Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, the idea of the “perfect body shape” for women has shifted almost as frequently as fashion trends. Some of these changes are striking, reflecting public attitudes of the time—often influenced by whether society deemed it acceptable for women to have curves.
Decades of diets, pills, and celebrity endorsements haven’t solved the problem. Even in 2021, women and girls are still encouraged to compare themselves to others instead of embracing their own unique bodies. At least, we’ve moved beyond extreme and unhealthy practices like using cigarettes or white bread to slim down.
Take a journey through history and discover the often absurd expectations placed on women’s bodies over the years—and perhaps gain a better appreciation for the beauty of diversity today.
Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, the mainstream notion of the “perfect body” for women has shifted almost as frequently as fashion trends. Some contrasts between decades are striking, revealing much about public attitudes at the time—often shaped by whether society thought it was acceptable for women to have curves.
After decades of diets, pills, and celebrity trends, we’re still making mistakes in 2025 by encouraging women and girls to compare themselves constantly to others instead of embracing their own bodies. At least, we’ve moved past extreme measures like using cigarettes or white bread to slim down.
Take a journey through history with us and explore the sometimes absurd expectations placed on women’s bodies—and gain a deeper appreciation for individuality and self-love today.
