What I’d look like if I had the “perfect” body throughout history…
Sometimes, I stare at myself in the mirror and I wonder how I would look if I had a “perfect” body, like the ones I see splashed all over magazines and on the explore page of Instagram. But…what if it wasn’t 2018? What would my “ideal” body look like then?
So, I decided to find out.
Here’s what I’d look like if I had the “perfect” body throughout history.
Mid 2010s-2018:
Small waist, big butt butts, wide hips, tiny waists, and full lips are in! There is a huge surge in plastic surgery for butt implants thanks to Instagram models posting “belfies”. 🍑 Even cosmetic surgery doctors have become IG-famous for reshaping women. Between 2012-2014, butt implants and injections rise by 58%.
Mid 90s-2000s:
Big boobs, flat stomachs, and thighs gaps are in. In 2010, breast augmentation is the highest performed cosmetic surgery in the United States. 👙 It’s the age of the Victoria’s Secret Angel. She’s tall, thin, and she’s always got long legs and a full chest.
Early 90s:
THIN IS IN. Having angular bone structure, looking emaciated, and super skinny is what’s dominating the runways and the magazine covers. There’s even a name for it: “heroin chic”.
1950s:
The hourglass shape is in. ⏳ Elizabeth Taylor‘s 36-21-36 measurements are the ideal. Marilyn Monroe’s soft voluptuousness is lusted after. Women are advertised weight gaining pills to fill themselves out. Playboy magazine and Barbie are created in this decade.
1920s:
Appearing boyish, androgynous and youthful, with minimal breasts, and a straight figure is in! Unlike the “Gibson Girl” of the Victorian Era, women are choosing to hide their curves, and are doing so by binding their chests with strips of cloth to create that straight figure suitable for flapper dresses.
1400-1700:
The Italian Renaissance – Looking full with a rounded stomach, large hips, and an ample bosom is in. Being well fed is a sign of wealth and status. Only the poor are thin.
Real me today, 2018.
You know, this project was so interesting to me because as I was looking at myself getting photoshopped, I thought that I might secretly like one of the results. But the super odd thing was…all of them didn’t sit right with me. Not one! As obvious as it is to say this, I didn’t look like myself in the photos. I actually much prefer my body just as it is. Sure I’ve got a small butt, small boobs, a soft belly, and hip dips, but I’ve also got powerful legs, strong shoulders, and a figure that is all mine – unlike anyone else’s.
My question to all of us women is this: Why do we treat our bodies like we treat fashion?
“Boobs are out! Butts are in!” Well, the reality is, manufacturing our bodies is a lot more dangerous than manufacturing clothes. Stop throwing out your body like it’s fast fashion.
Please treat your body with love & respect and do not succumb to the beauty standard. Embrace your body because it is YOUR own perfect body. Please share this blog post or my Instagram post with as many women as you can. Let’s get this message out.
Also, I want to thank the amazing artist Daniel Kordek for helping me photoshop my body! (Haha, thought I’d never say that!) I’ve been wanting to do this for a while now, and would not have been able to do it at this level without his help.
92 thoughts on “What I’d look like if I had the “perfect” body throughout history…”
There are 92 comments posted by our users.
This is such an interesting read. It really rings true “beauty is in the eye of the beholder!”
No you’re not I certainly noticed the phone is irrelevant
I found your blog very interesting and I agree with your end results and the idea that our bodies are certainly our own and should never be treated as an artist’s canvas unless we are speaking of tattoos .
However I wonder if you are up to the challenge of doing the same sort of analysis only considering the popular facial characteristics and hair types/styles could you show us our ideal genie then throughout the ages?
I await your response with excitement. Thank you
Nickole
I’m a very curvy girl, if I were born in the 1950’s I would’ve been envied by everyone. For over 3 years I thought being this thick was a bad thing, come to find out only a few months ago that guys love curves. And girls actually envy me more than I think, so no matter how skinny you are or thick you are you are perfect just the way you are fat, skinny, “perfect” your body is fine just the way it is. People like Kim. K have done plastic surgery to achieve that “perfect body,” just remember your beautiful the way you are.
Sometimes wish I was born in the 50s. I would’ve been perfect
Sounds like you’re very close to being perfect now?
In Nigeria, our beauty standard is standard. Our women have always been thick and have loved themselves that way for ages
I have 2018 body, I didn’t know it was trendy as I can’t find clothes that I don’t have to modify on waist as the hip to waist ratio remained 10″ or 13″, my waist is 58cm and my hips 97cm and can’t find shorts/pants
I can’t believe the huge butt has been a thing – it’s just as ridiculous as guys wearing their pants round their knees. I love your youtube btw!
