How To Determine Your Body Shape
Grab a pen, paper, and a tape measure! Today’s the day you figure out your body shape! Knowing your body shape will make a HUGE difference in the way you shop for clothes, get dressed in the morning, and see yourself! When you know your body shape, you can learn how to dress in the most flattering ways. There are 5 main body shapes. But remember, no two bodies are alike! You don’t need to fit in ONE body shape category. You may be a combination of both. This is just a starting point for you to get a better understanding of your shape! You can also watch the videos below for more helpful tips!
Measurements
There are four measurements you’ll need to take to determine your body shape. First, get dressed in something minimal like a camisole or lightly padded bra. You can take the measurements yourself or have a spouse or friend help you. Tip: As you’re measuring, make sure there is no drooping or slack in the tape to get the most accurate measurement.
Shoulders – This should be taken as high up on your shoulders as you can get without actually slipping off your shoulders
Bust – Measure at the fullest or widest part of your chest
Waist – Measure wherever the smallest part of your waist is. This may or may not be around the belly button area.
Hips – Measure the fullest part of your hips…this isn’t necessarily at your hip bone.
Size Charts
Now…why do we need these measurements!? Knowing these will also help you shop only more easily. This will help minimize returns and save you time and money! On most (if not all) online retail sites, there is an option to view the size chart for an item. Take your measurements and cross-reference them with the size chart to figure out exactly what size you need to order! When in doubt or in between size, I always size up! Remember that petite, tall, different sites, and brands, all have different size charts so make sure you check!
Body Shapes
Now to the exciting stuff…actually determining your body shape! Below, you’ll find the five body shapes. Use the measurements you took and decide which one (or two) you fit in!
#1 | Inverted Triangle
In general: Your shoulder and bust measurement will be bigger than your hip measurement.
Looking at the numbers: If your shoulder measurement is larger than your hips by 2 inches or more. Or your bust measurement is larger than your hips by 4 inches or more.
Watch my video on how to dress an inverted triangle shape here.
#2 | Triangle
In general: If your hip measurement is larger than your shoulder and bust measurements. By the way…this is the most common body shape among women!
Looking at the numbers: If your hip measurement is bigger than your shoulder measurement by 2 inches or more. Or bigger than your bust measurement by 4 inches or more.
Watch my video on how to dress a triangle shape here.
#3 | Circle
In general: Your waist is your largest measurement.
Looking at the numbers: If your waist is larger than bust, waist, or hips by 2 or more inches.
Watch my video on how to dress a circle shape here.
#4 | Rectangle
This is what body shape I am! My hip, shoulder, waist, and bust measurements are all about the same.
In general: You don’t have a ton of definition in your waist.
Looking at the numbers: If your waist measurement is not 8 inches less than your bust, shoulders, or hips.
Watch my video on how to dress a rectangle shape here.
#5 | Hourglass
In general: You have similar measurements in your shoulders, bust, and hips. But the waist measurement IS clearly defined.
Looking at the numbers: Your waist measures 8 or more inches less than your other measurements.
Watch my video on how to dress an hourglass shape here.
Long or Short Waisted
Knowing if you’re long or short-waisted is another super helpful thing to know! To find out which one you are, stack your hands on top of each other (with palms facing toward you), place them under your bust, and see where your hands are compared to your belly button.
If your lower hand completely covers or goes past your belly button, you’re short-waisted.
If your lower hand is above your belly button, your long-waisted.
And, if your lower hand is right at the belly button, you’re proportionate.
Make sure you watch my videos on how to dress a short torso and a long torso!
Do you still have questions about how to determine your body shape or aren’t sure what your measurements are telling you? Please ask away in the comments below!
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