People are growing taller and their proportions are getting larger over time. The typical "perfect" female figure used to be 36 24 36. This used to be known as a dress size 12. But there was always a lot of pressure on women and girls to achieve this. I find it quite heartening that nowadays a more realistic shape is beginning to be seen. I used to be a size 8 to 10 when I was in my twenties. [ 32 to 34 inch hips]. But once you have kids, maintaining that is very difficult. [ Which I haven't ]. !! I believe Marilyn Monroe's measurements were 38 bust, 24 waist 36 hips. The Italian actress Sophia Loren, when anybody asked her her age, famously used to give her vital statistics instead; 40 bust, 24 waist, 38 hips.