Body Shape Fruit Names: Apple, Pear, Banana & More Explained
Apple, pear, banana, strawberry—why are body shapes named after fruits? This complete guide explains each fruit body type, how to identify yours, and styling tips for each shape.
Why Fruits? The Origin of Fruit Body Shapes
Using fruit names to describe body shapes became popular in the 1990s fashion industry because fruits offer an intuitive, visual, and non-judgmental way to categorize different body proportions.
When you picture an apple versus a pear, you immediately understand the shape difference without any negative connotations. This system is easier to remember than technical terms like "android" or "gynoid" body types.
The Five Fruit Body Shapes:
- 🍎 Apple - Round midsection, slimmer legs
- 🍐 Pear - Narrow top, wider hips
- 🍌 Banana - Straight, rectangular shape
- 🍓 Strawberry - Broad shoulders, narrow hips
- ⏳ Hourglass - Balanced with defined waist
🍎 Apple Body Shape
The apple body shape is characterized by a fuller midsection with weight concentrated around the waist and stomach area. About 14% of women have this shape.
Apple Characteristics
- • Broad shoulders and chest
- • Fuller bust
- • Less defined waist
- • Slimmer hips and legs
- • Weight gain shows in midsection first
Apple Style Tips
- • V-necklines to elongate
- • Empire waist dresses
- • Show off your legs
- • A-line skirts
- • Structured jackets
Why "Apple"? An apple is round in the middle with a narrower top and bottom—just like this body type carries weight around the center.
🍐 Pear Body Shape
The pear (also called triangle) body shape features hips wider than shoulders with weight concentrated in the lower body. About 20% of women are pear-shaped.
Pear Characteristics
- • Narrow shoulders
- • Smaller bust
- • Defined waist
- • Full hips, thighs, bottom
- • Weight gain shows in hips/thighs first
Pear Style Tips
- • Boat necks and off-shoulder tops
- • Statement necklaces
- • Detailed tops, simple bottoms
- • A-line skirts
- • Dark colors on lower half
Why "Pear"? A pear is narrow at the stem (shoulders) and wide at the bottom (hips)—perfectly describing this body proportion.
🍌 Banana (Rectangle) Body Shape
The banana body shape (also called rectangle or straight) has shoulders, waist, and hips that are similar widths. This is the most common shape at 46%.
Banana Characteristics
- • Shoulders, waist, hips similar width
- • Little waist definition
- • Athletic or boyish build
- • Straight torso
- • Weight distributes evenly
Banana Style Tips
- • Belts to create waist
- • Wrap dresses
- • Peplum tops
- • Ruffles and layers
- • Fit-and-flare shapes
Why "Banana"? A banana is long, straight, and uniform in width— similar to how this body type has consistent proportions from top to bottom.
🍓 Strawberry (Inverted Triangle) Body Shape
The strawberry shape (inverted triangle) has shoulders wider than the hips with weight concentrated in the upper body. About 12% of women have this shape.
Strawberry Characteristics
- • Broad shoulders
- • Fuller bust
- • Athletic upper body
- • Narrow hips and waist
- • Slimmer legs and bottom
Strawberry Style Tips
- • V-necks to narrow shoulders
- • Raglan sleeves
- • Detailed skirts and pants
- • Wide-leg trousers
- • A-line and full skirts
Why "Strawberry"? A strawberry is wide at the top (where the leaves are) and narrows toward the bottom—mirroring broad shoulders with narrower hips.
⏳ Hourglass Body Shape
The hourglass shape has balanced bust and hip measurements with a significantly smaller waist. This is the rarest shape at only 8%.
Hourglass Characteristics
- • Bust and hips similar width
- • Defined, narrow waist (10"+ smaller)
- • Curvy silhouette
- • Balanced proportions
- • Weight gain is proportional
Hourglass Style Tips
- • Fitted, waist-defining styles
- • Wrap dresses and tops
- • Pencil skirts
- • Avoid boxy or shapeless clothes
- • Embrace your curves
Why "Hourglass"? Not a fruit, but the hourglass timer perfectly represents the balanced top and bottom with narrow middle that defines this shape.
Fruit Body Shape Comparison Chart
| Fruit | Also Called | % of Women | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🍌 Banana | Rectangle, Straight | 46% | No waist definition |
| 🍐 Pear | Triangle, Spoon | 20% | Hips wider than shoulders |
| 🍎 Apple | Round, Oval | 14% | Weight in midsection |
| 🍓 Strawberry | Inverted Triangle | 12% | Shoulders wider than hips |
| ⏳ Hourglass | Figure 8, X Shape | 8% | Defined waist, balanced |
How to Identify Your Fruit Body Shape
Follow these steps to determine which fruit describes your figure:
Measure Your Body
Take measurements of your bust, natural waist, and hips at the widest points.
Compare Shoulder vs. Hip Width
If shoulders are wider → Strawberry. If hips are wider → Pear. If similar → continue.
Check Your Waist Definition
Waist 10"+ smaller than bust/hips → Hourglass. Less than 9" → continue.
Assess Weight Distribution
Weight in midsection → Apple. Weight evenly distributed → Banana (Rectangle).
Find Your Fruit Body Shape
Not sure which fruit describes your figure? Our free body shape calculator takes your measurements and determines your exact body type with personalized styling tips.
Beyond Fruits: Other Body Shape Systems
While fruit names are popular, there are other systems for categorizing body shapes:
Quick Styling Guide by Fruit
🍎 Apple Goal:
Create length and draw attention away from midsection. Use V-necks, show legs, empire waists.
🍐 Pear Goal:
Balance proportions by adding volume to upper body. Statement tops, boat necks, dark bottoms.
🍌 Banana Goal:
Create curves and waist definition. Belts, wrap styles, peplums, fit-and-flare.
🍓 Strawberry Goal:
Balance by adding volume to lower body. Full skirts, detailed pants, simple tops.
⏳ Hourglass Goal:
Embrace and define your natural curves. Fitted styles, waist emphasis, avoid boxy.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Fruit body shapes provide an intuitive, non-judgmental categorization system
- ✓The five main shapes are: Apple, Pear, Banana, Strawberry, and Hourglass
- ✓Banana (rectangle) is most common (46%), Hourglass is rarest (8%)
- ✓Each fruit shape has specific styling strategies to flatter your figure
- ✓Your fruit shape can change over time but basic structure remains
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the fruit body shapes?
The five main fruit body shapes are: Apple (round midsection), Pear (wider hips), Banana (straight/rectangle), Strawberry (inverted triangle with broad shoulders), and Hourglass (balanced with defined waist). These fruit comparisons make body types easy to visualize and remember.
Why are body shapes named after fruits?
Body shapes are named after fruits because the shapes of these fruits visually resemble different body proportions. An apple is round in the middle (like apple body types), a pear is narrow at top and wide at bottom, a banana is straight and long. These comparisons are intuitive and non-judgmental.
What fruit body shape is most common?
The banana (rectangle) body shape is the most common, with about 46% of women having this shape. This is followed by pear (20%), apple (14%), strawberry/inverted triangle (12%), and hourglass (8%) being the rarest.
How do I know which fruit body shape I am?
Compare your shoulder, waist, and hip measurements. Apple = wide waist, narrower hips. Pear = hips wider than shoulders. Banana = all measurements similar. Strawberry = shoulders wider than hips. Hourglass = balanced bust/hips with 10+ inch smaller waist.
Can your fruit body shape change?
Yes, your body shape can change due to weight fluctuations, aging, hormonal changes, pregnancy, and exercise. However, your basic bone structure remains the same. You might shift from one fruit category to another, especially during life transitions like menopause.