There's no single "hottest" body type, as preferences vary, but research often points to a waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) around 0.7 (waist 70% of hips) and significant overall curviness as biologically attractive for fertility, seen in figures like Marilyn Monroe. However, recent studies also highlight "S"-shaped contours (curviness) and athletic/strong bodies as highly desirable, with a range from slim-curvy to fuller figures being attractive, suggesting health, youthfulness, and fitness are key, notes www.unsw.edu.au.
Women with a 0.7 WHR (waist circumference that is 70% of the hip circumference) are rated more attractive by men in various cultures. Such diverse beauty icons as Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren and the Venus de Milo have ratios around 0.7; this is a typical ratio in Western art.
Men's preferences tend to favor more supernormal masculine and feminine sizes, with a sporty look characterized by wide shoulders and long legs ((Marković and Bulut, 2023)).
The rarest female body type is generally considered the hourglass, characterized by shoulders and hips of similar width with a significantly narrower, defined waist, with studies suggesting less than 10% of women naturally fit this description, while some data points to the inverted triangle (broad shoulders, narrow hips/waist) also being quite rare, potentially under 1% in some views, though hourglass is more consistently cited as the least common overall.
The hourglass body shape has a curvy bust and hips. It also has a narrow waist. Women with this shape often have a full bust and curvy hips and thighs. This shape is seen as the ultimate feminine form.
Body Shapes with the Highest Risk of Health Problems
Apple and pear body shapes tend to have the highest risk. Apples tend to be at greater risk for heart disease, diabetes, and strokes because they hold a larger amount of tummy fat.
At the same time, scientists uncovered another fact: men are also attracted to women with curves. This means that women with a BMI of 22.8 to 24.8 are the most appealing to men. This corresponds to a height of 170 cm and a weight of 70 kg.
Body type, or somatotype, refers to the idea that there are three generalized body compositions that people are predetermined to have. The concept was theorized by Dr. W.H. Sheldon back in the early 1940s, naming the three somatotypes endomorph, mesomorph, and ectomorph.
An ideal female body looks like this:
Apple shaped women tend to have larger busts and broader shoulders with narrower hips, slender legs and a less defined waist. The general idea on how to dress for an apple shape is all about drawing attention away from your midsection and highlighting your chest and legs.
Several studies also back these findings. One study conducted by Northwestern University's Body and Media Lab polled both men and women about what female body type men were most attracted to. Most women believed men preferred skinnier body types, but most men actually chose heavier or curvier body types.
Butts and wide hips symbolize femininity, which makes sense why men are so attracted to them. A nice butt is also a good indicator that a woman works out and takes care of herself. Most men prefer butts over breasts, but that just boils down to personal preference.
A 36 24 36 figure is a type of hourglass figure.
The three numbers each refer to a specific measurement of a woman's body. The first is the bust, measured around the fullest point of the chest. The next measurement is the waist, which is the narrowest part of a relaxed torso.
Men tend to love the look of strong, fit, and athletic women, whereas women often prefer the look of thinner women. That's true in the research (study, study), and we've found the same thing in all of our surveys.
Facial symmetry has been shown to be considered attractive in women, and men have been found to prefer full lips, high forehead, broad face, small chin, small nose, short and narrow jaw, high cheekbones, clear and smooth skin, and wide-set eyes.
Women who exhibit the hourglass figure have been shown to be more admired, which can put pressure on women whose body shapes are noticeably different to strive to achieve the hourglass figure.
For your appearance, a waist circumference of anywhere from 0.4–0.5 times your height will look great, and being on the narrower side might be slightly more attractive. What matters more, though, is the ratio between your waist circumference and hip circumference (study).
Your waist size may tell a bigger story about your long-term health risks than your BMI. The average waist size for U.S. women is 38.5 inches, indicating widespread abdominal obesity. Larger waist sizes are linked with increased risks of chronic diseases, like heart disease and diabetes.
Mesomorphs build muscles easier than other body types. Bodybuilding comes naturally, and with the right fitness regimen a mesomorph can develop an impressive physique. Easier to lose weight.
One noticeable change for women as they age is an increase in body fat. It is common to see a decrease in muscle mass, causing your body to feel less strong than it did in your youth. Women may also develop wrinkles from reduced elasticity and firmness of their skin, or thin and graying hair.
Hourglass figures are often considered the "ideal" female body shape, with a balanced upper body and lower body and a narrow waist.
70kg isn't inherently heavy for a woman; it depends heavily on height, body composition, and build, but it often falls into a healthy range for taller women, while for shorter women, it could lean towards overweight. For example, a 175cm (5'9") woman at 70kg has a healthy BMI, but a 163cm (5'4") woman at the same weight might be considered borderline overweight, according to this article from The Daily Telegraph.
Studies show that men are most attracted to faces, followed closely by women's rear ends.
Your most consistent and "true" weight is generally in the morning, after using the restroom and before eating or drinking anything, because your body has had time to digest overnight, leading to less fluctuation from food, liquids, and daily activities. Weighing at the same time, with minimal clothing, and under consistent conditions helps track trends more accurately than weighing at night when weight is higher due to meals and hydration.