Millions of women see their confidence levels drop on a girls’ night out – despite spending hours beforehand getting ready, a study has revealed. Researchers found that worries about their friends looking better than them, their outfit being too skimpy and if their wobbly bits are covered mean almost one in four suffer from low self-confidence on a night that should be the highlight of their week.
It also emerged that on the beach, at a swimming pool and even in the bedroom are the other situations most likely to leave women struggling with low or no confidence.
It also emerged that almost nine in ten women have times where they struggle with low self-esteem and issues about their image.
A spokesman for New Look, which commissioned the research said:
“Most women have moments where they struggle with their body confidence, whether it’s for one night or days on end.
“But it’s worrying to think that so many women feel that way on a night out with some of their closest friends.
“Not only are they among their own friends, but a girls’ night out is usually when you get dressed up and look your best.
“It’s also shocking to see that women feel so unconfident in front of their own partners.
“Your partner should love you, regardless of your flaws so you should be able to feel confident in front of them, even if you don’t at any other time.”
The study of 2,000 women also revealed the times where women feel most self-conscious – with wearing bikinis and swimsuits on the beach at the top of the list, followed by when they go swimming.
But almost a quarter admitted to feeling lacking in self-esteem on a night out with their closest girlfriends, while another one in ten feel the same while attending their office Christmas party.
One in five even struggle to feel happy with their looks between the sheets with their other half.
Other situations that leave women struggling with their body image include when on a date, when getting measured for a new bra and even when they are at home.
It also emerged that 95% of women would change something about their body or appearance, with their overall size the most popular thing to transform.
16% would like a different waistline, while 14% wish they could change their boobs.
Legs, general body shape and height are also among the parts of a woman’s body she wishes were different.
And around three quarters of women admit they have an ‘ideal body’ they would like to achieve, but more than three in ten of those admit that in reality, that perfect shape is unachieved or even ‘impossible’
The study also named Holly Willoughby as the celebrity with the ideal figure, followed by Kelly Brook and Kate Middleton.
Beyonce and Olympic athlete Jessica Ennis completed the top five.
Top ten situations women feel least confident about their appearance
- On the beach
- At the swimming pool
- On a girls’ night out
- When being intimate with your partner
- Getting your bra size measured
- On a date
- Office Christmas parties
- Shopping alone
- On a date night with your current partner
- At home
