From century to century, public tastes dictate various norms and rules. There is such a norm for the female figure. For many years it was believed that the ideal figure was with proportions of 90–60–90. Who came up with this rule? Is it relevant today? Let's figure it out together!
Is 90–60–90 really ideal?
In fact, These proportions are more likely a method of standardization in the world of fashion. Women who are not going to appear on the catwalk have absolutely no reason to strive for such sizes.
When did these options appear?
With the active development of television and video advertising at the end of the 20th century, it became clear that in the frame the human body looks a little larger than in reality. In an attempt to correct this optical illusion and achieve exceptional attractiveness of the models, designers resorted to a little trick. Special requirements began to be placed on girls in the fashion industry, the main one of which was a fragile, miniature figure.
The advantage of this innovation was the ease of production. Making costumes for the next fashion show is much easier if you don’t think about sizes.
The Myth of Marilyn Monroe
It’s clear why thin girls were selected as models. But why exactly 90–60–90?
The origin of the increased interest in the notorious ideal was the popularity of the 60s star Marilyn Monroe.
The appetizing figure of the idol of that time exactly corresponded to the proportions mentioned above. But it should be borne in mind that the diva’s height was only 166 cm.
However, the taller girls didn't really care. Everyone wanted to be as beautiful as their beloved Marilyn! This means they wanted to have the same shapes and dimensions.
Are there 90–60–90 models?
The most interesting thing is that Apart from Monroe herself, no one really fit the generally accepted characteristics.
Important! Many celebrities can boast of a seductive figure, elastic belly and voluminous shapes, but not 90–60–90.
The closest parameters can be seen in such famous beauties as:
- Monica Bellucci (92–62–92);
- Penelope Cruz (89–62–92);
- Naomi Campbell (86–61–86);
- Stephanie Seymour (85–58–85).
As you can see, none of them meet the “gold standard” of beauty. But at the same time, each has an army of fans and many merits. Their bodies look flawless even without an exact match to the dimensions favored by fashion designers.
What figure is considered ideal today?
Fortunately, modern girls are thinking more and more about their health rather than about some centimeters.
Important! The growing popularity of body positivism and the appearance of plus-size models on the catwalks shows that ideals are changing again.
The main thing is that this time people do not go to new extremes.
How are proportions set?
Nutritionists claim that for each person it is possible to calculate specific values for the circumference of the hips, waist, chest, as well as the entire body weight, which will be normal in his case.
This is not as difficult to do as it seems. To find out the optimal weight, you need to subtract 100 cm from the height value and another 10% from the resulting value.
Reference. A waist whose dimensions range from 60 to 70% of the hips is a sign of a proportionate figure. Additional condition: the volumes of the chest and hips should be approximately equal.
Different body ideals for different countries
Historically, the culture and customs of individual parts of the world differ greatly. Representatives of different nations have their own ideas about female beauty.
Asia
Asian girls strive to be as petite and fragile as possible. Moreover, in some countries a pretty face is most valued, while in others a thin neck is of particular importance.
Europe
They love slimness here. It is not necessary to be short, but it is desirable to have a toned body!
Thus, Italian women strive to demonstrate a thin waist, and Dutch women strive to demonstrate long slender legs.
Africa
In Africa, women do not go on strict diets to stay in shape. Residents of these places from birth have an amazing sense of proportion, which does not allow them to eat too much. In addition, their lifestyle requires them to always be on the move.
America
But American women appreciate both a wasp waist and curvy shapes. Every girl's dream here is an hourglass figure. Residents of Peru and Mexico were especially successful in this.
The beauty of every woman is in her individuality.
The ideal 90–60–90 fades into the background and doesn’t mean that much even in the fashion industry.Therefore, going crazy for some numbers doesn’t make any sense for a long time!