Marilyn Monroe was a size 16 and therefore represented what we'd call curvy or plus-size beauty today.
Marilyn Monroe's measurements (35-22-35) were frequently recorded and correspond to a modern US size 8-10, not 16. Clothing sizes have changed significantly, vintage size 16 equated to approximately modern size 8. The myth likely arose from sizing comparisons without accounting for how sizes have shifted over decades.
Reception
Sources
- Marilyn Monroe - Wikipedia PRIMARY
- Snopes: Marilyn Monroe Size 16 REFERENCE