Are you constantly confused about your body shape? Do you wonder how to determine your figure type? With so many different shapes and sizes, it can be overwhelming to know where you fit in. But fear not, because figuring out your body shape is easier than you think. By taking a few simple measurements and comparing them to common body types, you can gain a better understanding of your unique figure. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of identifying your figure type, so you can feel confident and stylish in your own skin.

Understanding Body Types

Identifying the Basic Types

When it comes to identifying your figure type, it’s important to first understand the basic types that exist. These include the hourglass, apple, pear, rectangle, and inverted triangle.

Hourglass

The hourglass figure is characterized by a narrow waist and wider hips, giving the appearance of an hourglass shape. This figure type is often associated with curves and is considered to be the most feminine of all the body types.

Apple

The apple figure is characterized by a larger upper body, with wider shoulders and a smaller lower body. This figure type is often associated with a pear-shaped torso and thinner legs.

Pear

The pear figure is characterized by a smaller upper body and larger lower body, with wider hips and thinner legs. This figure type is often associated with an hourglass shape, but with less definition in the waist area.

Rectangle

The rectangle figure is characterized by a straight up and down body shape, with little to no curves. This figure type is often associated with a boyish or androgynous appearance.

Inverted Triangle

The inverted triangle figure is characterized by broad shoulders and a narrow waist, with a larger lower body. This figure type is often associated with a masculine appearance.

Assessing Yourself

One of the most important steps in understanding your figure type is to assess yourself. This involves taking accurate measurements of your body, analyzing your shape, and paying attention to how different clothing styles look on you.

Key Body Measurements

The first step in assessing yourself is to take accurate measurements of your body. These measurements will give you a better understanding of your proportions and help you identify your key measurements. Some of the most important measurements to take include:

• Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape measure level and parallel to the ground.
• Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of your waist, keeping the tape measure level and parallel to the ground.
• Hip: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, keeping the tape measure level and parallel to the ground.
• Shoulder: Measure from the top of your shoulder, down to your armhole, and then horizontally across your shoulder blade.
• Sleeve: Measure from your shoulder to your wrist.

Shape Analysis

Once you have taken your key measurements, it’s time to analyze your shape. This involves looking at your body as a whole and identifying any distinctive features, such as a defined waist or broad shoulders.

For example, if you have a defined waist and broad shoulders, you may have an hourglass figure. On the other hand, if you have a more rectangular shape, with little definition in your waist or hips, you may have an apple-shaped body.

Clothing Styles

Finally, pay attention to how different clothing styles look on you. This can give you a better understanding of your figure type and help you identify what styles flatter your body.

For example, if you have an hourglass figure, you may find that form-fitting dresses and tops highlight your curves, while if you have an apple-shaped body, you may find that looser, more flowing clothing is more flattering.

Overall, assessing yourself is an important step in understanding your figure type. By taking accurate measurements, analyzing your shape, and paying attention to how different clothing styles look on you, you can gain a better understanding of your body and make more informed choices about your wardrobe.

Body Shape Influences Fashion Choices

Clothing for Hourglass Figures

When it comes to fashion, knowing your figure type is crucial in making the right choices. If you have an hourglass figure, you are in luck as this body type is often considered the most flattering. An hourglass figure has a defined waist, with the bust and hips proportionate to the waist.

Dresses and skirts are a staple for hourglass figures as they elongate the legs and emphasize the waist. A-line dresses and skirts are particularly flattering as they create the illusion of an hourglass figure. Additionally, dresses with a cinched waist draw attention to the hourglass shape.

Tops and blouses should be fitted at the bust and then loosely fitted through the waist and hips. This creates the illusion of a smaller waist and emphasizes the hourglass shape. Tops with a bow at the waist also draw attention to the hourglass figure.

Accentuating the waist is key for hourglass figures. High-waisted pants and skirts, or tops with a belted waist, create the illusion of a smaller waist and emphasize the hourglass shape.

In conclusion, an hourglass figure is considered one of the most flattering figure types, and with the right clothing choices, it can be accentuated even more. Dresses and skirts that elongate the legs and emphasize the waist, tops and blouses that are fitted at the bust and loosely fitted through the waist and hips, and accentuating the waist with high-waisted pants and skirts or tops with a belted waist are all great choices for hourglass figures.

