Have you ever wondered why you can’t pull off a mermaid-style dress or a ruffled top? Well, the answer might be in your silhouette. So if you’re ready to learn how to dress for your body type, measure, and recognize other types, welcome to my latest guide.
Female and male body types are so diverse that it’s hard just to label them with a shape. However, certain body type basics can help you place yours in a particular category and learn how to use your figure to enhance the best features. So let’s start with the shapes you have to know about.
What Are The Female Body Shapes?
Every woman has a different body type, so how would you even determine yours? Actually, there is a list of common body shapes that are historically known and often used. However, since all of us are so unique and different, each category has numerous variations and subcategories that are not mentioned as commonly. Aside from apple, rectangle, hourglass, inverted triangle, and pear, don’t be surprised if you hear about diamond, petite, spoon, oval body shape, etc. My goal is to get you more familiar with the five common shapes, teach you how to measure yourself, and see which designs work best for your body.
Apple body types are only present among around 14% of women. These ladies are usually larger in the upper body area and the midriff. Their arms might be thin, but because of the broad shoulders and mid-section, they have less definition in the bottom part of the body. Some women that have been blessed with an apple shape are prone to gaining weight around the midriff, while the others will appear that their weight is concentrated in that part because of the apple figure.
A pear-shaped body is the opposite of an apple-shaped body. These girls typically flaunt a larger bottom and legs, complemented with narrow shoulders. Visually, their upper body part is smaller than the lower and most commonly accompanied with a fuller behind.
An inverted triangle body shape features shoulders that are broader than the hips. Inverted triangles are often referred to as athletic body types because women of this shape have an athletic appearance. The transition from waist to hips is balanced, and generally, these ladies don’t have a well-defined waist.
Rectangle shapes have a well-balanced figure, with hips and bust that are approximately the same width. Ladies who flaunt this body shape don’t have too much definition in terms of curves and a defined waist; however, they can have a curvy bottom, but you might not notice it when looking from the front. Rectangular bodies are sometimes referred to as athletic, together with the previous body type.
An hourglass body shape is one of the rarest and most desirable among ladies. Although all body shapes are gorgeous and should be praised, this one is highly wished-for because of its balanced proportions. Women with an hourglass shape have a narrow waist and hips and bust with almost the exact measurements. This curvy figure is a blessing because most ladies that fall in this category have a fuller bust and bottom.
How To Determine Your Body Shape And Dress Accordingly?
Although all female body types are beautiful, it’s really useful to know what works best for yours and how to dress accordingly to take the attention away from parts you don’t want to be front and center. For example, it’s common knowledge that vertical stripes will make you appear taller and dark shades will make you look taller. But, adapting your personal style to enhance your assets requires a little more knowledge. Below you’ll learn how to dress for your body type and which measurements you need to take.
- Shoulders- The easiest way to measure your shoulders is by asking someone else to do it. The person helping you should place the measuring tape on the tip of one shoulder and take it all the way around to the tip of the other shoulder, finishing at the first shoulder tip.
- Hips- Hip measurements are slightly easier to take since you can do them yourself. Place the tape on one of your hip bones, on the fullest spot of your behind. Then, take the tape all around until it reaches back to the same hip bone.
- Bust- For this part, you need to measure the fullest area of your bust. Wrap the measuring tape around that area, covering the entire circumference.
- Waist- To measure your waist, ensure that you’re standing in a straight position. Next, measure the smallest part of the waist, right below the rib cage. The tape should be located above the belly button.
Apple
If your shoulder measurements are bigger than your hip measurements, you probably fall in the apple body category. When it comes to dress options, look for ones with flowy, flared bottoms and printed summer dresses that will add volume to your bottom part. Opt for tops with V-neckline, long sleeves,and go for layered looks with fun jackets. Waist belts, dresses, and pants that cinch the waist are your worst enemy because they will have a counter effect. You should also avoid tight-fit shirts, horizontal stripes in the middle section, and scoop necklines.
Pear
A pear figure is wider in the hip area and narrower in the shoulders, so those are the measurements that will help you determine if you’re a pear-shaped beauty.
The pear-shaped curvaceous ladies need to work on making their figure more balanced by adding volume to the upper body part. One of the best ways is to pair a push-up bra with sweetheart necklines. Stay away from pencil skirts and skinny jeans unless your goal is to accentuate your bottom. Instead, choose pants and skirts in dark colors that will slim your legs and behind. Your best bet is a padded shoulder top, dresses, and tops decorated with ruffles, V-necklines, brighter colors, prints, eye-catching patterns for your tops, etc.
Inverted Triangle
Inverted triangle body types need a little extra oomph in the bottom part because their hip measurement is smaller than their shoulders. To add that volume, you can try on a pair of jeans with wide legs, wide skirts, flirty, flowy dresses with a wide bottom part, with patterns, layers, and prints. For the top part, stick to V-neck openings, monochrome styles, and simple designs. Since you need most of the attention to the narrower hips, avoid wearing prints, layers, and extra volume to the top section.
Rectangular
When measuring a rectangle-shaped body, you’ll notice that the hips are between one and eight inches wider than the waist. However, the shoulder and hips measurements will be approximately the same, and you’ll be able to draw a straight line from the shoulders to the hips.
The idea of dressing a rectangular body is to create a curvy silhouette by cinching your waist. Opt for wide belts that add that illusion and use them with tops, dresses, and long jackets. Try to add some texture in the top and bottom parts with layers, embellished pieces, A-line skirts, high-waisted jeans, ruffles, and prints. Ensure to show off your slim arms and legs in mini skirts and sleeveless tops. Stay away from baggy styles and boyfriend cuts.
Hourglass
The hourglass figure is to die for! If you measure your hips and bust, they will be the same size, while your waist will be significantly smaller.
When you have beautiful curves, flaunt them in body-tight dresses, pencil skirts, mermaid dresses. Then, enhance your biggest asset- the narrow waist with high-waisted skirts, pants, jeans. Finally, for tops, choose scoop neck openings, tight fits, and plunging V-necklines. Wearing shapeless styles, baggy clothes, oversized dresses, baby doll dresses is not a good idea if you’re a curvy lady.
Conclusion
Although categorizing bodies is so last year, knowing more about your body silhouette and shape will help you dress accordingly. Once you measure your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips, you can easily figure out the tops, dresses, jeans, pants, and skirts that will take your attire to a whole new level. Each type has its own beauties; now it’s your turn to use the best of what you have. Following the latest fashion trends while feeling great in your body will be much easier now that you have gone over our detailed style guide for all the body types.
