While there is a movement in how people view beauty in American and the world at large

Standards of beauty have always reflected society norms, cultural expectations, and the constantly shifting currents of human civilization. The Renaissance’s voluptuous forms and the 1990s’ waif-like models are just two examples of how society’s definition of beauty has changed radically over time.

However, the definition, appreciation, and perception of beauty are undergoing a profound change in the twenty-first century. This change is a movement that is altering the fundamental structure of our global civilization; it is not merely a fad.

It is crucial to track the historical development of these principles in order to comprehend the current shift in beauty standards. Beauty was commonly connected to health and reproduction in ancient cultures.

Fuller forms were regarded as the pinnacle of beauty in many African and Asian civilizations because they represented wealth and the capacity to procreate. In a similar vein, ladies with larger frames were praised in literature and art throughout the European Renaissance because they were viewed as the epitome of femininity and riches.

The 20th century’s Industrial Revolution and the emergence of mass media brought about a paradigm shift in the way people perceived and appreciated beauty. Hollywood’s and the fashion industry’s ascent to prominence led to the standardization of beauty as tall, thin, and primarily white. Advertising helped to maintain this ideal by taking advantage of people’s fears to market goods that claimed to help them reach the “perfect” appearance.

But the great majority of women were left out of this limited definition of beauty, which contributed to a widespread feeling of inadequacy and a variety of problems with body image. The discussion of beauty didn’t start to shift until the later part of the 20th century, when feminism, the civil rights movement, and the growing variety of media representation started to have an impact.

The emergence of social media in the 21st century has significantly contributed to the questioning and restructuring of conventional notions of beauty. The definition and celebration of beauty have become more inclusive thanks to social media sites like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, as opposed to conventional media, which was dominated by a few number of gatekeepers. Anyone can now share their interpretation of beauty with the entire world if they have a smartphone and an internet connection.

The result of this democratization is a representation of beauty that is more varied and inclusive. Today’s women are appreciated for their ability to display their individual attractiveness, regardless of their forms, sizes, or nationalities. Millions of posts using the hashtag #BodyPositivity show how women are embracing their true selves and defying the unattainable standards set by the fashion industry.

Influencers and activists are also advocating for more inclusive portrayal and challenging damaging beauty standards with their platforms. As evidence that beauty can be found in all shapes and sizes, plus-size models like Ashley Graham and Tess Holliday have amassed enormous fan bases. Comparably, women of color—who have traditionally been marginalized in the media—are at the forefront of a movement to redefine beauty standards, as evidenced by celebrities like Rihanna and Lupita Nyong’o, who are praised for their distinct and varied looks.

Modifying Beauty Standards’ Effect on the Fashion Industry
The fashion business is being significantly impacted by the change in beauty standards, which is not limited to a social media phenomenon. The fashion industry has been under fire for decades for its discriminatory practices, especially its use of extremely thin models and disregard for women of all shapes and sizes. But the industry is being forced to change as a result of the shifting tide of beauty standards.

The average American woman is no longer a size 14, according to a study that was published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education. Instead, according to industry standards, she wears plus sizes, which range from a size 16 to an 18. The fashion industry needs to alter its sizing and design techniques to reflect the realities of its consumers, as evidenced by this shift in the typical woman’s size.

Brands who don’t keep up with the growing demand for more inclusive sizing run the danger of falling behind. Leading the way in this new era of fashion are brands like Savage X Fenty, Rihanna’s lingerie line that fits a variety of body types, and Aerie, which supports body positivity and doesn’t retouch its models. These companies are altering the narrative surrounding beauty and body image in addition to making clothing for ladies of all sizes.

Reactions to the fashion industry’s response to these evolving standards of beauty have been uneven, nevertheless. Some firms are truly embracing diversity, but others are just putting on a show for the movement without actually changing anything. For instance, while some businesses may provide extended sizes, their designs may not always suit and flatter larger bodies. Customers are calling out this tokenistic approach to diversity and expecting more from the companies they support.

Without talking about how race and attractiveness interact, the discussion of beauty standards is insufficient. Whiteness has been the hallmark of Western beauty standards for the majority of contemporary history. For a considerable amount of time, women of color have been stigmatized and excluded from popular standards of beauty due to the idealization of fair complexion, straight hair, and Eurocentric features.

