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26 May 2025

What Makes a Body Beautiful? Rethinking Fashion for Curvy Figures

Diverse women walk on the beach in various bikinis, celebrating body diversity with confidence and joy.

The Many Angles of Beauty: Beyond the Runway Ideal

The question of what makes a body beautiful is more complex than ever, with perspectives shaped by culture, media, health, and personal experience. In recent years, the conversation around body image has evolved, challenging the dominance of thinness as the singular standard of beauty. This topic can and should be viewed from multiple angles: from the shifting ideals in the media, to the rise of body positivity, to the impact of fashion on well-being and self-esteem.

While thinness is still prominent in some fashion circles—often seen in the prevalence of very young, naturally slender models on runways—there is a growing recognition that these bodies are not representative of most adults. Many runway models are teenagers or young adults whose bodies are still developing. Their slimness is often a result of rapid adolescent growth rather than deliberate restriction.

Body Positivity and Well-Being: A New Standard

The last decade has seen a significant shift in attitudes toward body image, with the body positivity movement advocating for broader representation and acceptance of diverse body types. Media and research increasingly suggest that body weight is less a criterion of beauty and more a matter of health and personal comfort. The ideal body, according to current discourse, is not defined by size but by how one feels in their own skin—embracing well-being, self-esteem, and mental health as central to beauty.

Social media and fashion brands have started to reflect this change. Campaigns now feature models of all sizes, and there is heightened scrutiny of unrealistic standards perpetuated by photo editing and cosmetic procedures. Body-positive content online is shown to improve body satisfaction and expand the definition of beauty to include curvy bodies alongside slimmer ones. Ultimately, the healthiest and most beautiful body is one that feels comfortable, confident, and cared for—inside and out.

Fashion for Curves: From Niche to Mainstream

Reflecting this cultural shift, curvy lines and cleverly cut fashion pieces for larger sizes have become staples in both physical stores and online shops. These collections are often seamlessly integrated into mainstream offerings, making it easier for consumers to find clothes that fit well and flatter their natural shapes—sometimes without explicit labeling.

A standout example is Bruno Banani's new Curvy Line. The international cult brand has a history of breaking conventions in the underwear and swimwear markets with its playful and authentic marketing, as well as its commitment to high quality. The latest collection, including the swimwear range launched in May, is designed with the philosophy: "Shapewear, die nichts versteckt – sondern betont" ("Shapewear that doesn't hide, but accentuates"). This line celebrates curves rather than concealing them. With sizes ranging from 80C to 85G in bras, M to 4XL in bustiers, and swimwear up to 95G and 4XL, Bruno Banani's Curvy Line is about self-determined femininity and the right to show off one's body with pride and style. The collection uses classic colors and vibrant trend tones, ensuring that every woman can find something that makes her feel beautiful and confident.

The True Standard of Beauty

The trend toward fashion for curvy figures is not just about clothing—it's about redefining beauty as something rooted in health, confidence, and authenticity. As society moves away from narrow ideals, the fashion industry is responding with more inclusive designs and messaging, making it clear that beauty comes in many shapes and sizes. Comparing oneself to adolescent models with rare physiques is neither realistic nor necessary; the true standard of beauty is feeling good in your own body, whatever its shape.


Image: This AI-generated picture features a group of women walking on the beach, wearing various bikinis. The image captures a mood of confidence, inclusivity, and the celebration of body diversity, highlighting authentic joy without any posing or glamour. Image generated by Fashion.at with Google AI Studio.