig Of The ‘60s
Twiggy Is A Skinny Legend
As always, a particular celebrity continued to become the symbol of the ideal body type during the ’60s. In that decade, that would be none other than Lesley “Twiggy” Lawson. It probably wasn’t hard to keep her girlish figure since she started her modeling career at the tender age of 16 back in 1965.
Twiggy Is A Skinny Legend
The Disco Diva Of The ‘70s
We hope the pendulum is swinging in your favor! In the ’70s, the general public once more appreciated curves. However, it was not the same as in the ’50s. Everyone had to fit into particular trends that, for one thing, we’re a bit more out there. Allow us to remind you that there was a disco-era!
The Disco Diva Of The ‘70s
The Stars Of Charlie’s Angels
It is hard to talk about the women of the ’70s without mentioning Charlie’s Angels! From left to right, we’ve got Jaclyn Smith, Farrah Fawcett, and Jake Jackson. In those days, they were considered amongst the most famous actresses. People felt that they were the epitome of sexiness!
The Stars Of Charlie’s Angels
The Supermodel Of The ‘80s
During the ’80s, a new concept called the “supermodel” was introduced to the world. This was a title that was given to women who have long legs and are taller than average. It was hard to go through an episode of your favorite MTV show without spying on any of these gorgeous ladies. They took the world by storm during that period.
The Supermodel Of The ‘80s
Rachel Hunter Is Taller Than Most
Rachel Hunter is taller, just below six feet tall, than most men. When she stood beside her ex, Rod Stewart, this was very evident. After all, he was only 5’10”! We are sure that you would not have forgotten her if you were alive in the 1980s and 1990s. She was on the cover page of music videos and Sports Illustrated!
Rachel Hunter Is Taller Than Most
Another Icon In The Form Of Elle Macpherson
It does not feel right to speak about the supermodels of the ’80s without bringing up a certain lady. There is no one we’re talking about other than Elle Macpherson! So, you know, the Australian model is still going strong. She was even featured in the 2014 swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated.
Another Icon In The Form Of Elle Macpherson
The Waif Of The ‘90s
We are confident the pattern could not have been missed in the trends. It feels like the next decade will always be a response to the one before it came. In the ’90s, we saw the rise of waifs. This kind of woman, with few, if any, curves, was thin and short. Other people were fond of calling it the “heroin chic” look. In the eighties, this was very different from what was popular.
The Waif Of The ‘90s
Winona Ryder Is Talented And Gorgeous
Look no further if you were looking for a woman who would fit that description! Winona Ryder fits the bill down to a tee. It was obvious that this helped to some degree in her career. Of course, she is truly a talented actress in her own right at the same time.
Winona Ryder Is Talented And Gorgeous
The Buff Beauty Of The 2000s
At the turn of the millennium, we had to deal with the problem of Y2K. We also bid farewell to the short and skinny girls aside from this. Again, we saw taller and more athletic women on the front pages of magazines! Less emphasis was placed on curves than in the 1950s or 1980s, but more so than in the 1990s.
The Buff Beauty Of The 2000s
Gisele Bundchen Is One Of The Most Beautiful Women Alive
In the early ’00s, a Brazilian supermodel called Gisele Bundchen took the world by storm! Rolling Stone did not call her “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World” for no reason. By modeling for big clothing companies, she is killing it while she’s no longer in her prime. Furthermore, she is still regularly featured in articles about the Most Beautiful Women in the World and the Most Influential People in Fashion.
Gisele Bundchen Is One Of The Most Beautiful Women Alive
The Booty Babe Of The 2010s
After enough time, as we said, every trend seems to return to fashion. This is also true when it comes to the hourglass figure. People are fans of the ‘bootylicious’ look, thanks to the likes of Queen B. Curves have returned, although there is a greater emphasis on wide hips and big bums!
