In today’s rapidly changing world, the standard of beauty is undergoing a significant and much-needed transformation. As social media platforms empower individuals to showcase their true selves, women no longer have to rely on advertising executives to dictate beauty standards. Instead, they can celebrate their natural beauty through social media, garnering tens of thousands of likes and redefining what it means to be beautiful.
Recent data underscores this shift, indicating that the average woman’s body is changing. A study published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education reveals that the average American woman is no longer a size fourteen. This revelation signals a monumental change in how we perceive beauty and size.
The study, which analyzed over 5,500 women in the United States, found that the average waist size for American women has increased over the past two decades. At the turn of the millennium, the average waist size was a slim 34.9 inches. Today, it has grown by 2.6 inches to an average of 37.5 inches. These changes reflect the diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds of American women.
Susan Dunn, one of the study’s lead experts, emphasized the importance of this information. “We hope that this information can get out and be used by industry and consumers alike. Just knowing where the average is can help a lot of women with their self-image,” Dunn stated.
She continued, “And we hope that the apparel industry can see the numbers and know that these women aren’t going away, they aren’t going to disappear, and they deserve to have clothing. That the clothing should fit well, both in style and measurements, and be available elsewhere than back corners or solely online is still a controversial topic. Why?”
Currently, the average American woman wears between a size sixteen and eighteen, which falls into the lower end of plus-sizes. This reality calls for a significant change in the fashion industry, which has long been criticized for catering to “stick-figure” models. It’s high time for designers to create clothes that fit real women—those who don’t starve themselves to fit into unrealistic and tight clothing.
The study strongly encourages clothing designers to update their perceptions of regular sizes versus plus-sizes. With the average woman’s size increasing, the fashion industry must adapt its offerings to reflect this trend. Rather than expecting women to conform to outdated and impractical standards, the industry should produce clothing that aligns with the modern American woman’s body.
Dunn, along with co-author Deborah Christel, both faculty members of apparel merchandising, design, and textiles at Washington State University, proved through their research that the average American woman no longer wears size 2. Instead, she shops for sizes 16 and 18. Fashion industry experts must recognize this shift and update their clothing options accordingly, or risk becoming irrelevant as societal norms evolve.
This shift in the standard of beauty represents a broader societal change, one that values inclusivity and authenticity over unattainable ideals. As we move forward, it’s crucial that we embrace these changes and support the celebration of natural beauty in all its forms.
What are your thoughts on this change in fashion? Is it time for the industry to catch up with reality? Let us know in the comments below.
