The average French woman today is just over 5 feet 3 inches tall and 137.6 pounds, compared to 5 feet 2 1/2 inches tall and 133.6 pounds in 1970. Women's waistlines in particular have thickened.
Mean height was 170.0 cm (176.6 cm for men and 163.9 cm for women), an increase of +1.3 cm since Obepi 2012, and mean weight was 74.1 kg (81.2 kg for men and 67.3 kg for women), an increase of +1.6 kg since Obepi 2012.
Adults are considered to be overweight when their body mass index (BMI) is equal to or greater than 25 and obese when their BMI is equal to or greater than 30. For children, age must be taken into account when defining overweight and obesity. Read our special feature on obesity (only available in French).
The average model measuring 1.75m (5ft 9in) and weighing 50kg (7st 12lb) has a BMI of 16. Announcing the introduction of the new rules on Friday, France's health minister said they were aimed at preventing anorexia by stopping the promotion of inaccessible ideals of beauty.
Why are French women so thin & the food so good?... | "Parisian chic" | Justine Leconte
How are French people so fit?
“Europeans – the French in particular – tend to be very active as part of their normal day. They may not run as many marathons or even belong to a gym, but they're walking to work and to pick up their kids, they don't take elevators as much.”
Minimal makeup, classical nails, and an emphasis on skincare are crucial to the Parisian routine. However, it is the fashion that makes the look explicitly French. To build a French girl wardrobe, focus on quality basics like jeans, button-down blouses, blazers, and wrap dresses.
What are the most attractive female body proportions?
According to a new study published in the journal Evolution and Human Behavior, women with a 'low waist-to-hip ratio (WHRs)' – commonly known as an 'hourglass figure' – are seen to have the most attractive bodies.
Foods that are a staple of the French diet include full-fat cheese and yogurt, butter, bread, fresh fruits and vegetables (often grilled or sautéed), small portions of meat (more often fish or chicken than red meat), wine, and dark chocolate. Make meals a priority.
Healthy skin is naturally beautiful. French beauty, as French fashion, is about an effortless and natural look. Once the skin is properly cleansed, hydrated, protected and well-balanced, light makeup will enhance the natural glow of the skin. Voluptuous focus may be brought to the lips or the eyes, but rarely both.”
The specific proportions of 36–24–36 inches (90-60-90 centimeters) have frequently been given as the "hourglass" proportions for women since at least the 1960s (these measurements are, for example, the title of a hit instrumental by The Shadows).
What is French-girl hair? If you're still unsure about the meaning of French-girl hair, don't worry we've got you covered. French-girl hair is effortless, natural, and chic, says Joly. It's fresh and light, yet it screams sophistication and confidence.
French people, like people from many cultures, enjoy experimenting with makeup and using it to enhance their natural beauty. French women are known for their understated, effortless style, and their approach to makeup is often characterized by a focus on natural-looking, dewy skin and a neutral lip and eye.
"You need to eat a large volume of bread or pasta for the calories to add up, and most of the time, French meals are quite light and portions are small," says David Benchetrit. Duck confit, foie gras, and many other fatty foods are enjoyed occasionally - maybe once in two weeks, he says.
The difference between men and women is considerable (30 points for the slim and very slim ideals). Preferences in France are quite the opposite: 62% opt for the larger-sized male ideal and 52% for the slim female ideal (52%). Very few choose the “very large” or “very slim” extremes for either sex.
For French men, the standard size today is about 5 feet 7 1/2 inches tall and 170.6 pounds, compared to nearly 5-feet-6 inches and 158.7 pounds in 1970. Nearly one out of three French men is overweight, compared to one woman out of four.
France, where fashion matters, is moving toward a ban on models whose Body Mass Index is less than 18. According to reports from Reuters and others, French lawmakers are likely to pass the law, joining Spain, Italy and Israel in putting a weight floor under the women who walk the runway.
Likewise, models can be older but agencies and clients tend to like their models looking younger and more youthful. Height is typically between 5'9″-6″, bust is between 32″-36″, waist is between 22″-26″, and hips should be between 33″-35″.
Plus-size modeling is generally a size 12 and up. Plus-size models are typically evaluated and cast based on dress size rather than body measurements. As a general rule, plus-size models are defined by the fashion industry as anyone larger than a size 6.
