The concept of the “perfect” female body has evolved significantly over time, shaped by cultural trends and the media. While there is no single ideal, some common themes emerge when examining society’s prevailing beauty standards for women.
Hourglass Figure
One of the most enduring ideals is the hourglass figure, characterized by a slim waist and curvaceous hips and bust. This silhouette, often associated with celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, became popular in the 1950s and has continued as a desired shape for women.
Having an hourglass figure usually means:
- Larger bust
- Defined waist
- Wider hips
- Curved lower body
The specific proportions considered “perfect” have varied over time, but the basic hourglass shape remains influential in defining the female physique.
Slim and Toned
While a voluptuous hourglass has appeal, slim and toned bodies are also coveted. The emphasis on being slender took hold in the 1920s with the flapper era and continues today.
Attributes of this ideal include:
- Low body fat percentage
- Visible muscle tone
- Flat and toned stomach
- Thin thighs and legs
- Smaller bust and buttocks
Models like Twiggy popularized very slim bodies, and this remains the dominant aesthetic in high fashion.
Athletic and Fit
While being slim is desired, there is also an emphasis on being fit, toned and athletic. This physique, sometimes referred to as the “fit ideal,” became mainstream in the 1980s.
Traits of this body type are:
- Lean, defined muscles
- Flat, toned stomach
- Small waistline
- Wider shoulders
- Toned legs and backside
This look is often modeled by female athletes and fits with societal shifts toward more active, healthy lifestyles.
Youthfulness
Along with body shape, there are ideals around youthfulness. Characteristics considered attractive include:
- Smooth, blemish-free skin
- Full, thick hair
- Minimal wrinkles and signs of aging
- Perky breasts
Media and advertising place emphasis on looking young, and women feel pressure to achieve this appearance.
Signs of Fertility
From an evolutionary perspective, indicators of health and fertility influence perceptions of the ideal body:
- Full breasts and hips suggest ability to nourish infants
- Clear skin and shiny hair imply health
- Low waist-to-hip ratio signals reproductive capability
While cultural trends change, this biological drive for indicators of health remains constant.
Thinness and the “Thigh Gap”
Very thin bodies are often portrayed as ideal in media, sometimes promoting unhealthy extremes. For example:
- Excessive thinness like visible ribs or protruding bones
- Thigh gap – space between the thighs when standing upright
These body types are often unattainable for most women and can promote body image issues or eating disorders.
Curvier Figures
In opposition to the very thin ideal, the emergence of plus-size models and campaigns for body positivity have shifted focus to embracing more curvaceous figures.
Characteristics include:
- Larger breasts and buttocks
- Thicker thighs
- Visible stomach softness or rolls
This movement rejects the notion that only very slim bodies are attractive and encourages body acceptance.
Height and Proportions
In addition to shape and size, height and proportions play a role in the idealized female form:
- Long, slender legs are considered universally attractive
- Having legs that make up about half of total body height is desirable
- Being tall is viewed as elegant, around 5’7″ to 5’11”
Of course, women of all heights have ideal proportions, but longer legs and moderate height are often components of the stereotypical perfect body.
Conclusion
While ideals vary between cultures and evolve over time, there are consistent themes of a slender yet curvy silhouette, youthfulness, tone and proportion. The media greatly influences these standards through imagery in advertising, TV and film. However, these ideals are often unrealistic or unhealthy to attain. Striving for society’s “perfect” body can lead to body image issues for women. Instead, it is important for women to find self-acceptance and define beauty on their own terms.