Body-conscious

Body-conscious describes an individual, style, or attitude characterized by an awareness and often a preoccupation with one's own physical appearance, or the physical appearance of others. This awareness can manifest in various ways, from carefully selecting clothes that accentuate perceived assets, to an obsessive focus on weight, shape, and perceived flaws. The term can apply to an individual's own self-perception, or to the external portrayal of individuals in media or advertising, where an emphasis is placed on physical attractiveness and the ideal body shape. While it can relate to feelings of insecurity or vulnerability related to body image, the term can also simply describe an awareness of the impact of one's physical form in social and cultural contexts. The context largely determines its positive or negative connotation.

Body-conscious meaning with examples

• She avoided the beach altogether, feeling intensely body-conscious about her postpartum figure. Choosing flowing, loose dresses allowed her to feel more comfortable and less self-conscious about how her clothes fit, even when attending social events with other new mothers. The magazines kept reminding her about the 'perfect' body so she ended up feeling worse. This body consciousness really ruined her day at the beach.
• The designer's latest collection featured body-conscious silhouettes, emphasizing the natural curves of the female form. Models walked the runway in sleek dresses, highlighting the body's contours. This reflected a trend in fashion towards celebrating the physique, rather than concealing it. The use of stretchy material allowed each body type to be expressed in its best light. The designs also offered an option for comfort, showing the body without it feeling compressed.
• He was incredibly body-conscious, spending hours at the gym to achieve a certain muscular physique. The gym had become his sanctuary, and a place for him to take charge of how he saw himself in his mind's eye. His obsession with the perfect figure sometimes overshadowed his enjoyment of activities, as he was always concerned about calorie intake, or what others thought of him. The need to be seen as 'perfect' really took a toll.
• Advertisements often employ body-conscious imagery, using models with a specific physique to sell products, implying that certain body types are more desirable. These images are carefully chosen to make the product appear to be essential for a more attractive presentation of the body. The goal is to tap into consumers' anxieties about their physical appearance and feelings of wanting to be more appealing. This creates a societal standard.