The standard of beauty is evolving. With social media empowering individuals to showcase their authentic selves, women no longer rely on advertising professionals to dictate who is considered beautiful. Instead, social media platforms allow women to celebrate their natural beauty and receive widespread recognition, celebrating diverse shapes and sizes.
Recent data supports this shift in beauty standards. A study published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education reveals a significant change in the average size of American women. According to the study, the typical woman is no longer a size fourteen. Curious to know more? Read on!
The study analyzed data from over 5,500 American women and found that, over the past two decades, the average size has increased. At the start of the millennium, the average waist size was 34.9 inches; today, it has grown to 37.5 inches. This increase reflects broader trends when considering factors like race and ethnicity.
Susan Dunn, one of the study’s lead researchers, expressed hope that this information will be utilized by both the fashion industry and consumers. “Understanding the average size can positively impact many women’s self-image,” Dunn noted. She further emphasized the need for the apparel industry to recognize that these women are not disappearing. “Clothing should fit well and be available in styles and sizes that cater to the average woman, rather than relegating these options to obscure sections or online stores.”
Currently, the average American woman wears between sizes sixteen and eighteen, representing the lower end of plus sizes. It’s time for the fashion industry to reflect this reality and design clothing that fits real women, rather than adhering to outdated standards represented by unrealistically thin models.
The study advocates for updating size categories in clothing design. With the average American woman’s size increasing, it’s crucial for fashion to adapt accordingly. Clothing should evolve to fit modern body types, rather than forcing women into sizes that no longer reflect the average body.
Dunn and Deborah Christel, co-author and faculty members in apparel merchandising, design, and textiles at Washington State University, have demonstrated that the average American woman now shops for sizes 16 and 18, not 2. It’s up to the fashion industry to align with this change or risk falling behind as trends continue to evolve.
What are your thoughts on this shift in fashion standards?