Plus-Size Becomes the New Norm for American Women

Discover how shifting beauty standards and body positivity movements have opted the average American women to plus-size.

Social media has transformed modern life, significantly influencing beauty standards.

Historically, women’s beauty ideals were narrowly defined, from Marilyn Monroe’s 1950s curves to the 1990s supermodel waifish figures. Each generation had its ideal, often dictated by pop culture and advertising, pressuring women to conform to a single standard.

Today, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube showcase creators of all sizes, shapes, and colors. This inclusivity reshapes self-perception, offering representation beyond size-zero models in mainstream media.

As body positivity and size inclusivity gain momentum, research indicates that American women are embracing plus-size life.

A study in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education reveals that the average American woman now wears between a miss size 16 to 18, aligning with a woman’s plus size 20W. Additionally, the average waist size has increased from 34.9 inches to 37.5 inches over the past two decades.

Susan Dunn, a lead expert in the study, emphasizes the importance of this information for both industry and consumers. She hopes it will enhance women’s self-image and encourage the apparel industry to recognize that these women deserve well-fitting, stylish clothing readily available in mainstream outlets.

Several factors contribute to American women going plus-size:

• Lifestyle Changes: Sedentary jobs, higher calorie consumption, and the prevalence of processed foods play significant roles.
• Cultural Shifts: The acceptance and celebration of larger bodies have reduced societal pressure for obsessive dieting.
• Genetics and Environment: Genetic predispositions, combined with environmental factors like stress and access to healthy foods, influence body sizes.

While social media fosters global connectivity and access to information, it also subtly contributes to rising obesity rates, which have doubled since 1990, according to the World Health Organization. The Mayo Clinic warns that obesity isn’t merely a cosmetic concern but poses significant health risks.