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The ideal or preferred female body size and shape has varied over time and continues to vary among cultures; [46] [47] but a preference for a small waist has remained fairly constant throughout history. [48] A low waist–hip ratio has often been seen as a sign of good health and reproductive potential. [49]
Brassière band size is measured below the breasts, not at the bust. A woman with measurements of 36A–27–38 will have a different presentation than a woman with measurements of 34C–27–38. These women have ribcage circumferences differing by 2 inches, but when breast tissue is included the measurements are the same at 38 inches.
The hourglass figure is one of the four traditional female body shapes described by the fashion industry; the other shapes are the rectangle, inverted triangle, and spoon (or pear). The hourglass shape is defined by a woman's body measurements – the circumference of the bust, waist and hips. Hourglass body shapes have a wide bust, a narrow ...
Classifications of female body sizes are mainly based on the circumference of the bust–waist–hip , as in 90-60-90 (centimeters) or 36–24–36 (inches) respectively. In this case, the waist–hip ratio is 60/90 or 24/36 = 0.67.
On this (latter) metric, the most attractive ratio of leg to body for men (as seen by American women) is 1:1, [12] matching the 'four heads:four heads' ratio above. A Japanese study using the former metric found the same result for male attractiveness but women with longer legs than body were judged to be more attractive. [13]
There are multiple size types, designed to fit somewhat different body shapes. Variations include the height of the person's torso (known as back length), whether the bust, waist, and hips are straighter (characteristic of teenagers) or curvier (like many adult women), and whether the bust is higher or lower (characteristic of younger and older women, respectively).
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After viewing images of women with "ideal" body weights, 95% of women overestimate their body size and 40% overestimate the size of their waist, hips, cheeks, or thighs. Those with eating disorders , such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa , show a significant increase in overestimation of body size after viewing such images.