Thank you! I really needed this! Even in 2023, I love my body! With my slim shoulders and big hips and butt and small chest! People always discriminate women and men by there bodies. I think people need to have there brain wired to were they think “All bodies are beautiful!” And they are!
Wait- am I the only one who noticed the changing pictures in the background?
Made me scroll back up
Thank you for making this. You are helping many!
Great article! Great presentation! You could’ve gone even further back and really scared some folks. Marilyn Monroe was a size 16.
She not todays 16. Not even close. Her clothes are on a dress form that’s a size 6 or 8 by modern times. We have her exact measurements and plenty of posthumous garments. She was 120 lbs, 5’6, 36-24-34. When I was that height, weight, and measurements, I wore a size 4/6. I don’t know where that rumor started, but even pregnant (which is every picture where she has a bit of a tummy and people say ‘look she wasn’t flat stomached!) she had AT MOST a 28 waist (again we know this because we have her garments.
And in the ’80s, people said those measurements were a ’50s size 10 or 12. I’m a little shorter, but my measurements were almost identical (35″ hip) and I wore size 3/4 in the ’80s. I also wore some of my mom’s ’50s and ’60s stuff that were labeled anywhere between 8 and 14. By the ’90s the same size was a 0/1. Yes, ZERO. Size numbers are arbitrary and over time the number, not the size, changes, simply because if someone is a 7 on one dress and a 9 in another, they’ll buy the 7. Vanity sizing is real and isn’t new.
Know your body, know your measurements, and don’t pay attention to the random number sewn into garments.
One more note: I may have appeared to have an hourglass figure, but I had A-cups and a big ribcage. Most would say q 36″ bust suggests large breasts, but again, it’s arbitrary and only part of the story.
Hi Cassey, thank you for the reminder. I felt inspired with your photos and especially your question: Why do we treat our bodies like we treat fashion?
Is it possible I can use your example for a project on the deviancy of body standards?
This is a fantastic reminder. Thank you so much, Cassey! This Quarantine period, I began my trip with you and your videos. It’s the ideal moment to focus on self-love and enhancing my mood and wellness. The year 2022 is the year of healing. More booty pats are on the way. Glucofort
I also need to work on self love
I’m a size 8 for pants, and a size 8 or 10 for my shirts small waist, big hips, thick thighs, and big chest. I’m 12 – 16 years old. Take ur guess on how old I am
volumptuous is not a word.
https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/voluptuous?q=voluptuous 😉
If you were born before 1990, it most certainly is a word. See Marilyn Monroe, size 16. Zero is a fiction created by men designers. All you have to do is look at a measuring tape. Common waist circumference is at least 24 inches. Don’t believe the hype.
Marilyn Monroe was a size 16, which is not todays size 16. Look at sewing pattern sizes- these haven’t changed, unlike clothing sizes over the years. Celebrity female measurements often included push up bras, and corsets to improve curvaceousness; Celebrity men often include shoe lifts to bolster height in their stats.
No, but you misspelled it. The article has the correct spelling. You added the M .
A great reminder. Thankyou Cassey! Started my journey with you and your video’s this Quarantine period. A perfect time for self love and to focus on improving my mindset and health. 2020 is Healing time❣️ And more booty pats💕
The real you is the best version of yourself!
Thank you so much this has helped me lots. Its what I need it to hear as long as Im healthy I should love my body. 🥰
Love this! It goes to show that trends always change, so why bother changing yourself to fit the current mold? As as you’re happy and healthy, love the body you’re in!
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Brilliant idea, I love this article too! I’m keen to do this too. Thanks for sharing!
Fat has never been liked lol it’s just a myth
No…. the article was right, although in that renaissance era example it was kinda exaggerated, it’s still true. They did value a little bit if body fat because it was ‘better’ than being a poor, starving, skinny woman. Also back then they judged women partially by how good for child birthing they were. They wanted wide hips for being pregnant, and large but not too large breasts for breastfeeding
Bravo! Yes! Costumers, Historians, Theatre seamstresses have this knowledge.
Yes it has. Read a historical or period piece. You weren’t living in the 1500s. Also, look at the paintings of the women from back then.
Wonderful article! I agree, you are Beautiful as yourself!! I am learning to love a new me: early 50’s, perimenopausal, and healthy but hard to accept at times I am not the “tiny girl” I was a.k.a “the 90’s”. That being said, I am over the ED I dealt with from age 14 for several decades: anorexia is behind me!! I would rather have curves and be healthy than be in the grip of that “monster/demon” again any day!! I am made in the image of God so I want to honor Him with my body!!
