What are the different body shapes for women?
Our physical bodies come in infinite varieties, making us as unique on the outside as we are on the inside. While these differences make each of us special, categorizing body shapes can help us tailor our activities, such as workouts, clothing choices, and hairstyles, to better suit our individual physiques.
Common Body Shapes
- Athletic
- Muscular but not curvy.
- Hip and shoulder measurements are nearly identical.
- Waist is thinner but not highly defined.
- Recommended styles: Halter, strapless, and racerback.
- Click here if you have an Athletic Body Type
- Diamond
- Wider hips than shoulders.
- Narrow bust and larger waistline.
- Upper legs may carry more weight; arms may be slender.
- Recommended styles: Flowy off-the-shoulder or boat-neck tops.
- Click here if you have Diamond Body Type
- Hourglass
- Well-defined waist.
- Hips and bust are about the same.
- Shoulders slightly rounded, proportionate legs and upper body.
- Recommended styles: Form-fitting or tailored clothing.
- Click here if you have Hourglass Body Type
- Top Hourglass
- Similar to hourglass but with a larger bust.
- Recommended styles: Jeans with bootcut or slight flare, full or A-line skirts, fitted jackets.
- Bottom Hourglass
- Similar to hourglass but with larger hips.
- Recommended styles: Form-fitting knits and dresses.
- Inverted Triangle or “Apple”
- Larger shoulders and bust with slender hips.
- Recommended styles: Tops with waist shape, open necklines, clothing that shows off legs.
- Oval or Round
- Fuller midsection, narrower hips, larger bust.
- Recommended styles: Tops that flare at the top or have vertical features.
- “Pear” or “Triangle”
- Narrower shoulders and bust than hips.
- Slim arms, well-defined waist.
- Recommended styles: Clothing that emphasizes the waistline.
- Spoon
- Larger hips than bust, similar to triangle shape.
- Cinched waist, possibly weight in upper arms and thighs.
- Recommended styles: Dresses with empire waist or “baby doll” cuts.
- Straight Rectangle or “Banana”
- Similar measurements for shoulders, bust, and hips.
- Recommended styles: Off-the-shoulder tops, tube dresses, belted waists.
Measuring Your Body
To determine your body shape, take the following measurements:
- Shoulders: With assistance, measure across your back from shoulder to shoulder.
- Bust: Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your bust.
- Waist: Measure around your natural waistline, near your belly button.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks.
Influences on Body Shape
- Bone Structure: Determines your natural shape and proportions.
- Height: Affects overall body contour.
- Genetics: Influences fat distribution and storage.
- Hormones & Stress: Hormonal changes and stress can alter fat distribution, particularly around the midsection.
Can You Reshape Your Body?
Yes, you can often reshape your body through exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle changes. Bodybuilders are a prime example of how dedication and targeted activities can significantly alter body shape.
Summary
Your body shape is just one aspect of who you are. Use these guidelines as a starting point to help you plan activities and make choices that enhance your unique physique. Remember, you control your body and its shape, not the other way around.