All Body Shapes: Complete Reference Guide
Every body shape explained in one place. Compare the 5 main body types side by side with characteristics, percentages, and styling strategies.
Short Answer
There are 5 main body shapes: rectangle (46% of women), pear (20%), apple (14%), inverted triangle (12%), and hourglass (8%). These categories are based on the ratio between your shoulder, waist, and hip measurements, as established by the FFIT research methodology.
The 5 Main Body Shapes at a Glance
Each body shape is defined by the proportional relationship between your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. Here is a quick summary of all five types.
Rectangle
46%Also called: Banana, Straight
Shoulders, waist, and hips are similar widths
View full guide →Quick Comparison Table
| Shape | % of Women | Shoulders | Waist | Hips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rectangle | 46% | Medium | Undefined | Similar to shoulders |
| Pear | 20% | Narrow | Defined | Wide |
| Apple | 14% | Medium to broad | Widest point | Narrower than bust |
| Inverted Triangle | 12% | Broad | Medium | Narrow |
| Hourglass | 8% | Proportional to hips | Well-defined (10+ inches smaller than hips) | Proportional to bust |
Detailed Breakdown of Each Shape
Rectangle Body Shape
46% of womenThe rectangle shape has a balanced, athletic silhouette where the shoulders, waist, and hips are roughly the same width. The waist is less than 9 inches smaller than the hips, creating a straight up-and-down appearance.
Key Measurements
Styling goal: Create the illusion of curves with belted waists, peplum tops, and wrap dresses.
Pear Body Shape
20% of womenThe pear shape features hips that are noticeably wider than the shoulders and bust. Women with this shape tend to carry weight in their lower body including the thighs and buttocks, while maintaining a slender upper frame.
Key Measurements
Styling goal: Balance proportions by adding volume on top and streamlining the bottom half.
Apple Body Shape
14% of womenThe apple shape carries weight primarily in the midsection, with a fuller bust and a waist that is wider than both the shoulders and hips. Women with this shape often have slender legs and a flatter rear.
Key Measurements
Styling goal: Draw attention to legs and neckline while skimming the midsection with structured fabrics.
Inverted Triangle Body Shape
12% of womenThe inverted triangle has shoulders and bust that are wider than the hips. Common among swimmers and athletes, this shape features a strong upper body and a narrower lower half.
Key Measurements
Styling goal: Add volume to the lower body with flared skirts and wide-leg pants to balance broad shoulders.
Hourglass Body Shape
8% of womenThe hourglass is the rarest body shape, where the bust and hips are roughly equal with a significantly smaller waist. This creates a dramatic curve that is often considered the classic feminine silhouette.
Key Measurements
Styling goal: Highlight your natural curves with fitted silhouettes and defined waistlines.
How the Classification System Works
The body shape categories used throughout the fashion and styling industry originate from the Female Figure Identification Technique (FFIT), developed by researchers at North Carolina State University. Their landmark study analyzed the measurements of over 6,000 women to create an objective, measurement-based classification system.
The FFIT Methodology
FFIT uses three primary measurement ratios to categorize body shapes:
Bust-to-Hip Ratio
Compares your bust circumference to your hip circumference. Equal ratios suggest hourglass or rectangle; larger bust suggests inverted triangle; larger hips suggest pear.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio
The difference between your waist and hip measurements. A difference of 10+ inches indicates an hourglass shape, while less than 9 inches suggests rectangle.
Shoulder-to-Hip Ratio
How your shoulder width compares to your hip width. Broader shoulders indicate inverted triangle; narrower shoulders relative to hips indicate pear.
This system is used by personal stylists, fashion designers, and body shape calculators worldwide. It provides an objective framework that removes subjectivity from body shape assessment.
Which Shape Am I?
Determining your body shape requires just three measurements: bust, waist, and hips. Here is a simplified decision guide to help you identify where you fall among all body shapes:
If your hips are 5+ inches wider than your bust: You are likely a pear shape.
If your bust is 5+ inches wider than your hips: You are likely an inverted triangle.
If your waist is 10+ inches smaller than both bust and hips: You are likely an hourglass.
If your waist is your widest measurement: You are likely an apple shape.
If your measurements are fairly similar throughout: You are likely a rectangle shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many body shapes are there?
The most widely accepted classification identifies 5 main body shapes: rectangle, pear (triangle), apple (round), hourglass, and inverted triangle. Some systems add sub-categories like top hourglass or bottom hourglass, but these 5 cover the vast majority of body types.
What is the most common body shape?
The rectangle body shape is the most common, with research from North Carolina State University showing approximately 46% of women fall into this category. The pear shape follows at around 20%, then apple at 14%, inverted triangle at 12%, and hourglass at 8%.
Can you have a combination of two body shapes?
Yes, many women fall between two body shape categories. Body shape classification uses measurement ratios, and if your ratios are close to the threshold between two shapes, you may identify with characteristics of both. This is completely normal and does not affect how you can style yourself.
Who created the body shape classification system?
The most widely cited classification comes from the Female Figure Identification Technique (FFIT) developed by researchers at North Carolina State University. Their study of over 6,000 women established the measurement-based categories used by stylists and fashion professionals today.
Does weight affect your body shape type?
Your body shape is determined by your skeletal structure and where your body naturally stores fat, not by your weight. A woman can be any size and still be a pear, rectangle, apple, hourglass, or inverted triangle. Weight changes may shift proportions slightly but rarely change your core body shape.
Which body shape is best for fashion?
Every body shape can look stunning in the right clothing. The fashion industry has historically designed around the hourglass silhouette, but modern fashion increasingly caters to all body types. The key is understanding your proportions and choosing cuts, colors, and styles that complement your natural shape.
Body shape classification based on the FFIT methodology and measurement ratios. Percentages cited from peer-reviewed research.Learn about our methodology
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