Welcome to our complete guide on women’s body types. Knowing your body type can really change the way you wear clothes and help you make better fashion decisions that will flatter your physique. Whether it’s your first time or your millionth, this article will show you how to measure your body shape and use clothes to flatter your figure.
The Importance of Understanding Body Shape
Knowing and understanding your body shape is important as this helps you pick out clothes that will show off your best assets and conceal the problem areas. By understanding your body shape, you will spend less time searching for the ideal outfit and are able to wear any outfit with confidence. It doesn’t matter whether you’re trying to determine your body shape or find the best fashion styles for it. Understanding the proportions of your figure is very important when it comes to improving the style of your wardrobe.
What Are the Main Types of Women’s Body Shapes?
Let’s explore the five main types of women’s body shapes and the distinct characteristics of each
The Hourglass Figure – In this case, the bust and the hips are well-proportioned but the waist is smaller.Â
The Pear – Triangle shape- The bottom half (hips) extends more compared to the upper half (bust).Â
The Rectangle Shape – Where bust, waist and hips are more or less of same size.Â
The Apple figure – It has a wider torso and full mid-syncing.Â
Inverted Triangle – Broad shoulders slim waist in some proportions or thin hips.
Once you know your body shape, you’ll be able to choose clothes that enhance your natural curves
How to Identify Your Body Shape
The Steps You Take to Figure Out Your Shape:Â
Measure your bust, waist, and hips using a soft measuring tape for accurate results.
Use a soft measuring tape in order to obtain the measurements accurately. Ensure the tape is even and firm, but not too tight
Analyze the contrast of your shapes: note the dimensions between your bust, waist, and hips to see which shape you belong to.
- Hourglass: Bust and hips measurements are almost the same size except the waist which is much smaller.
- Pear: The reverse is true for the bust which is smaller than the waist.
- Rectangle: Here the bust waist and hips are almost equal in dimension.
- Apple: The waist of this body shape is not emphasised and the stomach is rounder.
- Inverted Triangle: An upper body which is heavier than the rest of the body.
What Do Measurements Signify For All Body Shapes:
For instance, If the hips are wider as compared to the shoulders and the bust, the figure is a typical pear shape.
If there is an equal proportion of shoulders and hips but a smaller waist, then the shape is most likely an hourglass figure.
If the dimensions of bust, waist and hips are nearly of the same measurements, the figure is most probably a rectangle shape.
Hourglass Body Shape: Characteristics and Styling Tips
How to style an Hourglass Figure: This body shape consists of well-proportioned curves and therefore such features ought to be embellished.
Styling tips:
Wear clothes hugging the body and emphasize the waist with a designated piece of cloth, and dresses with belts and fitted tops.
Wear pencil skirts and structured pants along with high waisted dresses and trousers.
Never wear ill-fitting clothes which will conceal your shapes.
Essential Fashion Considerations:
Sheath type of dresses
Jackets with neat cinches
Belts casual pants
Pear Body Shape: Characteristics and Styling Tips
How to Dress a Pear Figure: In case the body shape is a pear, the widest section is located at the lower side, at the hips as opposed to the shoulders. The idea is to create visual interest on the upper body while proportioning the lower body as well.
Styling Tips:
Wear tops that have prints, ruffles, or other decorations to the shoulders and bust.
Aren’t A-line skirts and dresses also a great aid in balancing the lower body.
Wide pants that are cut loose starting at the hips.
Dos and Don’ts for Pear Body Shape:
Do: Pick a tailored fitted coat that has shoulder pads for that dramatic look.
Don’t: Wear any wrap hugging sheath or a skirt that focuses strongly on the contours of the hips.
Rectangle Body Shape: Definition and Dressing Recommendations
When one has a rectangle body shape, the bust, waist, and hips measurements are almost equal. The secret is in creating curves where there are none by enhancing and contouring the waist.
Some tips for dressing include the following:
Wear belts and other such accessories to give these dresses or tops shape or hug the waist.
Consider peplum t-shirts and dresses which are lengths such that they are wider at the bottom.
Also consider wearing high waisted skirts or trousers which are quite forgiving on the waistline.
Essential Clothing Items for Rectangle Body Shape:
Dresses with a straps
Peplum blouses
High waisted wide legged pants
Apple Body Shape: Characteristics and Styling Tips
Apple Body Shape: Structure and Appearance Influence Apples are rather strong and have lots of width in the central part with an almost invisible waist.
They contain a thick trunk with less peculiarity with the waist. The central aim is to draw the onlookers attention to the limbs especially the extremities while hiding the center core with clothes.
Styling Tips:
Go for georgette or chiffon tops with loose drapes that fall below the waist.
A-line skirts/dresses create an even proportionate figure.
V-neck tops will create the illusion of length from neck to waist and distract the focus from the waist itself.
Fashion Do and Don’ts:
Do: Make use of longer line underwear to even it out.
Don’t: Body hugging tops particularly around the abdomen.
Inverted Triangle Body Shape: Characteristics and Styling Tips
Dressing an Inverted Triangle Figure: In case you possess broader shoulders in juxtaposition to your hips which are on the narrow side, then you belong to an inverted triangle figure.
The intention here includes balancing one’s proportions by diverting the attention to the lower half, thereby enhancing its appeal.
Some Styling Tips:
Pair flared skirts and wide-leg pants for a fuller look at the hips.
Tops should be selected with an emphasis on the shoulder region as being bare.
A-line dresses and skirts are also good embraces also because they help create a fuller lower half.
What Looks Best for the Inverted Triangle Shape:
Wear flared skirts and wide-legged trousers.
Use V-necklines to tone down the look of broad shoulders.
FAQs About Women’s Body Shapes
How can I know the shape of my body in the most accurate way?
To get the best answer to that question take possible measurements of three most important levels: bust size, waistline and hip girth.
Evaluate proportions on the measure and define to what type of figure does this body shape belongs.
Can one’s body shape change and improve with age?
Yes, of course! Such changes in a body shape don’t come from mere age but may come due to pregnancy or changes in lifestyle as well. You have to update your sense of style to the present one in spite of the changes in the shapes.
What if I don’t fit perfectly into one body shape category?
Most females display a mixture of different body shape features. Pay attention to the key elements of your shape that might be emphasised through the choice of garments and what will look good with you.
Conclusion: Embrace Your Shape and Style with Confidence
Knowing your body shape can change the game when it comes to shopping. Knowing your measurements and dressing according to them will help you feel much more self confident and also help you look your best at all times. Propagate this manual to people who need to understand their body shape and while you are at it, remember to sign up for our newsletter for more shape specific dressing tips.
Having learnt the various body shapes and how to style each of them, it’s now time to start creating that wardrobe that will make you feel great!
