Apple Body Shape: The Complete Guide

The Short Answer

The apple body shape carries weight primarily around the midsection, with a fuller bust and less defined waist. About 14% of women have this shape according to the SizeUSA study. Apple shapes are best flattered by V-necklines, empire waists, and A-line silhouettes.

What Is the Apple Body Shape?

The apple body shape, sometimes called the round or O-shape, is one of the five primary female body types. Women with an apple shape carry weight predominantly in their upper body and midsection, while their lower body—hips, thighs, and legs—tends to be proportionally slimmer.

According to the SizeUSA body scan study, approximately 14% of women have an apple body shape. This shape is also the one most likely to develop as women age, particularly during and after menopause, when hormonal changes redirect fat storage toward the abdominal area.

Key Characteristics of the Apple Shape

Understanding your specific apple characteristics helps you make smarter clothing choices. Here are the defining features:

Upper Body

• Fuller bust and chest area
• Broad or medium shoulders
• Weight gathers around upper back
• Arms may carry some fullness

Midsection

• Less defined natural waist
• Waist is widest part of torso
• Rounder tummy area
• Ribcage may be wider

Lower Body

• Narrower hips relative to bust
• Flatter buttocks
• Slimmer thighs and calves
• Proportionally lean legs

Proportions

• Bust ≥ hip measurement
• Waist close to bust size
• Shoulder width ≥ hips
• Weight concentrated above hips

How to Identify if You Have an Apple Shape

To confirm whether you have an apple body shape, take three measurements while standing in front of a mirror wearing fitted clothing:

1. Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest
2. Waist: Measure at the narrowest point of your natural waist (or the widest point if no clear indentation)
3. Hips: Measure around the widest part of your hips and buttocks

If your bust measurement is larger than your hips and your waist measurement is within a few inches of your bust, you likely have an apple shape. The waist-to-hip ratio for apple shapes is typically 0.85 or higher.

Not Sure About Your Shape?

Our body shape calculator uses your measurements to determine your exact body type in under 60 seconds. No guesswork needed.

Styling Tips for the Apple Body Shape

The styling goal for apple shapes is to elongate the torso, create the impression of a defined waist, and draw attention to your best assets—typically your legs, bust, and arms.

Tops and Blouses

Choose tops with V-necklines or scoop necks that create a vertical line down the chest. Empire-line tops that cinch just below the bust and flow outward over the midsection are particularly flattering. Wrap-style blouses provide adjustable waist definition. Avoid boxy, shapeless tops that add visual width.

Dresses

Empire waist dresses are the apple shape's best friend, as the seam sits at the narrowest point just under the bust. A-line dresses skim past the midsection while showing off your legs. Wrap dresses create a customized fit and the cross-body line adds visual interest that draws the eye away from the middle.

Bottoms

High-waisted trousers with a wide or straight leg smooth the tummy area and elongate the legs. Dark-wash bootcut jeans balance the silhouette beautifully. Avoid low-rise styles that cut across the widest part of the abdomen, and steer clear of tapered ankles that emphasize the contrast between a fuller top and slimmer legs.

Outerwear and Layers

Structured blazers with a single-button closure at the high waist create shape. Longline cardigans worn open over fitted tops add vertical lines. Avoid double-breasted coats and cropped jackets, which widen and shorten the torso respectively.

Best Clothes for Apple Body Shapes

Wear These

• V-neck and scoop neck tops
• Empire waist dresses
• Wrap tops and dresses
• A-line skirts and dresses
• High-waisted wide-leg trousers
• Structured single-button blazers
• Monochromatic outfits for elongation

Think Twice About

• Clingy fabrics around the midsection
• High crew necklines and turtlenecks
• Low-rise pants and jeans
• Wide belts at the natural waist
• Horizontal stripes across the torso
• Double-breasted jackets
• Boxy, shapeless tops

Celebrities with an Apple Body Shape

Many admired public figures share the apple body shape, proving that this body type is both beautiful and versatile in fashion:

Queen Latifah

Known for bold structured jackets and V-neck gowns that highlight her confidence and stature.

Melissa McCarthy

Consistently chooses tailored suits and flowing dresses that create beautiful, elongated silhouettes.

Adele

Favors classic fitted gowns and wrap dresses that showcase her elegant neckline and gorgeous figure.

Drew Barrymore

Embraces bohemian and romantic styles with flowing fabrics and feminine prints that complement her apple silhouette.

Learn More About Your Apple Shape

Explore our in-depth apple body shape resources for detailed styling guides, outfit inspiration, and measurement tips tailored to your figure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of women have an apple body shape?

According to the SizeUSA study, approximately 14% of women have an apple body shape. This makes it one of the five main body shapes alongside pear, rectangle, hourglass, and inverted triangle.

How do I know if I have an apple body shape?

You likely have an apple body shape if your bust and waist measurements are larger than your hip measurement, your waist is not well-defined, you carry weight primarily in your midsection, and you have slimmer legs and arms relative to your torso.

What measurements indicate an apple body shape?

An apple body shape typically shows a bust measurement equal to or larger than hip measurement, a waist measurement that is less than 9 inches smaller than the bust, and shoulders that are roughly the same width as or wider than the hips.

Can an apple body shape become an hourglass?

Your underlying bone structure cannot change, but you can influence your proportions through targeted exercise and nutrition. Building hip and glute muscles while toning the midsection can create more curve definition, though your fundamental shape remains apple.

What is the best exercise for an apple body shape?

Core-strengthening exercises, cardiovascular workouts, and lower-body resistance training are particularly beneficial for apple shapes. Planks, swimming, and squats help tone the midsection while building lower-body definition. Always consult a professional before starting a new routine.

What necklines look best on apple body shapes?

V-necklines, scoop necks, and sweetheart necklines are most flattering for apple shapes because they elongate the torso and draw the eye vertically. Avoid high crew necks and turtlenecks, which can make the torso appear shorter and wider.