NATIONAL SIZE SURVEY RESULTS

September bought the much anticipated results of the national size survey as conducted by University College London and the London College of Fashion. The SizeUK survey surveyed more than 11,000 people aged between 16 - 95. It was supported by major clothing retailers such as Marks and Spencer and House of Fraser, as well as being backed by the DTi, and was the first survey of such a scale to take place since the 1950s.

Key findings from the survey have shown that on average the British woman is now 2" taller than she was in 1950. With the added height comes additional weight with the typical British woman also carrying an extra 7lbs compared to the average 1950s woman.

The survey found that the average woman in Britain today was 5ft 4" and weighed in at 10st 3lbs. Average waist measurement was 34", hips 40.5" and typical bust size was 38.5". With waist measurements alone being 6.5" wider than they were 50 years ago, the curvaceous hourglass figure is well and truly becoming a thing of the past. However, bust and hip measurements have not increased in the same proportions increasing by just over 1" since 1951.

Some of the changes can possibly be explained by women choosing not to wear girdles as they did in the post World War 2 years. However, lifestyle is also thought to be a major contributory factor to women's silhouettes becoming much more straighter in appearance compared to their 1950s ancestors.

According to the results of the survey, retailers are already starting to swap traditional hour glass shaped shop dummies for straighter versions.

What do you think of the results of the SizeUK survey? Are you surprised by the results? Do you feel that the results will be a positive thing in terms of retailers catering for you and your shape?

Let us know your thoughts by e-mailing us at: editorial@uniquelywoman.co.uk