To determine your natural body shape, measure your bust, waist, and hips and then compare your measurements to the characteristics of different body shapes.
Here's a more detailed guide:
1. Gather Your Supplies:
- A flexible measuring tape
- A mirror
- A pen and paper (or your phone's notes app)
2. Take Your Measurements:
- Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape parallel to the ground.
- Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above your belly button. Keep the tape snug but not too tight.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks, keeping the tape parallel to the ground.
3. Identify Your Body Shape:
Compare your measurements and overall silhouette to the descriptions below. It's important to remember that body shapes are a general guide, and you may not perfectly fit into one category. It's also perfectly normal to be between body shapes!
-
Hourglass:
- Your bust and hips are roughly the same size.
- Your waist is significantly smaller (at least 8-10 inches smaller than your bust and hips).
- You have a defined waist.
-
Pear (Triangle):
- Your hips are wider than your bust.
- You have a defined waist.
-
Inverted Triangle:
- Your bust is wider than your hips.
- Your waist may be less defined.
-
Rectangle (Straight/Banana):
- Your bust, waist, and hips are roughly the same size.
- You have little to no waist definition.
-
Apple (Round):
- Your waist is wider than your hips.
- You tend to carry weight around your midsection.
- Your bust and shoulders might be broader.
Table of Body Shapes and Characteristics:
| Body Shape | Bust | Waist | Hips | Overall Silhouette |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourglass | Balanced | Defined & Narrow | Balanced | Curvy, balanced |
| Pear (Triangle) | Smaller | Defined | Wider | Bottom-heavy |
| Inverted Triangle | Wider | Less Defined | Smaller | Top-heavy |
| Rectangle | Similar Size | Similar Size | Similar Size | Straight |
| Apple (Round) | Larger | Wider | Smaller/Equal | Round, midsection focus |
Important Considerations:
- Weight Fluctuations: Your body shape can appear to change with weight gain or loss. The underlying structure remains, but fat distribution can alter the silhouette.
- Age: As you age, your body shape may naturally change due to hormonal shifts and changes in muscle mass and fat distribution.
- Individual Variation: Everyone's body is unique! Don't get too hung up on perfectly fitting a label. Use the guidelines to understand your proportions and choose clothing that flatters your figure.
Understanding your body shape can help you choose clothing styles that accentuate your best features and create a balanced silhouette. It's about knowing your body and dressing in a way that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
