A recent study published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education discovered that the average size of an American woman nowadays ranges from 16 to 18.
It was formerly widely assumed that the average size was 14. However, the researchers discovered that this number has increased during the preceding ten years.
The study used data from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and measured over 5,500 American women over the age of 20.
Despite these facts, the majority of retailers continue to label sizes larger than 16 as “plus size.”
Purchasing clothing may be tough for the “average woman,” as most individuals have not kept up with changes in women’s bodies in the United States and around the world.
“I hate clothes shopping,” said Tina Price-Johnson, 44, who has a “average” size of 16 or 18. She has been on medicine owing to a disability for the past 33 years, which has hampered her ability to exercise and lose weight through nutrition.
Price-Johnson is just one of millions of women who feel “failed” by businesses and become nervous when they can’t find clothes that fit.
“[Shopping for clothes] generates anxiety and worsens my clinical depression when I’m on a downhill spiral. Not only does the clothes store stock prejudice against able-bodied women of size, but it also discriminates against disabled persons whose size may be caused by a disability,” she noted.
Numerous studies have been undertaken, one of which implies that being small and ill is feasible, as is being obese and fit. Size may not always indicate health.
The study’s authors expect “that women may be relieved to know that the average clothing size worn is larger than [they] thought.” They also expect their findings to provide food for thought for garment sellers and challenge the prevailing perception of what is “average.”
In addition to alienating millions of women worldwide, the challenges and inaccuracies associated with the outdated size are likely to cost businesses millions of dollars.
