Social media, where women boldly display their inherent beauty in all shapes and sizes, has had a significant impact on the evolution of the standard of beauty. This change is highlighted by a recent study that was published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education. It found that the average American woman now wears a size 16 or 18, up from a size 14 in the past.
The study, which examined data from more than 5,500 American women, discovered that during the previous 20 years, the average waist size has grown from 34.9 to 37.5 inches. The importance of this information is emphasized by Susan Dunn, a primary expert on the study: “Knowing the average size can greatly impact women’s self-image.”
The fashion industry is urged to adjust to these developments by Dunn and co-author Deborah Christel. Dunn says, “These women deserve clothes that fit them because they are here to stay.”
The takeaway is unambiguous: apparel designers must revise their sizing guidelines to appropriately represent the actual size and shape of the contemporary American woman.
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