The Booty Babe Of The 2010s
Kim Kardashian Shows Off Her Assets
Unless you’re living under a rock, we’re sure you’re familiar with Kim Kardashian. Apart from her reality TV show and husband, she is probably most famous for her “assets,” There is even a particular photo that features a champagne bottle that drives the point home.
Kim Kardashian Shows Off Her Assets
We Did Not Forget About Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez has not forgotten us, even though she is not as popular as Kim K anymore! There isn’t any way that would be feasible. It feels right to add J. Lo to this list. She even released a hit called “Booty,” and she was made to appear on lists like this one after asking us. The ideals of beauty are different throughout the world. The other ideal is for every country. Wait till you see Argentina’s…
We Did Not Forget About Jennifer Lopez
U.S.A
Depending on the country, perceptions and desires of the type of body are also different. In different parts of the world, people admire various features and want to look in a specific way compared to many others. From the above, the definition of beauty in America with blue eyes and blonde hair is tall, curvy. However, light brown eyes are still adored. In many ways, America sets the tone for Westernized culture, and celebrities can be seen in all shapes and sizes, so seeing this typical ideal is interesting.
U.S.A
China
China has always had a distinct look and its ideal of beauty in regards to women. Their beliefs were somewhat distinct from the rest of the diaspora. Many women in China aspire to be as slim as possible. Small and very light skin are some of the main expectations females have. The form of the nose and wide eyes are other factors. When it comes to makeup, women tend to make their skin paler, and they even aspire for tiny waists.
China
Egypt
In the Middle East, diversity can be seen as many people see beauty differently in many different countries; Egypt’s perception of beauty in women, for instance, is curvy and has a wider upper body. It is assumed in Egyptian culture that these women are usually considered more attractive. The overall culture is rather conservative and secret, which is distinct from more western countries. Cleopatra was too visionary for such a body shape.
Egypt
Switzerland
The most attractive woman’s Swiss view is characterized as slender, very tall, and brown hair is preferred over blonde hair. The most attractive form of eyesight is called fair eyes. The traditional ideal of a Swiss woman, on the other hand, is blond with blue eyes, which is why it is so interesting. Each location must take place for these norms to be established, but the next definitions are something else.
Switzerland
Bulgaria
The Bulgarian ideals of beauty or the traditional body of Bulgarian women are a small and slim waist, a broad bust, and wide hips. The theory, however, is that these women have long fingers and hands and are usually small-boned. With dark-colored hair, women are generally slim, generally with very fresh and moisture-filled skin that enables them to look glowy due to the Bulgarian weather.
Bulgaria
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has found that it is well-desired to have a little bit of form and curvature and small to medium-sized upper body sections. The ideal height is just under 6 feet for a woman. In every country, people have distinct views and desires, most often seen as the ideal of desired beauty and body shape. Usually, women in the UK are imagined with defined cheeks and collarbones.
United Kingdom
Philippines
The Philippines’ beauty ideal involves women with long and dark hair, an angular face and chin, and tiny foreheads. Furthermore, women are petite but very busty as well. The beauty ideal also revolves a great deal around the color of the skin and being pale. Women are known to scrub a lot regularly and use products that make their skin lighter. This is a substantial beauty norm in many Asian countries.
Philippines
France
The French embody the supermodel look. The two are, after all, majorly aligned. They conclude that these women may also look like a tomboy or represent the next door girl, but they are typically tall and petite in all respects. French women are generally real and work to highlight what they have, implying that they often do not see or prefer plastic surgery and fake elements.
France
Bangladesh
Brown eyes, merely fine and flawless skin that glows compose the Bangladesh beauty ideal. They’re known for their glowing and radiant skin. Tall, dark hair is commonly seen as well. Thick hair, a sharp nose, and wider eyes are perfect expressions as well. The body’s preference is more of a curvy figure, but the focus is on facial features and hair, something that in other nations, we have not seen so much.
