Zaftig

Having a full, rounded figure regarded as attractive.

Reach for it when using a culturally marked body descriptor only when the person welcomes it

The zaftig portrait subject appears dignified and self-assured.

• playful

  buxom

  when old-fashioned emphasis on a full bust is truly intended

  not when Buxom is gendered, sexualizing, and often unwelcome.

• everyday

  shapely

  when proportion rather than size is the praise

  not when Shapely judges a body against an aesthetic standard.

• warm

  curvaceous

  when pronounced curves are the intended compliment

  not when Curvaceous sexualizes shape and may be intrusive.

• professional

  full-figured

  when neutral sizing or fashion description is needed

  not when Full-figured is broader and does not itself express attraction.

• literary

  Rubenesque

  when an art-historical comparison is deliberate

  not when Rubenesque is culturally narrow and can sound euphemistic.

• literary

  voluptuous

  when sensual fullness is explicitly relevant

  not when Voluptuous is strongly sexual and unsuitable in most public descriptions.

• slender
• angular
• slight

• zaftig figure

  The zaftig figure in the mural is painted with strength and ease.

• zaftig silhouette

  A zaftig silhouette anchors the designer's evening collection.

• confidently zaftig

  She described herself as confidently zaftig in the portrait notes.

Zaftig comes through Yiddish and is an appearance judgment. Self-description is much safer than applying it unsolicited.