The Average Woman Is No Longer A Size 14

Diply 11 Feb 2021

I know it might be hard to believe, but the average size of women is not a size two, four, or six. That took a while for me to believe, especially since all I see on social media and on TV is celebrities that look pretty lean and thin.

Data from over 10 years ago has said that the average American woman is a size 14.

Instagram | @danisabellaaa

Which is crazy that that's still a pretty hard size to find in most clothing stores!

Load Comments

However, a new study conducted using the measurements of over 5,500 American women had different findings.

Instagram | @alissbonyt

The new data found the average size of an American woman is now between a size 16 and 18!

Load Comments

But of course we know sizing is so ridiculous and a size 18 at one store can be a size 12 at another.

Giphy | Slice

Numbers? Sizing? Ridiculous!

Load Comments

However, this is some insightful knowledge for woman who feel pressured by western media and beauty standards.

Instagram | @khloekardashian

Despite what we see on our Instagram feeds, women come in all shapes and sizes!

Load Comments

Diet culture would want us to believe otherwise, of course.

Giphy

The diet and exercise industry is a multi-BILLION dollar market.

Load Comments

Celebrities like Jameela Jamil are fighting back against toxic diet products like skinny teas and laxative smoothies.

Instagram | @jameelajamilofficial

Because health comes first, and there's nothing healthy about these weight-loss drinks.

Load Comments

Still, the fashion industry seems blatantly unaware of this.

Giphy | NYFW: The Shows

Hopefully, more clothing companies will decide to expand their sizes. A lot of stores only carry up to size 12.

Load Comments

Because shopping for clothes is hard enough as it is — not finding your size can be incredibly frustrating.

Instagram | @nadiaaboulhosn

Many women have turn to online shopping to find clothes that fit properly.

Load Comments

And while online shopping is great and convenient, it shouldn't be some women's only option.

Instagram | @tessholliday

Nothing beats trying before buying!

Load Comments

Some brands completely turned down the idea of expanding their clothing sizes — because that's a good marketing move, right?

Giphy

Lululemon, Victoria's Secret, and Abercrombie and Fitch all spoke out in the past against expanding their size range.

All three brands have since given into the pressure and expanded their size range.

Load Comments

However, many brands have made amazing steps forward in the name of size inclusivity and body positivity.

Aerie is a great example of a brand that promotes self love with inclusive models and a no photo-retouching rule for all their ad campaigns.

Load Comments

Pretty Little Thing is also a great online store with an awesome plus-size range and super trendy pieces.

Instagram | @soosavyy

Because you don't have to be a size 2 to be fashionable, baby!

Load Comments

Regardless of what body shape is trendy today, it's important to remember you are beautiful and worthy no matter what!

Instagram | @nabela

Don't let anyone ever tell you differently!

Load Comments