I want to start off by saying that these are not set in stone rules. These shapes have been used for a very long time to identify a persons overall shape which still today make sense but, they are no means an exact science. It is your bone structure that determines your shape. You may be a blend of various shapes a little apple and rectangle . So please keep that in mind and remember that all body types are beautiful! And regardless if you feel AMAZING wearing something that isn’t necessarily for your body shape then wear it! Okay so, with that said let’s jump in!

The first and most important thing to do is know your measurements. Knowing your body type makes building your dream wardrobe a breeze because, you know what looks good on you. If you struggle to find pieces that flatter your body, it can be hard to build your wardrobe foundation and ultimately may not feel your absolute best when what you are wearing is clashing with your figure.

So bust out your measuring tape and let’s get to it. You need to measure your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. Unless you are making clothes or having custom clothes made, you only need these four measurements to determine your body type. Make sure to stand up straight when you are measuring if you bend your body in any way it will distort your measurements. I like to measure myself in front of a mirror so I can see the numbers on the tape without moving too much.

Shoulders

Loosely wrap the tape around the very tops of your shoulders, at their broadest point above your shoulder blades. You want it to be tight enough to not slip but, not so tight you are compressing your skin. If you have help awesome but, don’t fret if not albeit sometimes tricky but, you can take all of these measurements yourself.

Bust

Here you want to stand straight and wrap the tape snugly across the fullest part of your bust. If you typically wear a bra I recommend wearing it to get the most accurate measurement

Waist

You want the measurement of your natural waist line. Do not confuse this with the waist of your pants which can vary highwaist, low waist ect. You are looking for the narrowest part of your waist, which is usually about 2” above the belly button.

Hips

You are looking for the fullest point to measure. You’ll want to wrap the tape below your hip bones, around your hips and butt.

Now that you have your measurements let’s jump into the different body shapes. There are different shapes out there used as reference for body types. The most commonly known are the apple, pear, inverted triangle, hourglass, and rectangle. Please remember this is about getting to know your body shape and if it doesn’t fit into one shape ( I mean really do any of us) that is okay! This is to be used as a reference guide to understand your body shape and ways to dress that accentuate flatter and your beautiful body!

Apple

Rounder, wider shoulder line and flattish bottom
Average to big bust
Rib cage and back appear somewhat wide
Fullness around the mid-section
Little to undefined waistline
Narrow hips
Slim limbs and nice legs
Weight gains are first visible in the central torso/tummy area.
The smallest part of your torso or waist starts higher right underneath the bust-line

Celebrity Apple Shapes

Inverted Triangle

Women with an inverted triangle body have broader shoulders than the hips.
Shoulders are noticeably wider than the hip-line
Shoulders may be straight, squared, and strong-looking
Bust can range anywhere from small to big
Little to no waist definition
Hips look straight and flat compared to broad shoulders
Bottom is rather flat
Great legs often come with this body shape
Body shape projects a sporty and athletic physique
*Triangle and Apple are very similar in the fact that they are both bigger on top.

Celebrity Inverted Triangle Shapes

Pear | Triangle

The pear body shape is characterized by a high waist, narrow shoulders, and wider hips. The weight distribution of this type of figure means that the widest part of your physique will be in your stomach area or hip line rather than around the bust or shoulders.
Your waist is wider than your bust.
You consider yourself to have fuller hips.
You have narrower shoulders in comparison to your hips.
You may, but not always have a fuller rear.
The widest part of your body is your hips and thighs.
You have a smaller waist, bust, and shoulders in comparison to your hips.
You tend to have thicker thighs.
Your waist still manages to be defined naturally because your hips are prominent.
You tend to gain weight around your lower stomach or your upper thighs.
*If you are a pear shape the goal is to create visual balance by adding fullness to your upper body.

Celebrity Pear | Inverted Triangle Shapes

Rectangle | Athletic

If your body isn't on the curvy side and your shoulders and hips are approximately the same measurements, you're likely a rectangle body shape. You may have an athletic build, or you may be a plus-size rectangle body shape, but the common trait of rectangles are shoulders and hips that are about the same width apart.
Straight shoulder line and rib cage
Bust and hips are approximately the same width
Small to average midriff
Very little to no waist definition
Straight hips and bottom
Lack of curves throughout the body frame
Weight gains typically distribute evenly throughout the body

Celebrity Rectangle | Athletic Shapes

Cameron Diaz | Jane Fonda | Meghan Markle | Jada Pinkett Smith | Kate Moss

Hour Glass

The hourglass have a well-defined waist line that is significantly smaller than your shoulders or hips.
Your waist is at least 25% smaller than your shoulder, hip and bust measurements, meaning your waist is 8 to 12 inches (or 25 to 30cm) smaller than the hip or bust measurement.
Usually a fuller bust
Bust and hip measurements are about the same.
Even when you are thin you are still have some cushion vs being bony
Slightly round shoulders
Small and defined waist
Bottom and hips are rounded with bigger thighs
Weight gains typically distribute evenly throughout the body

Celebrity Hour Glass

Sofia Vergara | Christina Hendricks | Salma Hayek | Scarlett Johansson | Sophia Loren

Hopefully now you are equipped with the tools you need to determine your body shape! You want to think about the proportion of what the shapes, lines, and prints do to your shape. Your are highlighting and contouring your silhouette with clothing and accessories. Go through your wardrobe and pull out the pieces and start playing with them. And remember at the end of the day wear what empowers you regardless of any rules or trends!

How To Determine Your Body Shape

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How To Determine Your Body Shape

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