The Ideal Body Types Of Women Throughout The 20th Century

Published on 12/10/2020
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The Pin-Up Girl – Betty Grable

Rosie the Riveter is surely familiar to you! She is the female factory worker in the iconic poster that became popular in the ‘40s. Betty Grable may not have been as brawny as the cultural icon, but we daresay that the American actress was just as popular. Aside from acting, Grable was also a pin-up girl, and she was the most admired! All the men who were in the military probably had a picture of her in their lockers.

The Pin-Up Girl – Betty Grable

The Pin-Up Girl – Betty Grable

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1950s – The Hourglass Figure

In the ‘40s, women who were slightly curvaceous were considered attractive. In the ‘50s, things went a step further. The hourglass shape rose in popularity. Strong shoulders and thin physique were no longer thought to be desirable. In fact, magazines even began to put ads for various weight gainers which claimed to be able to widen the hips! Hip and butt padding was also sold to help “round out” women’s figures.

1950s – The Hourglass Figure

1950s – The Hourglass Figure

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