Bangladesh
Chile
Chile’s fashion trends and beauty standards date back to a more typical period when individuals were living off the land and engaged in agriculture. Thus, Chilean people see the ideal of beauty in women with thinner eyebrows, women who wear little or no makeup. However, the ideal is also to be white, which is rare in Chile. Many women dye their hair blonde, and it is commonly seen in commercials around the country.
Chile
Italy
In Italy, the ideal and standard of beauty can be very similar to that of France because the traditional body structure is tall and slim. Italian women frequently have thin eyebrows and smooth eyes, and makeup with a tad of color on the lips, and eyelids are typically favored. As far as being slim is desired, it is also a very soft look and looks good for one to touch.
Italy
Nigeria
In Nigeria, lighter skin is seen as an association between wealth and higher-class employment. Skin lightening items are commonly sought out as many want to be associated with a higher class. However, due to the concept of being slim, suggesting illness or ill health, the choice in terms of form is thicker and curvy females. Therefore, the ideal is to be voluptuous, dense, and somewhat larger as a symbol of good health in Nigeria.
Nigeria
Romania
Romanian women face heavy pressure to be skinny, making smoking and dieting a part of the culture. They are also very much influenced by Western ways since plastic surgery is very much performed and accessible. Having an instructor in heels, no matter their occupation is not unusual for women to dress up. There is, however, a subtle border between being conservative and revealing-for exposing too much, women are criticized—long hair, preserved nails, and on the bust and trim, a well-built sort of body.
Romania
Serbia
The ideal of facial appearance also fosters big blue eyes and large lips in Serbia. However, body-wise, Serbian women should preferably be long-legged, slender with a bust more extensive than usual. The greatest thing is also to be well preserved-to get one’s hair, and nails finished. For many of the world’s models, Serbian women are responsible, and they are exceptional.
Serbia
South Africa
South Africa embodies many different values concerning body form and ideals of beauty. With its many races, there are many preferences. One of the leading suggestions is to have a tiny waist, wide hips, and a bigger bottom. Rich in its history, South Africa often encourages a desire among black people for lighter skin, but a need to be somewhat tanned among white people. About eye color, fair eyes are commonly desired.
South Africa
Ukraine
In Ukraine, dark hair is seen as attractive with very developed cheekbones, as much as we think blonde hair and blue eyes are the reverse. The beauty model values slender and pale women, but before the 20th century, chubby women were admired and valued as the ideal. They prefer a look that is normal and does not expect women to look like models. Ukraine does not respect a fake look or a synthetic look.
Ukraine
Peru
Peru celebrates its indigenous people’s beauty just as Chile does, but this is not what their ideal is what wealth admires and identifies with the Western view of beauty. The standard of beauty values a western look with tall, skinny women’s blonde hair and blue eyes. They fear the idea of darkening their skin, and many of those who work outdoors cover up from head to toe to prevent darkening melanin from developing, showing a multitude of cultures in Peru and distinct roots.
Peru
Netherlands
In the modeling industry, Dutch females are usually wanted. They are tall, slim, and have elongated features. Dutch women also look very natural, but on average, they are among the world’s tallest. Blonde is wanted very much, but more a commonality, not a significant preference.
Netherlands
Argentina
In Argentina, a curvy body is admired-slim waits and wide hips, yet Argentine women also wear accentuating makeup with drastic lashes and color pops. Normal and clear skin yet rather attention-drawing lips are among some of the facial preferences. Big eyes and tight-fitting clothing are other famous discoveries.
Argentina
Kenya
Kenya’s tall foreheads, elongated arms, slender bodies, and dark skin are only a few admirers. It is also found that bright colors want to be worn not just in clothes but also in cosmetics. Short hair is another characteristic seen among Kenyans and culture in Kenya.
Kenya
What Comes After This
If there is something we can take away from this, it is the fact that there is no perfection as every era and place have its definition. This is even more true when it comes to topics such as body ideals! People generate these unreasonable expectations for something that most people can’t influence. Ultimately, the only thing to do is look in the mirror. If what you see makes you happy, then all that counts is that!
What Comes After This