In Korea, having a slim figure is an integral part beauty. Thin legs, a small waist, and a toned stomach are characteristics to admire. Amusingly, large breasts are also praised, though with the proportions that are “beautiful,” highly unlikely. A slim body shape is not a beauty standard from only Korea. Asian countries, such as Taiwan and Japan, as well as Western countries such as Canada and the United States, all affirm a slim figure as the most sought after body.

Since elementary school, my Asian mother has consistently reinforced the notion of skinny as beautiful. “You eat too much, you’re too fat.” Are all phrases that I grew up hearing. “Did you gain weight? Have you weighed yourself lately? Why is your butt so big?” Are all questions I have grown too accustomed hearing on a daily basis. Being compared to my skinny sister (who just recovered from being bed-ridden by appendicitis for two months) was a constant occurrence.

Sizing issues are common when I buy clothes in Asia. Being 5″7, I am already not the typical height of an Asian girl.Not being “skinny enough” in Asian standards, meant buying clothes were a hassle. Shirts were too short for me, and, as I was more endowed than typical Asian girls in the bust area, too tight. I remember buying underwear at the department store, where I was a size LL pantie from Japanese brand Wacoal. At Victoria’s Secret, I am a size small.

Click here for an interesting read that I thought nicely complemented my thoughts in this post.