We all know that different people have different ideas of what beautiful is. But did you know that what the masses have thought to be the “ideal body type” has changed throughout history? I will always believe that the old saying holds true, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We all probably have some idea of how women from all of the different historical periods in the video dressed, but the idea that there were different ideal body types may not have occurred to many of us. The uniform white bathing suits that all of the models in the video are wearing help accentuate the differences between their bodies, doing away with other potential historical elements that we might have focused on otherwise like clothing or jewelry.
You will find that what people considered to be beautiful though, through the last 3,000 years is very interesting no matter what you consider beauty to be.
In Ancient Egypt a slender body, with a high waist, narrow shoulders, and symmetrical face was thought to be perfect.
In Ancient Greece, they appreciated full-bodied, light-skinned, more plump women.
The Han Dynasty liked a slim waist, large eyes, pale skin, and small feet.
In Italy they went for full hips, a round stomach, fair skin, rounded stomach and an ample bosom.
Victorian England loved a full-figured, plump women with a cinched waist.
In the 20’s, a flat chested figure with a downplayed waist and short bob hairstyle was preferred.
During the golden age of Hollywood, a curvy hourglass figure and a slim waist were the thing.
The 60’s brought about a thin, willowy figure with long slim legs and an adolescent physique.
The 80’s are thought to be the supermodel era and a tall, athletic, svelte but curvy body with toned arms was beautiful.
The 90’s hit and an extremely thin, waifish woman with thin arms that were androgynous was thought to be beautiful.
Lastly the 2000’s to present time. A “healthy skinny” women with large chest and large behind, a flat stomach and a thigh gap are a lot of people’s ideas of beautiful.
This cool video shows the changes through history.
More info: Youtube
After looking at beauty standards over the years, do you have any favorites? Are those favorites based on what you, or someone you love looks like? I bet a whole lot of women are thinking about what era they wish they were born into.