The view of beauty in America is evolving, influenced by social media showcasing natural beauty in diverse shapes and sizes. According to a recent study in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education, the average American woman now wears sizes 16 to 18, up from size 14 previously.
This study, which analyzed data from over 5,500 U.S. women, reveals that the average waist size has increased from 34.9 inches to 37.5 inches over the past 20 years. Susan Dunn, a lead expert, notes, “Just knowing where the average is can help a lot of women with their self-image.”
Dunn and co-author Deborah Christel urge the fashion industry to adjust to these changes. “These women aren’t going away, they aren’t going to disappear, and they deserve to have clothing,” Dunn emphasizes.
The call to action is clear: clothing designers need to update their sizing standards to match the true shape and size of today’s American women.
