Feminine beauty standards throughout human history over the past 3,000 years in 3 minutes video
In this 3 minutes video by Buzzfeed, models of diverse shapes and sizes demonstrate beauty standards throughout the different historical periods over the past 3000 years, from Ancient Egypt to Postmodern Beauty. In order to remove some distractions like historical clothing or jewelry, all of the models wear uniform blank white bathing suits so that people can focus on the differences between their figures.
Ancient Egypt (c. 1292-1069 B.C.)
– Slender
– Narrow shoulders
– High waist
– Symmetrical face
Ancient Greece (c. 500-300 B.C.)
– Plump
– Full-bodied
– Light skin
– Women were considered “disfigured” versions of men
Han Dynasty (c. 206 B.C.-220 A.D.)
– Slim waist
– Pale skin
– Large eyes
– Small feet
Italian Renaissance (c. 1400-1700)
– Ample bosom
– Rounded stomach
– Full hips
– Fair skin
Victorian England (c. 1837-1901)
– Desirably plump
– Full-figured
– Cinched waist
– Women wore corsets to achieve the ideal body shape
Roaring Twenties (c. 1920s)
– Flat-chested
– Downplayed waist
– Short bob hairstyle
– Boyish figure
Golden Age Of Hollywood (c. 1930s – 1950s)
– Curvy
– Hourglass figure
– Large breasts
– Slim waist
Swinging Sixties (c. 1960s)
– Willowy
– Thin
– Long, slim legs
– Adolescent physique
Supermodel Era (c. 1980s)
– Athletic
– Svelte, but curvy
– Tall
– Toned arms
Heroin Chic (c. 1990s)
– Waifish
– Extremely thin
– Translucent skin
– Androgynous
Postmodern Beauty (c. 2000s-Today)
– Flat stomach
– “Healthy” skinny
– Large breasts and butt
– Thigh gap
– Women regularly get plastic surgery to achieve their desired look