This is such a cool visual! Thanks so much for this vulnerable and very relatable piece.
What a vulnerable and beautiful piece. Thanks so much for sharing, Cassey.
Amazing healthy approach! I love you, Cassey 😊
Why are the floor boards not parallel to the wall in the “real you” back photo? The front photo appears to be normal but your rear view looks like MC Escher or Picasso got a hold of the pics
It’s the same on all the back views. I think it’s because the background walls are photoshopped so they could add the time period appropriate art to take he pics. Just my guess:)
Also wondering
Stumbled on this on Pinterest. Love love love! Thank you for your message and vulnerability!!
I know this is old, but I agree! In His image. My stretch marks are my battle wounds!!!
People just need to be happy with who they are ! and that they are healthy
very cool
I really liked this and will be sharing it with my 15 year old daughter! Thank u for such an insightful and eye opening blog 😊😊
Every woman should read this. I think there should be a similar article for men, especially teenage boys and young adult men. Thank you for sharing this.
C’est merveilleux! Je reçois en fait des conseils pour remédier à ces problèmes d’image corporelle envieux. Pour la plupart des hommes, le corps idéal est celui de 2018, mais ce n’est pas le cas. Je suis une fière maman avec des vergetures et une minuscule monture que je souhaiterais voluptueuse parfois, mais c’est ce qu’elle est. Merci beaucoup pour ce post, le vrai vous est certainement le meilleur de tous les photoshops.
This is wonderful! I’m actually getting counseling for this, body envy body image problems. To most guys it seems the perfect body is the 2018 one but it’s not. I’m a proud mom with stretch marks and tiny frame that I wish was voluptuous at times, but it is what it is. Thank you so much for this post, the real you is definitely the best out of all of the photoshops.
thank you for your nice post
Excellent article!
I love this article, and the message it sends.
This is brilliant. I’ve always been myself whether I like me at the time or not – some weird psychological thing stops me changing myself. At 50, I am at peace with myself without ever having pinched, tucked, dyed or anything – but am also happy to say someone looks fab if they have done it. Women should be what they want to be – not told what they want to be. You did a great job here! Well done. 🙂 xxx
Welp, looks like I’m heading to the 1400-1700s! 😛
Love this!
This is something I have learned about myself over the past year. Once I stopped focusing on what other people thought of me and began focusing on being my best self, I love my BODY more! This post resonated with me sooo much!!
You know Cassey I was so much stressed with my body image that I not only earned anorexia but also hypothalamic amenorrhea. It was a long meaningful journey to find my real self and certainly this post of yours remind me of my journey. Today I am certainly proud of myself. I love myself
Great stuff Cassey as always. The best body is the one you have! And we are given a wide enough range of modulations through sports and nutrition when we want to change a little bit, but are unique structure will stay the same and we should be proud of it! Bravo Cassey and many hugs from Switzerland
Cassey… this was ingenious! ♥ Having struggled with an ED for most of my life, I have always found it difficult to accepts me just as I am… and the pressure to be “perfect” is even higher as a content creator where your body is the subject the camera is focused on. Ick.
Although tough, I’ve been trying harder to love myself as I am… focusing on health and how I “feel” aside from simply how I look. I hope this blog post of yours will go on to reach more so that you can continue to remind others to slow down with the judging and take the path of a healthy mindset and body. ♥
Many thanks for this, dear!
~Phantom
(P.S.) The last picture is the best, by the way. By far! 😉
I absolutely loved this. We all know this is how and what happens throughout time but to have the details of what people do to attain what is “perfect” at the moment and to see how drastically it changes is a great reminder wish more younger women could come across this.
It’s really interesting to see how body trends change over time like clothes do. Thanks so much for doing this!
Thank you so much for this. It is important for people to remember that the “perfect body” is subjective. One should only be concerned what the “perfect”, healthy body is for them. At my smallest I still had thick thighs, toned but not thin arms and no butt at all. I was a size 6 and although I was thin I wasn’t comfortable with my body. I realize that the perfect size for me and my curves is a size 8. This may seem big to some but it’s perfect for me. Thanks Cassey for always being so positive and a ray of sunshine. I absolutely love your energy.
I am 12 nd ive been doing blogilates to loose weight, strengthen my core and my upper body for gymnastics that I do. Thans 4 letting me know its not all about being skinny or fat. You can be you, and I like you for that Casssey
Your last point about “manufacturing our bodies” really struck home for me. I’ll not soon forget this post.
