The evolution of the female body

Apples, pears and now even rectangles. We’ve all got different body shapes, but what defines a beautiful body?  Can body shape and size be affected by our culture?
 
According to global research by Triumph as part of its International Shape Debate, the average British woman’s chest and hips are now 4cm bigger than ladies in the 1950s, and what’s more, she’s now 5cm taller (167cm) and her weight has risen from 62kg to 65kg.
 
Most noticeably, the average woman today is closer to a size 16 than a size 12, and the most common bra size has leapt to a 34DD – with the UK having the largest percentage of big cup sizes sold. This is ahead of other European countries like France (36B), Italy and Germany (38B) and Asian countries like China and Japan (34B) according to the research, which has culminated in one of the biggest bra studies in the world.
 
Having a beautiful bust is important to both European and Asian women - with 99% of Chinese women feeling that this is the most important part of their body. In Asia, there are intrinsic motivations of wearing a bra such as assuredness and self confidence, whereas in Europe, extrinsic factors such as femininity and attractiveness play a more important role.
 
Journalist and TV presenter Lowri Turner says: “I think the difference in attitude to lingerie between women from different countries is fascinating. While the Triumph survey tells us that 83% of British women wear a bra out of habit, it also tells us that French women wear a bra to receive compliments. Presumably, the French woman's underwear drawer isn't full of bras with greying straps then”. 
 
Did you know?
 
- 81% of German women are satisfied with their overall appearance compared to just 75% of women in the UK
- In UK, the biggest cup sizes are sold vs. Japan where the smallest sizes are sold
- In Italy, women celebrate the New Year by wearing red briefs as it is considered lucky
- In China, 99% of women consider a beautiful bust to be the highest importance overall, compared to the only 77% in the UK
- German women feel that underwear is just as important as outerwear, and would feel uncomfortable if they were not wearing a bra.
 
For more information visit triumph.com/uk