Women’s bodies are curvier now than in 1950s

TODAY’S women are more likely to be curvier, bustier and taller than 60 years ago.

One of the most notable changes, research suggests, is that waists have increased from an average of 70cm to 86cm – with a corresponding jump of two dress sizes.

The age of the Marilyn Monroe waist is no more for the average woman, who is also wealthier and lives longer.

Researchers compared statistics from the fashion industry, the British Bra Survey, the Office of National Statistics and the National Health Service.

They found that the average measurements for British women in the 1950s were 157cm, 62kg, size 3 feet and a dress size of 12. Women had an average waist size of a slim 71cm and a 34B bra size.

Miss Average was expected to live 73 years and earned £10 a week, the equivalent of about £250 today.

But flash forward 60 years and the shape of the typical British woman has changed dramatically – most notably in the waist and chest.

The average measurements are now 167.64cm, 70kg, a dress size of 16, a shoe size of 6 and a 36DD bust.

Life expectancy and earnings have soared too, to 83 years and £530 a week.

The research was carried out by lingerie firm Bluebella.

Increased body size could be down to warmer homes and better medicine and sanitation, according to Professor Bernard Harris of Strathclyde University.

But nutritionists say it is also because of diets higher in sugar, junk food and alcohol, and more sedentary lifestyles. – Daily Mail