Plus Size Is the New Standard: Why American Women Are Embracing Their Curves!

Social media has changed many parts of our lives, including how we view beauty. A recent study shows that social media has had a big impact on beauty standards.

In the past, beauty standards for women were narrow. From Marilyn Monroe’s curves in the 1950s to the thin bodies of 1990s supermodels, the ideal body type changed over time. However, one thing remained the same: women were often expected to fit a single ideal, shaped by pop culture and advertising.

Social media has changed that. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube now feature creators of all sizes, shapes, and colors. This shift toward inclusivity is changing how people see their own bodies. For the first time, there’s more representation than just size 0 models in mainstream media.

An interesting trend is that American women are becoming larger while embracing body positivity and size inclusivity.

A study in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education shows that the term “average” has changed. In the past, the average clothing size for American women was considered size 14. However, the study now suggests that the average American woman’s size is actually between 16 and 18, which is considered plus size 20W. The study also found that the average waist size has increased from 34.9 inches to 37.5 inches in the last 20 years.

The study’s lead expert, Susan Dunn, hopes this information helps both the fashion industry and consumers. “Just knowing where the average is can help a lot of women with their self-image,” she told Today. “We hope the apparel industry understands that these women aren’t going away. They deserve clothing that fits well, both in style and measurements, and it should be available in more places than just online.”

Why Are American Women Getting Bigger?

Statistics show that American women are now bigger than in the past. The CDC reports that the average American woman now weighs around 170.6 pounds, compared to 140 pounds in the 1960s.

Several reasons explain this trend:

Lifestyle Changes: Sedentary jobs, higher calorie intake, and processed foods are major factors.
Cultural Shifts: Larger bodies are becoming more accepted and celebrated, reducing the pressure to diet excessively.
Genetics and Environment: Genetics and environmental factors, like stress and access to healthy food, also affect body size.
Not Just a ‘Cosmetic Concern’

While social media has many positive impacts, like global connectivity and access to information, it also plays a role in rising obesity rates. The World Health Organization reports that obesity has doubled since 1990. Social media can promote unhealthy habits and encourage sedentary lifestyles, which may lead to weight gain.

Though a larger body type may be celebrated, the Mayo Clinic warns that obesity is more than just a cosmetic issue. “It’s a medical problem that increases the risk of many other diseases and health problems,” the clinic states, mentioning issues like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, liver disease, sleep apnea, and certain cancers.

Ultimately, beauty should be about embracing individuality, not fitting into a mold. Social media is helping amplify this message. If used wisely, it can continue to reshape beauty standards in empowering ways.