Damon Mcknight
The average Australian woman is plus-sized, with a reported dress size of 14 to 18. She is 162 centimetres tall, weighs 70 kilograms, and has a BMI of 26.7. Australian runway models, on the other hand, are reported to be a size 8 or smaller. This discrepancy between the average Australian woman and the models used in advertising contributes to a lack of representation in the fashion industry, with 81% of women feeling unrepresented by fashion advertising. This lack of representation has a negative impact on body confidence and makes it challenging for women to find clothes that fit well.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height | 162 centimetres |
| Weight | 70 kilograms |
| Body Mass Index (BMI) | 26.7 |
| Waist Girth | 86-88 centimetres |
| Dress Size | 14-18 |
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What You'll Learn
The average Australian woman is plus-sized
However, the fashion industry often fails to represent this demographic, with only 6.3% of Australian clothing retailers selling plus-sizes and 85% of women falling outside the average size range. This lack of representation has a negative impact on body confidence and makes it challenging for women to find clothes that fit well.
The standard Australian woman stands at 162cm, which is about 10cm shorter than the average female shop mannequin. The discrepancy between the average woman and the idealised image portrayed by mannequins and models contributes to a sense of isolation and shame for those who do not conform to conventional beauty standards.
The average weight of an Australian woman is 70kg, with a BMI of 26.7. Over time, the average height and weight have been increasing, with height growing by about 1cm per decade and weight by 1-3kg per decade. This trend is reflected in the distribution of body shapes, which has become more varied, with a notable increase in overweight and extremely overweight individuals.
The 'average' label thus masks a considerable diversity in Australia, where no single individual perfectly embodies all the criteria. This diversity extends beyond physical attributes such as height and weight, encompassing aspects like age, ethnicity, and abilities.
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Average height, weight and BMI
The average height of an Australian woman is 162 centimetres, about ten centimetres shorter than the typical female shop mannequin. The average weight of an Australian woman is 70 kilograms, and her BMI is 26.7. This BMI is classified as “overweight”, and it doesn't distinguish between fat mass and muscle mass. For example, almost every member of the Australian Rugby team would be classified as obese according to their BMI, despite their level of fitness.
The average Australian woman's waist circumference was 86 centimetres in 2011, and 88 centimetres in 2017/2018. By comparing this measurement with the size charts of 20 of Australia's most popular clothing brands, it was found that the average Australian woman wears a size 16-18, making her officially 'plus-size'. This is in contrast to the average size of an Australian runway model, which is reported to be a size 8 or smaller.
In addition, the average weight of an Australian woman has been increasing by one kilogram every decade for over 100 years, and in recent years, this has increased to three kilograms per decade. This is reflected in the growing proportion of overweight people in Australia, with about 63% of Australian adults and 25% of children being overweight or obese.
The variety of body shapes is also increasing, with a greater distribution of extremely overweight and extremely fit and lean bodies. This is reflected in the clothing sizes available, with the average size of an Australian woman reported to be between a size 14 and 18. However, only 6.3% of Australian clothing retailers sell plus sizes (size 16 and above). This lack of representation in the fashion industry has been linked to low body confidence in women, with 50% of 18-29-year-old women negatively comparing themselves to women they see in fashion advertising and social media.
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Clothing sizes and body image
Clothing sizes and the body image issues that come with them are a complex topic. The average Australian woman is around 162 centimetres tall, weighs 70 kilograms, and has a BMI of 26.7. However, these metrics don't always translate well to individuals, as BMI, for example, doesn't differentiate between fat mass and muscle mass. The average size of an Australian runway model is reported to be a size 8 or smaller, which is far from the average Australian woman's size. This discrepancy between the average woman and the models used in advertising contributes to body image issues and a lack of representation in the fashion industry.
The fashion industry has long been criticised for its lack of diversity and inclusion, with many women feeling that they need to change their bodies to fit the clothes being sold. This is especially true for plus-size women, who make up a significant portion of the Australian population. According to business analyst IBISWorld, only 6.3% of Australian clothing retailers sell plus sizes (size 16+). This lack of representation in the industry makes it challenging for many women to find clothes that fit well and make them feel confident.