Omg your 2018 one… When I saw my email I was thinking what has she done? Nooooo,she looks amazing already. Then I read the title and thought back to your other video that started it all. I love your articles Cassey 😊💕 and YT channel. Love from UK xx
Love this post! Sometimes ago I read a paper about how beauty standards are different across the world. An artisti did something similar to what you did: take a model and Photoshop her to fit the beauty ideal of several world Countries. Very interesting, as he had to change skin color too!
Anyway: the perfect body is the one that is healthy – now that I am older, that’s my motto!
love this lady! It’s very thoughtful & thought provoking and I needed to see this today. Thanks for sharing xx
This article is so true!!! Different times different shapes. Thank you !!!! We all need to try our best to accept us for us. make what we have the best we can.
Amen! Thank you for the brief history lesson on American (particularly, white) beauty standards for women’s bodies!
You are an inspiration! You are always fresh, fun, and full of unique ideas. A terrific role model! My 11 year old and I love you!
Oooooooh I love the pictures changing in the background and how it stays blank for the last picture with Cassey’s real body!
This is absolutely perfect and at the right time. Thanks for sharing Cassey 💓 Much needed for time time and era.
REAL YOU IS THE BEST YOU ❤️
It’s absolutely insane how much we are able to photoshop images nowadays. I think you’re beautiful for doing what you do and that’s inspiring women to moves their bodies in a way that feels good, and eventually this translates to physically looking good too!
Thank you for making this article!! And I hope we can all happily celebrate ourselves, naturally. Xoxo
This is such a nice article to read, you did such a good job! Its so interesting to look back and see what was SO good looking back then, is “out” today. So strange why body types have ‘trends’!
This is freaking great! Our bodies are not here to keep up with the latest trends or phases that we need to keep up with, they’re our homes! 🙏 I saw an article a few years ago about the *ideal body* in different countries. It really helped me see there is no one *right* body or only one way to be beautiful. Everyone is beautiful because everyone is unique. Keep up the great work Cassy!
* the trends that we’re told we need to keep up with. Sorry my fingers were typing faster than my brain lol
WORD, JACKI! <3
Been there done that
Wow. I love this. We really should stop obsessing over parts of our body that are perfectly good and healthy to have, and we should stop calling them degrading names like batwings and saddlebags and so on. I love the message of this post! Our bodies are NOT fashion.
Love this Cassy! As a mother of four, and three of them girls it’s so important to show them a strong body image. Thank you for always showing that type of image!
Thank you Cassey! This adds a lot of perspective to our societal expectations of how our bodies “should” look like. It seems futile to change (or wanting to change) our body shape just to fit the “norm” when in fact there is no norm at all. In fact what’s the point of having large butts when it’s just muscles and fats and bones to support your body! And health is definitely way more important than looking “in” – when you might be “out” the next moment. This definitely motivates me to focus on being strong instead of owning that bikini body (it’s an added advantage though). Thank you!
You are truly amazing!
Ooh, I love the meaning behind this post and all the photoshopping! And I agree, you are perfect just the way you are, Cassey! Thanks for the encouraging and enlightening post! 👌
Based off those pictures, it seems we’re due for another “skinny” trend sadly. Doesn’t seem like there will ever be anything in between, only dramatic differences. Great post!!!
This is great. The large butt craze now has never appealed to me because I remember when people made fun of larger butts. I was actually thinking about it the other day and I realized during the years I was born and my childhood (1995) made me like the skinnier era more. But it’s all just a fad and a phase, so we really need to love ourselves as we are because we can go in and out of style too if we change to fit the fad. Cool to see this, thanks!
You are beautiful and so is your body. You are an inspiration for me to be the best I can be and accept my body type that I have. For years I tried to be thin thin very thin! My body type is not that way and never will be I am curvy!!
Thank you Cassey. I’ve been feeling down about my body recently and asking myself, “Why am I not skinny like them?” But seeing this was just want I needed. Everyone’s body is different and we should embrace them all! That doesn’t mean we should just eat whatever and not take care of our body, it means we love and embrace the way we look so we want to take care of our body. Love you and hope someday I’ll be able to meet you!! ❤️💜❤️
Love this! I think this project is especially important right now, as social media has become such a big influence on people’s everyday lives since lots of this influence can be negative to how these people perceive themselves.
Beautifully said Cassey❤ thank you for being honest and open about your body. We all have insecurities but I am thankful for my health and my strong body no matter what it looks like to others!💕