Mattel is trying to broaden the appeal of its iconic doll by rolling out three new sizes: tall, petite and curvy.  

The new offerings also include seven skin tones, 24 hair styles and 22 eye colours.

Industry expert Jim Silver, who heads toy review site TTPM, believes they will be a big hit.

"Parents have been complaining for a long time that about Barbie's physique and they wanted dolls that were a little bigger or as they say a little curvier now. And also the skin tones was a big issue and this was long overdue. I think they should have done this a few years ago."

Silver adds that there are added opportunities in terms of the number of products Mattel can sell to go with the dolls. For example, if a child has dolls in both petite and curvy sizes, they would each need different wardrobes and shoe sizes, potentially leading to more purchases.

Barbie needed the makeover. Sales of Barbie have been falling, as girls turn to other dolls, including Frozen's Elsa, as well as electronic toys and tablets.

The new dolls can be ordered online. They will be available at retailers this spring.