Body Shape Finder: Discover Your Shape
Not sure what body shape you have? This guide walks you through three proven methods to identify your body type—no guesswork required.
The Short Answer
You can find your body shape by comparing the relative widths of your shoulders (or bust), waist, and hips. Use the mirror test for a quick visual check, or take measurements with a tape measure for the most accurate result. Your shape falls into one of five categories: hourglass, pear, apple, rectangle, or inverted triangle.
Why Finding Your Body Shape Matters
Identifying your body shape is the foundation of dressing well. When you know your proportions, you can choose silhouettes, cuts, and styles that complement your figure instead of working against it. This is not about changing your body—it is about understanding it.
Women who know their body shape report spending less time getting dressed, making fewer regrettable purchases, and feeling more confident in their outfits. The first step to all of those benefits is figuring out which shape you are.
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3 Methods to Find Your Body Shape
There are three reliable approaches to identifying your body shape. Each varies in effort and precision. Choose whichever suits you best—or try all three for maximum confidence in your result.
Method 1: The Mirror Test
EasyAccuracy: GoodWhat you need: Full-length mirror, fitted clothing
- 1Stand in front of a full-length mirror wearing fitted clothing or underwear.
- 2Look at the relative width of your shoulders compared to your hips.
- 3Observe whether your waist is noticeably narrower than your bust and hips.
- 4Note whether your hips or shoulders appear wider, or if they look balanced.
- 5Compare your observations to the five body shape descriptions below.
Method 2: The Measurement Method
ModerateAccuracy: Very AccurateWhat you need: Flexible tape measure, mirror or helper
- 1Measure your bust at its fullest point, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
- 2Find your natural waist (bend sideways to locate it) and measure at the narrowest point.
- 3Measure your hips at the widest point, including your buttocks.
- 4Record all three numbers in inches or centimeters.
- 5Compare the ratios to determine your body shape using the ratio guide below.
Method 3: The Photo Method
EasyAccuracy: GoodWhat you need: Camera or phone, plain background
- 1Stand against a plain wall in fitted clothing with arms slightly away from your body.
- 2Have someone take a photo straight-on at waist height, or use a timer.
- 3Look at the photo and trace the outline of your silhouette mentally.
- 4Compare the widths at your shoulders, waist, and hips in the photo.
- 5Match the outline to the closest body shape description.
Understanding Measurement Ratios
If you chose the measurement method, the next step is comparing your numbers. Body shape is determined by the relationship between your bust, waist, and hip measurements—not by the numbers themselves. A woman measuring 34-26-36 and another at 42-34-44 can have the same shape because their ratios are similar.
The key ratio to calculate first is your waist-to-hip ratio. Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. A ratio below 0.75 suggests a defined waist, while a ratio above 0.80 suggests a straighter torso. Next, compare your bust to your hips: if they are within 5% of each other, they are considered balanced.
The 5 Shapes You Could Be
Every body fits into one of these five broad categories. Read each description and see which matches your observations or measurements.
Hourglass
Bust and hips are roughly equal, waist is significantly narrower
Waist is 25%+ smaller than bust and hips
Pear
Hips are noticeably wider than bust and shoulders
Hips are 5%+ larger than bust
Apple
Midsection is the widest area, with slimmer legs and hips
Waist is close to or larger than bust and hips
Rectangle
Shoulders, waist, and hips are similar in width
Waist is less than 25% smaller than bust and hips
Inverted Triangle
Shoulders and bust are noticeably wider than hips
Bust/shoulders are 5%+ larger than hips
What to Do After Finding Your Shape
Once you know your body shape, the real benefits begin. Here is how to put that knowledge to work:
- Learn your best silhouettes: Each shape has cuts and styles that naturally flatter it. Explore our body shape guides for detailed advice.
- Audit your wardrobe: Look at the clothes you feel best in—chances are they already align with your body shape guidelines.
- Shop with purpose: Use your shape knowledge to filter options when shopping online or in-store.
- Experiment confidently: Knowing the "rules" gives you a starting point. Once you understand what works, you can break rules intentionally for creative styling.
How This Guide Differs From "What Body Shape Am I?"
This page presents three distinct methods to find your body shape: the mirror method, the measurement method, and the photo method. It gives you multiple tools so you can cross-verify your result.
Our What Body Shape Am I? guide focuses on a single self-assessment approach—walking you through a step-by-step process using basic measurements and visual comparison. If you want a quick, guided answer, start there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to find my body shape?
The easiest way is the mirror test. Stand in front of a full-length mirror in fitted clothing and observe where your body is widest and narrowest. Compare your shoulder width, waist, and hip width visually. For a more precise result, take bust, waist, and hip measurements and use an online calculator.
Can I determine my body shape without a tape measure?
Yes. The mirror test and photo method both work without a tape measure. Stand in front of a mirror or take a straight-on photo and compare the relative widths of your shoulders, waist, and hips. However, measurements give the most accurate result since visual perception can be subjective.
What measurements do I need to find my body shape?
You need three core measurements: bust (fullest part of your chest), waist (narrowest point of your torso, usually above your belly button), and hips (widest part including buttocks). Some methods also use shoulder width for more precise classification.
How accurate is the mirror test for finding body shape?
The mirror test gives a good general indication but is less precise than measurements. Visual perception can be influenced by posture, clothing, and personal bias. For the most reliable result, combine the mirror test with actual measurements.
Can my body shape change over time?
Yes. Weight fluctuations, aging, pregnancy, and changes in muscle mass can shift your proportions. While your bone structure stays the same, fat distribution can change. It is worth reassessing your body shape every 6 to 12 months or after significant body changes.
What if I fall between two body shapes?
Many people do not fit perfectly into one category. If your measurements place you between two shapes, read the styling advice for both and see which resonates more with your experience. You can also use tips from both shapes depending on the outfit.
Body shape classification is based on measurement ratios and visual proportions. Individual results may vary.Learn about our methodology
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