Changing Standards of Beauty: A Look at the Evolving Average American Woman

The standard of beauty is shifting, as social media empowers individuals to redefine beauty on their own terms.

No longer reliant on traditional media to dictate what is considered beautiful, women are now showcasing their natural beauty to the world through social media.

This celebration of diverse body types and beauty in all forms is gaining momentum, particularly in the U.S. and globally. But beyond the movement, there is data supporting this shift in how beauty is viewed.

According to a recent study published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education, the average size of women in the U.S. has changed significantly.

The study, which analyzed over 5,500 women, found that the average American woman is now between a size 16 and 18, marking a notable increase from past decades.

At the start of the 2000s, the average waist size for women in the U.S. was 34.9 inches, but it has since risen to 37.5 inches.

These findings reflect greater diversity, particularly when considering race and ethnicity. Susan Dunn, one of the study’s lead researchers, expressed hope that this data would influence both the fashion industry and consumers alike.

“This information can help improve women’s self-image by giving them a clearer sense of where they stand,” Dunn explained.

“We also hope that the apparel industry will acknowledge that these women deserve better clothing options. Properly fitting, stylish clothing should be available in stores, not just in online back corners.”

The study highlights the need for the fashion industry to adapt to the reality of the modern American woman.

With the average woman now wearing sizes 16 and 18—sizes traditionally categorized as plus-size—there is a growing call for designers to reconsider their sizing models and embrace the diversity of body shapes.

The fashion industry’s reliance on smaller sizes, which often reflect unrealistic standards, may leave it out of touch with its consumer base.

Deborah Christel, co-author of the study and a faculty member at Washington State University, echoed this sentiment.

“The data proves that the average American woman is no longer a size 2. The fashion industry needs to update its clothing designs to reflect the average woman’s needs, or they risk losing relevance.”

As the world continues to embrace more inclusive standards of beauty, this shift in fashion is just one part of a broader movement toward body positivity and diversity.

What are your thoughts on this evolution in fashion and beauty?