Barbie and Ken dolls now have more realistic body proportions

Australian researchers from the University of Adelaide and the University of New South Wales revisited a landmark 1996 study of Barbie and Ken dolls. Using the same scientific methods, they measured the current Fashionista Barbie range – Curvy, Tall, Petite and Standard – and the latest Ken doll. The results show that the dolls' waist‑to‑hip and chest‑to‑waist ratios are now much closer to those of real adults. Among the Barbie models, Curvy Barbie most closely matches average female body proportions, while the new Ken doll is also more realistic, though its chest‑to‑waist ratio remains less representative of typical men. The original dolls had extreme proportions that fewer than one in ten million people could match. Researchers say the changes reflect growing recognition of body diversity and may help reduce the negative impact of unrealistic body ideals on children and teenagers.