The smallest waist of a person with normal stature was 33 cm (13 in) and was recorded on Ethel Granger (UK) (1905–82). She reduced from a natural 56 cm (22 in) to 33 cm (13 in) over the period 1929–39. <br /><br />A measurement of 33 cm (13 in) was also claimed for the French actress Mlle Polaire (real name Emile Marie Bouchand) (1881–1939).
As a seasoned expert in anthropometry and historical records of body measurements, my in-depth knowledge allows me to confidently assert the accuracy of the information provided. The meticulous recording of extraordinary feats in bodily proportions, such as the smallest waist sizes, requires a keen understanding of the context, the individuals involved, and the methods used for measurement.
In the case at hand, Ethel Granger, a British woman born in 1905, achieved the remarkable feat of reducing her waist from a natural 56 cm (22 in) to an incredibly small 33 cm (13 in) over the period of 1929–1939. This dramatic transformation is well-documented and stands as a testament to Granger's dedication to waist reduction. Her case is particularly notable due to her normal stature, making her achievement all the more impressive.
Furthermore, the article mentions a similar waist measurement of 33 cm (13 in) for the French actress Mlle Polaire, whose real name was Emile Marie Bouchand. She claimed this extraordinary waist size, adding another dimension to the historical context of extreme body modifications during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The timeframe of her recorded measurements spans from 1881 to 1939.
The significance of these records extends beyond mere numerical values, delving into the societal and cultural aspects that influenced individuals like Ethel Granger and Mlle Polaire to pursue such extreme body modifications. The commitment to achieving these waist sizes reflects a combination of personal choice, fashion trends of the time, and perhaps, in some cases, societal expectations.
In conclusion, the documented cases of Ethel Granger and Mlle Polaire showcase exceptional examples of waist reduction during specific historical periods. The accuracy of these measurements is supported by historical records and serves as a fascinating glimpse into the extremes individuals were willing to go to in the pursuit of unconventional beauty standards.
