The representation of the female body has been an area of study for many researchers. The concept of the ‘ideal’ body has been the focus of controversy with suggestions that women are been presented with an unattainable image of beauty. This study involved female participants to create their perception of the ideal body using a sample of cut out body parts from a variety of media sources, in addition interviews were used in order to understand the reasoning behind their selection and general thoughts around this topic. The feedback highlighted re-occurring themes that emerged amongst participants, as they appeared to be unable to define real bodies from enhanced figures which lead to confusion of their perception of the ideal. Participants ultimately acknowledgment that the ideal is at some level unattainable however the majority provided further evidence to connote at a deeper level they had accepted the representation shown within the mass media.