When we think of the ideal female body, many of us envision those ethereal and superhuman-like creatures that grace the pages of magazines and catwalks alike – the supermodels.

With their long, lean limbs, tiny waists, and measures that fall strictly within a certain range, these women seem like living, breathing embodiments of an ideal that we can’t seem to shake.

A Brief History: The Supermodel Body Ideal

Though supermodels are certainly not a new concept – icons like the “Big Six” (Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer, and Tatjana Patitz) rose to fame in the 1990s – the particular ideal of the supermodel body has evolved throughout the years. In the 1950s, icons like Marilyn Monroe epitomized a curvier, more hourglass figure, while the 1960s and 1970s brought about the waif-like look of Twiggy and other models of that time.

However, it wasn’t until the 1980s and 1990s that the current supermodel ideal really took hold.

Thin, tall, and with measurements that roughly correspond to 34-24-34, women like Crawford and Turlington (to name just two examples) set the standard for what would become an entrenched ideal in the fashion industry and beyond.

The Impact of Supermodel Ideals on Women’s Body Image

Of course, it’s not difficult to see the potential harm in putting forth an ideal that only a tiny fraction of women could ever hope to achieve.

The prevalence of supermodel-like figures in the media has been linked to a number of detrimental outcomes with regards to women’s body image, self-esteem, and overall psychological wellbeing.

For example, research has shown that exposure to ultra-thin models can lead to lower self-esteem, distorted body image, and increased disordered eating behaviors in women and girls.

Those who perceive themselves as falling short of the supermodel ideal may also be more susceptible to depression, anxiety, and other psychological symptoms.

Challenges to the Supermodel Ideal

Thankfully, there have been some steps made in recent years to push back against the supermodel ideal and the narrow vision of beauty that it promotes.

For example, many models and activists have advocated for more diverse representation in the fashion industry, including bodies of all shapes and sizes, races, and abilities.

Some companies and designers have also taken steps to include a wider variety of bodies in their advertising and fashion shows, though there is still much more work to be done in this regard.

But is the Ideal Still Persuasive?

Despite these challenges, it’s clear that the supermodel ideal still holds a tight grip on our collective psyche.

Even those who are aware of the potentially harmful effects of such an ideal may find themselves drawn to it – perhaps unconsciously – due to its pervasiveness in the media and popular culture.

So, where does this leave us?.

Reframing the Ideal Female Body

It’s important to note that there is no one “correct” or “ideal” body that all women should strive for. Bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Instead, it’s helpful to focus on developing a healthy and sustainable relationship with one’s body.

This may involve taking steps to nourish one’s body through food and exercise, finding clothes that fit and flatter one’s unique shape, and surrounding oneself with positive role models and messages when it comes to body image and self-care.

Ultimately, the goal should be to view one’s body as a tool that can help us live our best lives, rather than an object to be molded and shaped in order to conform to an external ideal.

In Conclusion

The supermodel ideal of the ideal female body may persist in our culture, but that doesn’t mean it’s an ideal that we have to buy into.

By focusing on health and self-care, and rejecting the narrow standards of beauty promoted in the media, we can develop a more positive and empowering relationship with our bodies.