androgynous vs curvaceous bodies
LONDON (Reuters) - "Playboy" models have become more boyish over the years as smaller breasts and hips replace their stereotypical hourglass figures, according to a new study.
The classic Playmate look typified by 1950s Playboy pin-up Marilyn Monroe has given way to a trend for slimmer models, according to the study published in the British Medical Journal on Friday.
"Centerfold models' shapely body characteristics have given way to more androgynous ones," it said.
"These...trends are at odds with claims that centerfolds' bodies are still more hourglass than stick insects."
Researchers from Austria and Canada selflessly analyzed the bodies of centerfold models in 577 consecutive issues of Playboy, from the magazine's launch in 1953 to December 2001.
They found that models' weight had remained steady, but their bust and hip measurements had decreased and their waists had thickened.
The study offered no explanation for why Playmates are getting slimmer, but the trend appears to mirror the success of thinner models such as Kate Moss in the fashion world.
|