What is a Kibbe body type

What is a Kibbe body type?

A Kibbe body type is one of 13 style identities from David Kibbe’s 1987 book Metamorphosis. Instead of comparing hip and waist measurements, Kibbe looks at the balance of yin (soft, curved, small) and yang (sharp, long, angular) in your bone structure and flesh. The types fall into Dramatic, Natural, Classic, Gamine and Romantic families, each with recommended lines and fabrics.

Updated 2026-10-29

The 13 types

Dramatic: Dramatic, Soft Dramatic.
Natural: Flamboyant Natural, Natural, Soft Natural.
Classic: Dramatic Classic, Classic, Soft Classic.
Gamine: Flamboyant Gamine, Gamine, Soft Gamine.
Romantic: Theatrical Romantic, Romantic.

Kibbe versus body shape

Body-shape systems (pear, apple, hourglass) describe proportions. Kibbe describes overall line and essence, so two people with the same measurements can be different Kibbe types. How do I know my body type?

The 13 types

Kibbe versus body shape

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