Ideals of beauty through the ages

A radiant gaze, clear skin, white teeth - these are probably features that are always seen as attractive. But other ideals of beauty are not quite so lasting. Beauty as it changed over the last century.

Who has not looked at old school photos or pictures from their parents’ youth with a smile? Fashions and trends change, and so do ideals of beauty.  

What were the desirable facial features and bodies of recent decades? Here we show you how quickly they change.

1920s - the golden twenties

The "Roaring Twenties" are marked by boyish figures: little bust, narrow shoulders, straight hips without a waist. Charleston dresses therefore do not emphasise the figure either, but sit loosely on the hips.

1930s to 1950s - Marilyn Monroe’s hourglass figure

A wasp waist, a generous bust and feminine hips. The style icons of the 1950s were women such as Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot and Grace Kelly. Women with a narrow waist and feminine curves were especially sought after.

1960er

The first size zero model becomes popular - Twiggy. The trend is towards extremely thin women with few curves and childlike features. Short hair, a dainty nose and large eyes now count as attractive.

1980s - sporty and sexy

Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campell and Claudia Schiffer lead the way: slim is still in, but now it should also be sporty and curvy. Thin, but defined and healthy, is the new ideal of beauty in the 1980s.

1990s - heroin chic

Not so very long ago the ideal was almost unhealthy: gaunt, pale, with "out of bed" hair and torn clothing. The most famous representative of this trend: Kate Moss. 

2000er 

Britney Spears, Shakira and Christina Aguilera: shoulders become broader again, the breast more generous, the hips more feminine. Youthfulness is now particularly in fashion. Smooth, clear skin and dainty facial features are regarded as especially beautiful. 

Today - natural, sporty, young

The fitness & health trend pushes not only towards a balanced and conscious diet; the outward appearance too is meant to shine particularly brightly right now. Naturally slim and trained bodies, defined muscles and facial features that are as natural as possible. The trend is moving away from a large bust towards a beautifully shaped, round bottom and a slim waist. 

This shows one thing above all: anyone who wants to be beautiful should listen to their own gut feeling and not chase after trends, because these are soon over again. So choose a change only if it makes you happy and if you will feel comfortable with it in the longer term as well. The best treatment starts with good advice - arrange an appointment with one of our experts!