19
Mar
a Simple way to answer the question of:
What's My Body Type?
Let's Do This!
What's My Body Type?
So, why does knowing your body shape matter when you’re getting dressed? It’s simply the easiest way to pick out the most flattering styles for you. As someone with a straight body shape, I’ve learned that adding waist definition creates a curvier, less “straight up and down” look.
Here, I describe body shapes by their actual proportions and characteristics. I’ve included the traditional names for reference. If any one of those descriptions sounds like your shape, you’ve likely found your body type! Ready to discover yours?
A Balanced Frame
With Minimal Curves
Your body can be described as either athletic or rectangular.
Your body has a streamlined look from bust to hips, and your waistline doesn’t have a well-defined curve.
Shoulders and hips seem about the same width or very close to in width.
Your weight is evenly spread out all over your body. So if you gain weight, you gain it all over, not in one particular area.
Your body is also proportionate.
If this sounds like you, your silhouette is balanced with minimal curves a.k.a the rectangle or straight body shape. Click here to see a pop-up example.
With Narrow Hips
You possess a naturally commanding presence as your shoulders are broader and wider than your hips.
Look at it like this: Your body is broader through the top and then tapers down towards your lower body.
Your waistline doesn’t have a well-defined curve and your hips are narrow.
You have great legs.
A.k.a The Inverted Triangle Body Shape.
Click here to see a pop-up of your body shape.
A Defined Waist
With Balanced Curves
Your overall look is curvy and proportionate.
Your waist is well-defined – it curves in and creates a focal point on your body.
Your bust and hips are about the same size or almost the same in width.
You have a naturally balanced body shape.
A.k.a The Hourglass Body Shape.
Click here to see an example of your body shape.
Fuller Midsection
With Great Arms & Legs
Your shoulders and bust are wider than your hips.
Your stomach is rounded; if you gain weight, it will come here first.
You have slimmer arms and legs that need to be shown off.
A.k.a. The Apple Body Shape.
Click here to see an image of your body shape.
Curvy Lower Half
With a Defined Waist
Your body shape is considered to be curvy and feminine.
Your shoulders and bust are narrower than your hips.
You have a well-defined, curvy waistline, just like the hourglass.
Your wonderfully curvy hips are wider than your shoulders and bust. If you gain weight, it will appear on the lower part of your body first.
A.k.a The Pear Body Shape.
Click here to see an example of your body shape.
FAQ
What's My Body Type? The Questions Women Ask Me Most
Knowing your body type is the simplest way to work out which clothing styles will flatter you most. Rather than guessing in the fitting room or buying things that never quite look right, you have a starting point. Once you know your shape, getting dressed becomes a lot easier and a lot more enjoyable. It really worked for me and it can work for you too!
It’s all about your proportions, not your size or weight.
Compare three key areas: your shoulders, your waist, and your hips. Ask yourself:
- Are my shoulders wider, narrower, or roughly the same width as my hips?
- Do I have a well-defined waist, or does my body go fairly straight up and down?
- Where do I tend to carry extra weight?
Your answers will point towards one of the body shapes we have outlined here. I have also created a body shape quiz. Answer 7 simple questions and voilà, it will tell you what your shape is.
A rectangle body type means your shoulders and hips are roughly the same width, with little waist definition in between. Your weight is spread fairly evenly across your body. If you gain weight, it tends to go all over rather than in one specific area. This shape is sometimes called straight, athletic, ruler, or column. The goal when dressing a rectangle shape is to create curves by defining the waist and adding shape through the clothing you choose.
An inverted triangle body type means your shoulders are noticeably wider than your hips. Your body is broader through the top and tapers down toward your lower half. Your waist tends to be fairly straight with little definition, and your hips are narrow. You typically have great legs. The goal when dressing this shape is to balance your proportions by softening the shoulder line and adding volume below the waist.
An hourglass body type means your bust and hips are roughly equal in width, with a well-defined, curvy waist in between. Your body is naturally balanced and proportionate. This is one of the most versatile shapes to dress because your proportions are already balanced. The goal is simply to highlight your waist and follow your curves with fitted, well-cut styles.
An apple body type means you tend to have a fuller and more rounded belly. Your bust is usually well-endowed. If you gain weight, it typically goes to your belly first. You usually have slimmer arms and legs, which are great features to show off. The goal when dressing an apple shape is to draw the eye away from the middle and toward your chest, shoulders, and legs.
A pear body type means your hips are wider than your shoulders and bust. You have a well-defined waist and a curvy lower half. If you gain weight, it typically appears on your hips, bottom, and thighs first. Your upper body is narrower and more petite. The goal when dressing a pear shape is to balance your top and bottom half by drawing attention upward toward your shoulders and waist.
In my experience they can. Your proportions can shift with age, weight changes, pregnancy, and other life stages. For example, my shape changed a bit when I had children, then when I hit menopause. It is worth revisiting your body type every few years, especially if you notice that your usual styles are not fitting or feeling the same as they used to. The five body types remain the same. It is simply a matter of reassessing which one best describes your current shape.
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