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Jan 1, 1500
16th Century (1500s)
In elizabeth times, The perfect body shape was like a bell. A flat chest, thin waist and big lower half. Women wore extremely unfomfortable and heavey clothes. All Skin was coverd. -
17th Century (1600s)
Corsets were modernised. Commonly made with whalebone and no longer with iron. The natural body shape look was in and so petticoat hoops and rolls falling out helped for this effect. -
18th Century (1700s)
Skirts were hooped to create a wide shape. Women wanted to have upright posture (having there shoulders back) and a high round bosom. This caused women to faint as they wore tight corsets. -
19th Century (1800s)
Women wanted to have a fleshy hourglass shape. An all over thin figure was considered unhealthy. They did this through corsets which where unnaturally small (14 inches). This also caused internal damage to their organs. Petticoats became bigger and bigger which caused women to experience difficulties in movement. -
1910s
In the time spam of 50 years , the perception of how the women should look changed dramatically. Physical fitness was becoming more integrated in peoples lifestyles and so women participated in sports. -
Period: to
1930's & Early 40's
Women sought a curvyier figure and bigger bust while still maintaining small hips. Corsets came back as girdles . -
Period: to
Late 1940s and 1950s
The hourglass figure was back in fashion. -
1960s
Women wanted to be thin and aspired the barbie doll look which was impossible to achieve. -
1970s
Women wanted small hips and waist but large breasts. Being slim was still considered healthy but in addition you had to also be toned. -
1980s
Having a sculptured body was in fashion. Women decided to diet and excersize to achieve the muscular look with curves on the right places. -
1990s
Women aspired to be as thin as possible but still have large breasts. Diet and exerscize was still popular. -
2000s
Today thinness is the ultimate body goal. People resort to extreme measures that are dangerous to health (lipo suction, plastic surgery, extreme diets etc...) -
20th Century (1900s)
The ideal body shape was the 'S' shape, which was the bust fold and the hips back.