The standard of beauty is undergoing a remarkable shift, driven by the empowering platform of social media. Women are no longer relying on “ad men” to dictate who is considered beautiful. Instead, they are taking control of their own narratives, showcasing their natural beauty through social media posts that garner tens of thousands of likes and celebrate beauty in all its diverse shapes and sizes.
Recent data from a study published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education reveals a significant change in the average American woman. Over the last two decades, the study analyzed more than 5,500 women in the United States and found that the average woman is no longer a size fourteen.
At the turn of the millennium, the average waist size for American women was a slim 34.9 inches. However, this has now increased by 2.6 inches to 37.5 inches on average. This change is attributed to “greater distinctions” when considering race and ethnicity.
“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,” said Susan Dunn, one of the study’s lead experts.
The average American woman now wears between a size sixteen and eighteen, which are the lower end of plus-sizes. This shift in the standard of beauty has significant implications for the fashion industry, which has traditionally catered to a much smaller demographic.
The study encourages clothing designers to update what they consider to be regular sizes and what they consider to be plus-size clothing. Because the average woman has increased in size in the United States, clothing needs to be updated to mirror that trend.
Instead of expecting women to fit into something they simply don’t fit into, clothes need to be updated to match the modern American woman. As Dunn and co-author Deborah Christel, both faculty members of apparel merchandising, design, and textiles at Washington State University, stated:
“Because we did the research, we proved that the average America woman no longer wears size 2. Instead, the average woman shops for sizes 16 and 18. Fashion industry experts must update their clothing options to mirror the average woman or be left in the dust as the tides of change flood the land.”
The shift in the standard of beauty is not only about clothing sizes; it’s about celebrating the diversity of the human form. Social media has given women the platform to showcase their natural beauty, regardless of their shape or size, and this has had a profound impact on how we perceive beauty.
The body positivity movement has gained significant traction in recent years, encouraging women to embrace their bodies and challenging the narrow definition of beauty that has long been perpetuated by the fashion and media industries.
“Just knowing where the average is can help a lot of women with their self-image,” said Susan Dunn, echoing the empowering message of the body positivity movement.
As the average American woman continues to defy traditional beauty standards, the fashion industry must adapt to meet the needs and desires of this diverse demographic. By embracing the shift in the standard of beauty, designers can create clothing that not only fits but also celebrates the unique and beautiful forms of the modern woman.
The changing face of beauty is a powerful and empowering phenomenon. As social media gives women the platform to showcase their natural beauty, the standard of beauty is shifting, and the fashion industry must adapt to meet the needs of the modern American woman. By embracing diversity and celebrating the beauty of all body types, we can create a more inclusive and empowering future for women.
