Identifing your body shape: Women

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and there is no “perfect” body shape. In fact, the ideal body shape may change based on what celebrities are hot at the moment, what country you are in, or even runway trends. We all come in different shapes and sizes. One year your hourglass figure may be “in” the next, it might be all about the pears. Having a good understanding of your body shape and proportions, is the first step in looking your best. From there, you will be able to identify the best clothing for your body, and also how to manipulate your shape.

So, how do I determine my body shape?

The easiest way is to stand in front of a full length mirror, and observe the relationship between your shoulders, hips and waist. Tip: Be sure the mirror is standing straight, or attached to the wall. A leaning mirror may distort your true shape. This relationship will help you determine which of the six body types you fall into. Keep in mind that the six body shapes outlined below are a guide, and not everyone fits definitively into one category or another. You may be a mix of two shapes, or your shape might even change based on where you gain or lose weight.

Triangle (aka Pear)

Identifiers:

  • The width of your chest is proportionately narrower than your hips.
  • You typically have narrow shoulders
  • The bottom half of your body is generally fuller. (Hips, thighs, butt)

Inverted Triangle

Identifiers:

  • Proportionally large bust and/ or broad shoulders
  • Narrow hips and slim legs

Hourglass

Identifiers:

  • Bustline and hip-line measurements are equal, with a well defined waist
  • Typically, the top and bottom halves of your body are equal

Oval (aka Apple or rounded)

Identifiers:

  • An overall round appearance, with and undefined waistline
  • Wide hips and full thighs
  • You may have a large low sitting stomach

Diamond (also known as an apple)

Identifiers:

  • Same as the oval listed above, however you typically have a large high sitting stomach. Giving the appearance of a diamond.

Rectangle (Aka Boyish)

Identifiers:

  • Bustline and hipline measurements are equal, with little or no definition to the waist.
  • Proportionately slim legs and arms
  • The appearance of having no hips.

 

 bodyshapes

Related posts:

Vogue Germany and Vogue India 2009 Covers
The Working Girls Guide to Winter clothes.
Look of the Day: Shenae Grimes

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  1. [...] This post originally appeared on the site on Sept. 17, 2009. And as I get my September issues in the mail, I think it appropriate to get on my soap box again and tell the glossies that PETITE IS A SIZE, NOT A SHAPE!!!! the same thing holds true for “Plus SIZE.” Being petite (Under 5’4) I get very frustrated that huge magazines don’t get this right. While they do offer great tips for petites and plus sizes, it is misleading. Body shape is the key influences in choosing the most flattering fit and style of clothing. To help you identify your body shape check out this post. [...]

  2. [...] The Style Aficionado » Identifing your body shape: Women [...]

  3. [...] Identifing your body shape: Women [...]

  4. [...] a triangle. Confusing right? Check out my post on body types to figure all that out. Find them Here and [...]

  5. [...] we covered the women, now for the men. I know guys get left out of the mix quite often when it comes to fashion talk, [...]



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