Research conducted by Mys Tyler in 2022 found that 81% of women did not feel represented by fashion advertising, with size being the main reason. The study also highlighted the link between what women wear and their body confidence, with 50% of 18-29-year-old respondents negatively comparing themselves to women they see in fashion advertising and social media. This lack of representation not only affects women's self-esteem but also leads to an inefficient shopping experience, poor fit, and high return rates.
The average Australian woman wears a size 14-16, and in some cases, a size 16-18, which is considered plus-size. However, this size range is not adequately catered to by the fashion industry, with many retailers failing to offer a diverse range of sizes. This discrepancy between the average woman's size and the sizes offered by retailers contributes to the body image issues faced by many Australian women.
It's important to note that the notion of "average" masks a considerable and growing diversity in Australia. The variety of body shapes is increasing, and the distribution is skewed towards more overweight bodies and extremely overweight bodies. This diversity needs to be reflected in the fashion industry, with more large-scale diversity across various sizes, ages, ethnicities, and abilities. By improving representation, the industry can help women feel seen and find clothes that make them feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.
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Mannequins and models
The average Australian woman is 162 centimetres tall, weighs 70 kilograms, and has a waist circumference of 86-88 centimetres. This would make her a size 14-16, or even 18, in clothing sizes, which is considered "plus-sized". However, female shop mannequins are about ten centimetres taller than the typical Australian woman, with broader shoulders, narrower waists, and longer calves. This discrepancy between the average woman and the idealised mannequin or model body type contributes to the challenge of finding clothes that fit well.
The fashion industry has long been criticised for its lack of representation and diversity in terms of body size, with most models failing to represent the average woman. This issue is not limited to Australia, as similar concerns have been raised in other countries, such as the United States, where the majority of women are plus-size yet are underrepresented in the fashion industry. The average size of an Australian runway model, for example, is reported to be a size 8 or smaller, with 85% of women falling outside this size range. This discrepancy between the average woman and the models they see in advertising and social media can negatively impact their body confidence and self-image.
The consequences of this misrepresentation are significant. Many women struggle to find clothing that suits their body type, resulting in a poor fit and high return rates. Additionally, the lack of representation in the fashion industry can lead to negative comparisons and a detrimental impact on body image and confidence. This is particularly prevalent among younger women, with 50% of 18-29-year-old respondents negatively comparing themselves to women they see in fashion advertising and social media.
To address these issues, there have been calls for large-scale diversity across the industry. Mys Tyler, a company with over 600,000 downloads, aims to improve representation by matching shoppers with fashion creators who have similar body shapes and sizes. Their founder, Sarah Neill, emphasises the importance of diversity and inclusion, stating that the fashion industry needs to go beyond size representation and consider age, height, ethnicity, and abilities as well. By embracing diversity and inclusion, the fashion industry can empower women to feel seen and find clothes that make them feel great.
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Migration and diversity
Australia has a rich history of migration, with approximately 10 million settlers moving to the country from across the world since the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. The country is now home to around 25 million people from diverse backgrounds, with 29.7% of its population born overseas. This makes Australia one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world, with a global reputation as one of the best places to live.
European settlement in Australia began in 1788, coinciding with the transportation of British convicts to the country. Voluntary migration from Britain and Ireland followed in the 1830s, and the discovery of gold in 1851 attracted people from various countries, including China, Germany, and the USA. Today, migration trends continue to shift, with an increasing influence of Asian migration, particularly from Southeast Asian countries like India, replacing historical European migration.
Australia's capital, Canberra, celebrates this cultural diversity through initiatives like the National Multicultural Festival, Harmony Day, and citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day. These events promote a culturally diverse and welcoming society, acknowledging the country's strength in its ethnic diversity. The National Maritime Collection and the Australian National Maritime Museum also play a crucial role in preserving and sharing the stories of migration, resilience, and loss associated with Australia's waterways.
The average Australian woman stands at 162 centimetres tall, weighing 70 kilograms, with a BMI of 26.7 and a waist girth of 86 centimetres. However, it is important to note that the distribution of body shapes is diverse and varied, and the average size has increased over time. The average Australian woman now wears a size 14 to 18, which is considered plus-size, reflecting the diverse nature of women's bodies in Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
The average height of an Australian woman is 162 centimetres.
The average weight of an Australian woman is 70 kilograms.
The average Australian woman wears a dress size 14-16, though some sources state the average size is 16-18.
The average waist circumference of an Australian woman is 86-88 centimetres.
