Social media, which allows women to boldly showcase their inherent beauty in all shapes and sizes, is driving a shift in the ideal of beauty. According to a recent survey published in the *International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education*, the average American woman no longer wears a size 14, but rather one between 16 and 18.
The average waist size has grown from 34.9 inches to 37.5 inches over the past 20 years, according to the study, which examined data from more than 5,500 American women. Susan Dunn, one of the study’s primary experts, thinks this information is essential: “Many women find that simply knowing the average can improve their perception of themselves.”
Dunn urges the fashion industry to adjust to these developments, as does co-author Deborah Christel. Dunn highlights, “These women deserve to have clothes because they aren’t going anywhere or disappearing.”
The message is obvious: it’s time for fashion designers to revise their sizing guidelines to better represent the actual size and shape of the modern American woman.