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From curves to waifs: 100 years of the 'perfect' body

The pressure to be thin seems to come from everywhere: fashion runways, magazines, even from within. But we’ve not always celebrated the exceptionally thin frame on women or ripped and bulky muscles on men. There was a time when a few extra pounds in all the right places was considered the ideal body type for women and a lean or lanky frame was the height of male attractiveness. Peak at 27? Yes
British model Twiggy, born Leslie Hornby, wearing a short striped outfit with knee length boots, early 1970s. (Photo by Terry O'Neill/Getty Images)
British model Twiggy, born Leslie Hornby, wearing a short striped outfit with knee length boots, early 1970s. (Photo by Terry O'Neill/Getty Images)Terry O'Neill / Getty Images
The “perfect” body: 100 years of our changing shape

Slideshow  14 photos

The “perfect” body: 100 years of our changing shape

How the ideal male and female body type evolved over the last century.

The pressure to be thin seems to come from everywhere: fashion runways, magazines, even from within. But we’ve not always celebrated the exceptionally thin frame on women or ripped and bulky muscles on men. There was a time when a few extra pounds in all the right places was considered the ideal body type for women and a lean or lanky frame was the height of male attractiveness. 

Peak at 27? Yes, but we worry less about our looks as we age
Stop obsessing! Women spend 2 weeks of their year worrying about their appearance

TODAY is exploring the issues we all face with body image on a daily basis, hoping to help you change the way you see yourself. Everyone from Naomi Campbell to Michelle Obama will weigh in. Follow the series at TODAY.com/LoveYourSelfie.