Find your shape in two minutes
- Measure around the widest part of your shoulders (or bust), your natural waist and the widest part of your hips.
- Compare shoulders and hips: within about 5 percent of each other counts as balanced.
- Then compare the waist to both: clearly smaller means defined; similar means straight.
- No tape? Take a straight-on photo in fitted clothes and compare the widths by eye.
The five common shapes
| Shape | Typical proportions | Common goal | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pear (triangle) | Hips wider than shoulders | Balance by adding width up top | Pear guide |
| Hourglass | Shoulders and hips balanced, defined waist | Follow the waist | Hourglass guide |
| Apple (round) | Fuller middle, slimmer legs | Lengthen the torso, show the legs | Apple guide |
| Rectangle | Shoulders, waist and hips similar | Create curves or lean into clean lines | Rectangle guide |
| Inverted triangle | Shoulders wider than hips | Add volume below the waist | Inverted triangle guide |
Principles that work for every shape
- Fit beats trend. Clothes that fit at the shoulders and waist look better than any "flattering" cut that does not fit.
- Mark the waist (or where you want one) with a tuck, belt or seam.
- Use vertical lines such as open jackets, V-necks and long necklaces to lengthen.
- Put detail where you want attention, keep the rest simpler.
- Tailor one thing. Hemming trousers to your shoe height changes more than a new outfit.
Body type and age
The same principles apply at any age. What changes is usually comfort and fabric: softer structure, more stretch and better shoes. Shape can also shift over the years, so re-measure rather than dressing for the body you had a decade ago.
Let Style BFF read your proportions
Style BFF's free Style Profile estimates your body type from a photo and a short quiz, suggests silhouettes that flatter it, and applies that guidance to outfits from your own wardrobe. How body guidance works.
Sources
Related guides
What else should you know?
Is there a body type quiz?
Yes. Style BFF's Style Profile includes a body-type estimate. You can also use the two-minute measurement method above.
What if I am between two shapes?
Most people are. Read both guides and keep the advice that works for you in the mirror.
Is there a body type calculator for women?
A calculator only compares your shoulder, waist and hip measurements, as above. Style BFF's body guidance does this from a photo.