Clothing for Apple Figures

Apple figures are characterized by their defined waistline and curvaceous upper body. When it comes to dressing for this figure type, it’s important to choose clothing that highlights the upper body while creating the illusion of a smaller waistline. Here are some tips for dressing for an apple figure:

• Dressing for the upper body: Apple figures have a larger bust and shoulders, so it’s important to choose tops and dresses that are cut to flatter these areas. Avoid clothing that emphasizes the midsection, such as tight-fitting or tube tops, as they can create the appearance of a larger waistline. Instead, opt for tops that are cut to enhance the bust and shoulders, such as sweetheart necklines, scoop necks, and V-necks.
• A-line dresses and skirts: A-line dresses and skirts are a great choice for apple figures as they create the illusion of a smaller waistline while highlighting the upper body. These dresses and skirts are cut to flatter the hips and thighs, creating a more balanced look.
• Tops and blouses: When choosing tops and blouses, apple figures should look for those that add volume to the upper body, such as billowy blouses, ruffled tops, and oversized sweaters. These tops can help balance out the proportions of an apple figure by creating the illusion of a smaller waistline. Additionally, choosing tops with intricate detailing, such as lace or embroidery, can add visual interest to the upper body and draw attention away from the midsection.

Clothing for Pear Figures

Pear figures are characterized by a lower half that is fuller than the upper half. When choosing clothing, it is important to balance the proportions of the body to create a more flattering look. Here are some tips for dressing a pear figure:

• Balancing the lower half: To balance out the lower half of a pear figure, it is important to wear clothes that emphasize the waist. High-waisted pants, skirts, and dresses can help to create the illusion of a smaller waist and draw attention away from the hips.
• Tops and blouses: Tops and blouses that are cut for a loose, boxy shape can help to balance out the proportions of a pear figure. Avoid tops that are too tight or clingy, as they can emphasize the lower half of the body.
• A-line dresses and skirts: A-line dresses and skirts are a great choice for pear figures, as they create the illusion of a smaller waist and draw attention away from the hips. These types of garments also create the appearance of a more balanced silhouette.

Clothing for Rectangle Figures

As a rectangle figure, you have a boyish or androgynous body shape, characterized by a straight or slightly inverted triangle body shape. To flatter your figure, it’s important to create curves and avoid clothing that emphasizes your shoulders or waist. Here are some tips on what to wear:

Tops and Blouses

• Opt for tops and blouses that add volume and texture to your upper body, such as those with ruffles, bows, or pleats.
• Avoid clothing that emphasizes your shoulders, such as shoulder pads or tops with darts, as this can create an unflattering silhouette.
• Choose tops with V-necks or scoop necks to elongate your neck and draw attention away from your shoulders.

A-line Dresses and Skirts

• A-line dresses and skirts are ideal for rectangle figures as they create the illusion of curves and add volume to your hips and thighs.
• Avoid clothing that is too tight or form-fitting, as this can accentuate your lack of curves.
• Opt for dresses and skirts with patterns or colors that draw attention to your lower body, such as vertical stripes or bold floral prints.

By following these tips, you can create a flattering and feminine silhouette that accentuates your natural beauty and unique features.

Clothing for Inverted Triangle Figures

• Balancing the upper body
  Inverted triangle figures typically have a narrower shoulder area and wider hips, creating an inverted triangle shape. When choosing clothing, it’s essential to balance out the upper body by drawing attention away from the shoulders and emphasizing the waistline. One way to achieve this is by wearing tops with ruffles, pleats, or a belted waistline, which can create the illusion of a wider shoulder area and define the waistline.
• V-necklines
  V-necklines are a great choice for inverted triangle figures as they can draw attention away from the shoulders and create the illusion of a longer, leaner neck. This type of neckline can also help to balance out the upper body by elongating the neck and drawing the eye down towards the waistline.
• A-line dresses and skirts
  A-line dresses and skirts are a versatile choice for inverted triangle figures as they can create the illusion of a balanced figure. The A-line shape is designed to skim over the hips and thighs, creating a flattering silhouette that can balance out the narrower shoulders. When choosing an A-line dress or skirt, look for one that is fitted at the waist and flares out towards the hips, which can help to define the waistline and create the illusion of a more balanced figure.

FAQs

1. What is a figure type?

A figure type refers to the shape and proportions of a person’s body. It is determined by factors such as genetics, body composition, and lifestyle habits.

2. How can I determine my figure type?

One way to determine your figure type is to look at your body shape in the mirror. You can also compare your measurements to standard figure types, such as hourglass, pear, or apple.

3. What are the different figure types?

There are many different figure types, including hourglass, pear, apple, and athletic. Each type has its own unique characteristics and may be more or less common depending on genetics and lifestyle habits.

4. Is it possible to change my figure type?

In some cases, it may be possible to change your figure type through diet and exercise. However, it’s important to remember that genetics play a role in determining body shape, and some people may not be able to achieve a drastic change in their figure type.

5. Can clothing choices affect my figure type?

Yes, clothing choices can affect the way your figure type is perceived. For example, certain cuts of clothing may flatter a pear-shaped body more than an apple-shaped body. It’s important to choose clothing that flatters your unique figure type and makes you feel confident.

How to determine your body type | How to take your measurements | Justine Leconte