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November 24, 2025
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If you’ve ever found yourself wishing for this actress’ waistline or that model’s legs, bear this in mind: our concept of the “ideal” female body isn’t static.
Beauty standards, predominantly body types, have changed throughout the decades and will continue to do so.
When we entered the 21st century, diversity and inclusion became fundamental pillars of society, which is why the concept of the “ideal” figure is constantly in flux.
If you’re curious to find out how standards have fluctuated throughout the years, read on.
How body standards have changed through the years
Although women haven’t been forced to squeeze themselves into corsets for a century or so, the media messaging and societal pressures to achieve an “ideal” body continue.
1950s
A resurgence of larger hips and a fuller bust of the 1950s, à la Marilyn Monroe.
1960s
In the swinging ’60s, however, fashion icons like Twiggy took the “ideal” female body shape in the other direction with an ultra-slim figure, sans curves.
1970s
Women maintained that slim, flat-stomached body type in the 1970s before we gradually moved on to the fitness supermodel era, where a tall and athletic figure became the most coveted frame.
1990s
We then saw the “ideal” figure go from thin and waif-like in the ’90s to toned and chiselled in the noughties.
2010s
And by the time the 2010s arrived, the Kardashians’ hourglass figure became the next body type du jour.
However, not all of these beauty standards apply to women in other parts of the world.
What the “ideal” female body looks like across various parts of the world
Did you know that some countries consider that “bulge” you’ve been attempting to get rid of to be the utmost standard of beauty?
Spain
Take Spain, for example. Locals typically centre their activities around food to socialise and convey love.
This is why the “ideal” Spanish female body type is the fullest figure of the bunch.
It’s reflective of its culture’s non-restrictive eating, with a much healthier attitude towards body image.
Colombia
Besides the Spanish, Colombian women are also known for possessing a naturally curvaceous figure, indicative of a healthy body image and self-confidence.
America
Now, when it comes to the “ideal” female body type in America, it may seem contradictory and unattainable.
America’s fast food problem is associated with a higher body mass index, although its media is constantly obsessed with thigh gaps and calorie restriction, so a svelte physique remains ever elusive.
China, Korea & Singapore
But by far the most dramatic of all figures are China and Korea’s depiction of the “ideal” body type.
Both countries chase distorted proportions of a tiny waist, slim limbs, and a small face – a far cry from what most women look like.
The same standard usually applies to women in Singapore too.
What does the “ideal” female body shape look like today in Singapore?
According to Dr Ivan Puah, there isn’t one for all.
“Due to cultural, ethnic, and personal preferences, there will always be differences in the perception of ideal or preferred female body shapes amongst people from different backgrounds,” he says.
“For example, the people of African American or Hispanic ethnicity mostly preferred curvy bodies with prominent hips,” he explains. “At the same time, East Asians, including those in Singapore, generally prefer slim and toned body shapes.”
While aesthetic procedures may contrast natural beauty, more people are seeking services that offer a more natural, effortless idea of beauty. Even Dr Ivan Puah has noticed more patients coming in requesting for a more natural-looking result in terms of beauty enhancements.
The evergreen trend for cosmetic enhancement is to make patients look beautiful in a more natural-looking way.
In fact, he tells his patients that the best cosmetic result one can have is to appear beautiful, without anyone suspecting otherwise.
Achieve a figure that’s uniquely yours with Amaris B. Clinic
A one-stop medical practice for all your body sculpting needs, Amaris B. Clinic has been treating patients of different needs, physical attributes, and nationalities since 2004.
Even better, the clinic’s liposuction and fat grafting procedures are customised to suit the individual’s needs.
Rest assured, because the caring team behind Amaris B. Clinic ensures that your safety and results remain their top priority.
Dr Ivan Puah will also advise you on the appropriate treatment plan based on your clinical conditions, needs, and expectations. You can count on him to recommend the most suitable treatment solution for optimal results.
If a consultation on liposuction and fat grafting is what you seek, then Dr. Ivan Puah is undoubtedly one of the accredited doctors in Singapore to visit.
Instead of adhering to any “ideal” body standards, trust Amaris B. Clinic to enhance your overall look and improve your natural body shape for a boost of confidence that transcends beyond trends and fads.
