Jessica Biel has once again captured the public’s attention, not just with her performance in the thrilling new Prime Video series The Better Sister, but particularly with a stunning white dress that showcased her incredibly toned physique. The internet quickly buzzed, and fans clamored for the actress’s workout routine. However, Biel herself delivered a refreshingly honest take, asserting that the “peak shape” seen on screen is, for her, “not maintainable” in the long term.
‘The Better Sister’: A Stylish Thriller Unveils a Striking Look
The Better Sister is an American thriller limited series that premiered on Prime Video on May 29, 2025. Based on Alafair Burke’s 2019 novel of the same name, the show stars Jessica Biel as Chloe Taylor, a polished and successful media executive, alongside Elizabeth Banks as her estranged sister, Nicky. Biel also serves as an executive producer on the series, which delves into a complex family drama intertwined with a murder mystery.
As Chloe Taylor, Biel’s character often embodies a curated, high-fashion aesthetic. Her wardrobe, described as “clean, elevated, rich,” has garnered significant attention from viewers and fashion enthusiasts. The series’ costume designers meticulously crafted Chloe’s look to reflect her controlled persona, with elements like a sharp bob haircut and structured silhouettes.
The White Dress That Broke the Internet
Among the many captivating outfits worn by Biel’s character, one specific white dress created a viral sensation. This particular ensemble, a Proenza Schouler White High Neck Twisted Back Crepe Maxi Dress, is a backless and sleeveless design that prominently highlighted Biel’s strong arms and back muscles. The choice of a white dress for a pivotal scene, where Chloe discovers her murdered husband, was a deliberate decision by the director and costume designer to create a visually striking contrast with the dramatic circumstances. The sheer impact of Biel’s appearance in this dress led to widespread admiration and a torrent of inquiries about her fitness regimen.
Jessica Biel’s Honest Revelation: “Not Maintainable”
Responding directly to the online chatter and requests for her “workout routine,” Jessica Biel took to TikTok to offer a candid perspective on the body she showcased in The Better Sister. On July 10, she explained that the “peak shape” achieved for the show was the result of “living the strictest and most rigid lifestyle with your nutrition and with your fitness.” Critically, she added, “which I cannot do.”
Biel, who is 43 years old, openly shared that maintaining that specific level of leanness and muscle definition is not sustainable for her in everyday life. She admitted that she is “currently back on my plan to sort of get a little bit back toward that shape,” indicating that even for her, it requires significant effort and is not her natural, constant state. She also shared some of the exercises she performs, emphasizing the importance of building muscle and flexibility as one ages, particularly for back strength.
The Power of Celebrity Transparency in Body Image
Jessica Biel’s frankness about the reality behind her on-screen physique has resonated deeply with audiences. In a world often saturated with idealized celebrity images, her admission offered a refreshing dose of transparency. Fans and commentators alike praised her for being “honest and real” and a “great advocate for women taking care of their bodies and staying strong” without setting unrealistic expectations.
This level of honesty from a prominent figure like Biel helps to demystify the often-unattainable body standards portrayed in media. It highlights that the “perfect” on-screen body is frequently a temporary, highly disciplined state achieved for a specific role, rather than a permanent or easily maintainable reality, even for those with access to elite trainers and resources.
Encouraging Realistic Fitness Goals
Biel’s statement serves as an important reminder that health and fitness journeys are personal and should prioritize sustainability and well-being over fleeting, extreme goals. Her emphasis on building muscle and flexibility for overall strength as she gets older underscores a more holistic approach to fitness. By openly discussing the temporary nature of her “peak shape,” Jessica Biel encourages her audience to pursue balanced and realistic fitness routines that align with their own lives, rather than chasing an “unmaintainable” ideal.