Still, things are starting to shift here as well. The worldwide shift toward inclusivity embraces variety in all of its manifestations and is not limited by size. The idea that straight hair is the only acceptable standard of beauty has been challenged by the natural hair movement, which has given Black people the confidence to embrace their natural hair textures. In a similar vein, the definition of beauty is being expanded by the growing presence of Asian, Latina, and Indigenous women in the media.

This change is gradually being reflected in the beauty sector as well. Makeup companies like Fenty Beauty, which debuted with an unprecedented 40 colors of foundation, have raised the bar for inclusivity in the industry. This action recognized that beauty comes in various hues and that all women should be acknowledged and honored, rather than merely adding additional shades.

Even while things are improving, a long distance remains to be done. The colorism that causes lighter-skinned people to be frequently preferred over those with darker skin tones is still a problem in the fashion and cosmetics sectors. Furthermore, there is still a disproportionate lack of representation of women of color in high fashion and luxury businesses. The pursuit of true inclusivity in beauty is a never-ending battle that calls for persistent work and dedication from all facets of society.

The impact of evolving beauty standards is not limited to industry; they are also significantly influencing people’s mental and emotional health. For many years, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and low self-esteem have been on the rise, especially in women, due to the pressure to meet restrictive beauty standards. The continual barrage of pictures that present an unreachable ideal has negatively impacted the mental health of many people.

Some of these pressures are being lessened, though, by the move toward more diverse and inclusive beauty standards. For example, the body positivity movement promotes accepting and loving one’s body for what it is instead than aiming for an unattainable ideal. For those who have been marginalized by conventional beauty standards, such as plus-size people and women of color, this movement has been especially powerful.

Furthermore, a more accepting and helpful community is being fostered both online and offline as a result of the increasing acceptance of various body types and appearances. People are looking for places where they can connect with others who have similar experiences and appreciate their own beauty. People’s mental health and self-esteem depend on having a sense of belonging because it makes them feel noticed, appreciated, and accepted for who they are.

It’s crucial to understand that there are times when the path to self-acceptance is not straightforward. Even though the body positivity movement has come a long way, there is still a strong culture of judgment and comparison, especially on social media. Even in the context of body positivity, the edited nature of social media can lead to irrational expectations and reinforce the pressure to appear a specific way. Because the road to self-love is intricate and multidimensional, it is crucial to approach these discussions with compassion and understanding.

The Effects of Changing Beauty Standards on the World
Although the discussion of beauty standards has gained a lot of traction in the US, it’s vital to remember that this is a global phenomenon. People all throughout the world are responding favorably to the move towards more inclusive and diversified beauty standards, which is upending long-standing conventions and promoting a more comprehensive view of beauty.

Conventional beauty standards have their roots in historical and cultural contexts in various regions of the world. For instance, pale skin has long been linked to prestige and beauty in East Asia, creating a thriving market for skin-lightening products. But as discussions about beauty spread around the world, people are becoming more conscious of the negative consequences of these cosmetics and the importance of embracing one’s natural skin tone.

In a similar vein, as more women push for greater representation of body types in the media and in fashion, the predilection for curvy bodies is being reexamined across Latin America. The appreciation of dark skin and natural hair in Africa is encouraging women to embrace their true selves and upending the legacy of colonial beauty standards.

This worldwide movement aims to overthrow the institutions and structures that have sustained these ideals of beauty for so long, in addition to altering beauty standards. It’s about realizing that beauty is a varied and complex manifestation of individuality and culture rather than a universally applicable idea. With more momentum behind it, this movement has the potential to bring about a more just and inclusive world where everyone is free to recognize and value their own special beauty.

Where Do We Go From Here in the Future of Beauty?
It’s evident that the shift toward more varied and inclusive beauty standards is only getting started as we look to the future. Even while there has been a lot of progress, much more has to be done to build a society in which everyone is appreciated, seen, and cherished for who they are.

This entails continuing to question the status quo and advocating for increased diversity in all facets of the fashion and beauty industries’ operations. It entails creating