The Best Breasts Over the Past 100 Years

Let's look back.

By NewBeauty Editors · Apr 20, 2022

Just like fashion, hair styles and makeup trends, what’s been considered the best-looking breast shape has changed a lot over the past 90 years. From the flatter chests of the 1920s to the overwhelming embrace of full cleavage today, these are the breast looks that have been considered ideal.

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1920s

Like most of the fashion in its time, breasts were downplayed for more of a masculine silhouette.

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1950s

With Marilyn Monroe at the forefront of enviable style, voluptuous-looking breasts made a comeback.

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1960s

Breasts were full, but with more forward projection, as seen here on a young Raquel Welch.

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1970s

As the bold looks of the 60s died down, women embraced the natural look of their breasts, and breasts that drooped were considered acceptable.

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1975

Continuing with the aesthetic trend, the mid-70’s were about a highlighting the natural fullness, no matter the size. Bras became passé and the emphasis was on showing more skin.

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1980s

The 80s weren’t just about big hair—silicone implants were almost always used for augmentations as the procedure’s popularity grew.

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1990s

The emergence of Baywatch actress Pamela Anderson increased the popularity of big, round and firm breasts.

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2000

At the turn of a new century, the paradigm began to shift towards more natural-looking, full breasts.

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2005

As the millennium progressed, proportion and balance remained a desirable look as the trend continued to move away from the Playmate aesthetic.

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2015

Just a few years ago, attention turned to cleavage that doesn’t look fake with options of round and full or natural and full breasts.

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2020

In the 2020s, a more natural-looking fullness continues to trend. Proportionate breasts that are mid- to low profile and don’t look overly full remains the most desired aesthetic.

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2022

As it was the 60s, embracing the breasts you were born with is a trend that is prevalent again. However, larger, fuller breasts are making a return, with the aesthetic preference leaning toward a more natural appearance with a much lower profile than the Baywatch-babe style of the past.

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2023

As with the 70s, attitudes are shifting and breast size, shape and firmness are no longer at the forefront. Braless styles, natural drooping and diminutive, implant-free breasts are in favor with Generation Z.