InfoSearched
Published -
- December 12, 2015
- 12:00 pm
From Marilyn Monroe to Kim Kardashian, the ideal body type for women has changed drastically throughout the centuries.
Trying to look a certain way, in order to conform to what society believes to be beautiful, is nothing new for the women of the world. Unfortunately for us females, there’s always been an epitome of beauty that women have attempted to mimic throughout the years. Trying to fit into this ideal has posed different types of challenges, some even life threatening, like constricting corsets in the Victorian Era or eating disorders in today’s society. These health consequences are only the beginning of the negative effects that trying to fit in causes on a woman’s body and mind. It’s shocking to see what use to be considered beautiful, but it’s even more shocking when you read about the unattainable goals women put in place for ourselves today. Body image issues have been an ongoing struggle for women over the years, and they’ve only become more and more prominent in recent times. If only it were still as simple as it was during the Italian Renaissance, when being skinny meant you were poor and being curvy meant you had enough money to properly nourish your body. Everyone’s opinion on what is beautiful differs from person to person; the ideals featured in this video are a broad look at what both men and women considered to be attractive in that day and age. From the androgynous look to the era of aerobics and skin-tight spandex, the standard of beauty is constantly evolving. But there is one thing remains the same, women will go to great lengths to look a certain way, the way they believe they’re suppose to. Every woman is beautiful, no matter your shape, and that’s something we should all keep in mind. This video in no way showcases how you’re supposed to look, it just shines a light on what the people believed to be the ideal woman throughout history. Hopefully in the decades to come, we’ll see that there is no specific ideal when it comes to how women should look. Inner beauty should be the only thing people focus on when thinking about the ideal woman. Until then, here’s a look at the crazy beliefs people possessed concerning what the perfect woman should look like in each time period. At least we don’t feel the need to wear airway-blocking corsets anymore. Let’s hope that’s an ideal that stays buried in the past.
How did the body positivity movement challenge traditional notions of beauty and redefine the perfect female form?
Throughout history, the definition of the perfect woman body type has evolved significantly across cultures and time periods. From the ancient Greeks celebrating the hourglass figure to the modern era’s embrace of body positivity and diversity, standards of beauty have constantly shifted.
In ancient Greece, the perfect female body type was based on symmetry and proportionality of various body parts. The idealized female form was characterized by a slim waist, ample hips, and a full bust. This body type was prominently featured in many works of art and sculpture, symbolizing the perfection of ancient Greek aesthetics.
During the Renaissance, curvy and voluptuous female figures were popularized by artists such as Botticelli, Titian, and Rubens. The full-figured women celebrated in their artwork reflected a societal shift from physical strength to soft, feminine beauty.
The Victorian era in Britain saw a rise in a new ideal of “the angel in the house” – a demure and submissive woman who was restrained both physically and emotionally. The ideal body type during this time period was slim, with a high waist and round bust – a look that was achieved through uncomfortable corsets that tightly cinched in the waist.
In the early 20th century, the flapper era celebrated androgynous, boyish-looking women. Tall, slender frames were sought after, with a straight silhouette and minimal curves. This new ideal of beauty reflected the changing attitudes towards women’s roles and the desire for women to be more independent.
During the mid-20th century, the hourglass figure regained popularity with cultural figures like Marilyn Monroe and Sophia Loren. Women aspired towards voluptuous curves and a slim waist, a look that was achieved through tight-fitting clothing and structured undergarments.
In recent decades, the ideal body type has become more diverse and inclusive, with a focus on embracing a range of body shapes and sizes. The rise of the body positivity movement has challenged traditional notions of beauty and created a new understanding of the perfect female form as something that is unique to each individual woman.
In conclusion, the perfect woman body type throughout history has been shaped by cultural zeitgeists, societal expectations, and aesthetic trends. While there have been both restrictive and idealistic standards set, the ongoing and necessary celebration of diverse body shapes, sizes, and types reminds us that beauty comes in many forms. Ultimately, the definition of the “perfect” woman’s body type has always been, and will always be, subjective and deeply personal.
