The beauty standard is changing. Thanks to social media, women no longer need “ad men” to define beauty. They can flaunt their natural beauty on social media, getting thousands of likes and celebrating all forms of beauty.
There’s evidence for this shift in how people view beauty, both in the US and globally. The average woman is evolving. A study in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education shows the average woman isn’t a size 14 anymore. Read on to learn more.

The study analyzed over 5,500 US women. In the past two decades, women’s average size has increased. At the millennium’s turn, the average American woman’s waist was 34.9 inches. Now it’s grown by 2.6 inches to 37.5 inches. This change relates to “greater distinctions” linked to race and ethnicity.

Susan Dunn, a lead – expert in the study, said, “We hope this info reaches industry and consumers. Knowing the average can boost many women’s self – image.” She added, “We hope the apparel industry sees these numbers. These women exist and deserve well – fitting clothes. Whether such clothes should be easily available, not just in corners or online, is still debated. Why?”

The average American woman now wears a size 16 – 18, the lower end of plus – sizes. Maybe it’s time for the fashion industry to face reality and design for real women, not just stick – figure models who starve to fit tight clothes.

The study urges clothing designers to update their ideas of regular and plus – size clothing. Since the average US woman has gotten larger, clothes should follow this trend. Instead of forcing women into ill – fitting clothes, they should be designed for the modern American woman.

Dunn and co – author Deborah Christel, faculty members at Washington State University, proved the average American woman no longer wears a size 2. Instead, she shops for sizes 16 – 18. Fashion experts must adapt their clothing options or be left behind as the tide of change rises.

What’s your take on this fashion change?