Throughout history, the ideal body shape for women has been shaped by the cultures and societies in which they lived.

From the full-figured curves of the Renaissance era to the boyish frame of the 1920s flapper, the ideal female body shape has been constantly changing. Today, modern standards have created a new type of pressure for women to maintain a certain body size and shape. Understanding this evolution can provide insight into the complexities of how society views and values women’s bodies.

Ancient Times

During ancient times, curvy women were favored, as they were believed to be better equipped for childbirth and raising healthy offspring. In ancient Greece, full-figured women were celebrated and considered the ideal form of beauty.

In contrast, ancient Egyptian women idealized the “goddess-like”, hourglass figure with a high waist, tapered torso and full hips which was achieved by wearing a tightly fitted corset.

The Renaissance

During the Renaissance era, a fuller figure continued to be the ideal, but this time with softer curves. Rubenesque figures with rounded hips, thighs and stomachs, similar to portraits of Venus, were highly prized.

Curvy women were considered more beautiful and sensual during this time period.

The Victorian Era

During the Victorian era, women were expected to be thin and have a tiny waist. Dresses were designed with a corset which gave the illusion of an hourglass figure.

In order to achieve the desired body shape, women would suffer from health problems like fainting, improper digestion and respiratory ailments due to tight corsets. This ideal body shape persisted until the Edwardian era, in which the slim figure of the Gibson Girl became popular.

1920s and the Flapper

The 1920s brought a change in fashion and body type as the ideal female body became thinner and more boyish. This is attributed to the changing political and social roles of women.

Women began to enter the workforce during World War I, and this trend continued through the 1920s. Shorter skirt lengths and sleeveless dresses became popular, and the ideal body type was a flat chest, short bob hairstyle, and a thin, boyish frame.

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1950s and the Hourglass Figure

The 1950s marked a return to the hourglass figure, with a tiny, nipped-in waist and full hips. Curvy, voluptuous women like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor were considered sex symbols, and their hourglass shapes became the ideal body type.

Clothing designers created garments that accentuated curves, with fitted tops and full skirts to create the illusion of a small waist.

The 1960s and Twiggy

The 1960s brought about a new ideal body shape, one that was thin, androgynous and flat chested. This was due in large part to the rise of model Twiggy Lawson, who epitomized the “waif” look.

The ideal female form was a long, lean, flat-chested shape. This new body type was popularized by the media and fashion industry, and its influence has continued to this day.

1990s and the “Supermodel” Body

The 1990s marked a return to the curvier ideal with the emergence of the “supermodel” body type.

Women like Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell were considered the most beautiful women in the world, with their tall, hourglass figures, toned muscles and flat stomachs. However, this ideal body shape was still leaner and more toned than that of earlier times.

Present Day Body Standards

Today, the ideal body shape for women is often portrayed as being thin and toned, with long legs and a flat stomach. This type of body is often seen in the media and in advertising.

Social media has also created a new pressure for women to have a certain body shape and size. The “thigh gap” and “bikini bridge” are two popular trends that have emerged in recent years, highlighting the importance of a slim, toned physique.

Conclusion

The ideal body shape for women has changed throughout history and continues to evolve. The ancient Greeks celebrated full-figured women while the Victorians valued thinness.

The 1950s saw a return to the hourglass figure while the 1960s embraced the androgynous, flat-chested look. Present-day standards favor thinness and toned muscles. The ideal female body shape is a reflection of the ideals and values of the society in which it is found.