Why do we find very thin females more attractive than voluptuous ones?

Question

Why has the model of female beauty changed from the curvacious figure of previous eras (for example, the Renaissance or the Victorian Age) to an exaggeratedly slender figure that only supermodels and speed addicts seem capable of maintaining? What social factors have contributed to this change? What female body type do you personally find attractive?

Answer 1

The recent emphasis on health is one factor contributing to a slimmer desirable body image. Unlike in previous centuries when plumpness was a sign of wealth, the rich now have access to various services that actually help them maintain a thinner profile more easily than someone with fewer financial resources can. Private gyms, personal trainers, liposuction, and tummy tucks are just a few of the tools a wealthy person can use to achieve a thinner body even after years of dietary abuse.

I think another influence has been the increasing emphasis on the female form in visual media during the last century. In the past, due to the amount of clothing women wore, men were attracted more to features that "stood out" on a woman beneath all that clothing: namely, large breasts and hips coupled with a slim waist. Likewise, with less opportunity to visually examine the female body closely during the age of gas lamps and candles, men were probably just as attracted to the "tactile pleasures" of a woman's body as the physical ones. In the past, men would therefore tend to fantasize not only about the visual appeal of a woman's body, but also the tactile appeal of the soft, rounded curves that men do not have. In the present, however, the emphasis on the visual aspect of beauty predominates, and admiration for the feel of voluptuous female curves has taken a back seat to the demands of a more perfect physical appearance.

As for me personally, I am somewhat a creature of my own century. I find thin, muscular women more attractive than fleshy ones. However, I don't find women who are all skin and bones with no muscle development attractive, either. As for curves, large breasts don't impress me much, but a nice round rear is definitely an asset!

Answer 2

I think it all has to do with personal opinion. Some people think that the skinnier they are the more attractive they will look. While others like to be fit but have curves (a nice butt, legs) without looking like a stick. I think people follow what they see on tv and think thats what beauty is but honestly my opinion is that being flat in the front and back and looking like a skeleton is anything but attractive.

Answer 3

It is because ignorant and arrogant people associate voluptuous or curvaceous with laziness . But let's be real people thin and slender does not always mean healthy and fit!!!! It is truly the arrogance of society that makes it so.

Answer 4

Fat women used to denote money - they had enough money to have something to EAT.
Just like tan women used to be the peasant workers in the field, now it indicates leisure and fun.
Thin now indicates strength and control and fat indicates lazy slothfulness.

Answer 5

Depends on who you are calling "we". Some of us this is not the case.