Different Types of Body Shapes for Women
A comprehensive look at every female body shape—from the five core categories to lesser-known sub-types—plus how genetics, hormones, and lifestyle shape your silhouette.
The Short Answer
Women's body shapes are classified into five primary types: hourglass, pear (triangle), apple (round), rectangle (straight), and inverted triangle. Each is determined by the proportional relationship between shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. Sub-categories like top hourglass, bottom hourglass, and spoon shape add further nuance.
The Diversity of Female Body Shapes
No two bodies are identical. However, research in anthropometry—the scientific measurement of the human body—has identified consistent proportional patterns that allow us to group women's bodies into five primary shape categories. These categories are not rigid boxes; they are reference points that help women understand their proportions and make smarter fashion choices.
A landmark study by North Carolina State University scanned over 6,000 women and found that the rectangle shape is most common (46%), followed by pear (20%), inverted triangle (14%), apple (14%), and hourglass (8%). Your shape is a combination of your inherited bone structure and the way your body stores fat.
The 5 Main Body Shapes Explained
1. Hourglass
The hourglass shape features a bust and hip measurement that are roughly equal, with a waist that is significantly smaller—typically 25% or more narrower than the bust. This creates the classic "figure eight" silhouette. Despite being one of the most referenced shapes in media, only about 8% of women naturally have this proportion.
Key ratio: Bust ≈ Hips, Waist at least 9 inches smaller
Styling focus: Define and showcase the waist
Hourglass shape guide →2. Pear (Triangle)
The pear shape—the most common after rectangle—has hips that are wider than the shoulders and bust. The waist is usually well defined. Weight tends to accumulate in the lower body: hips, thighs, and buttocks. About 20% of women fall into this category. Estrogen plays a major role in directing fat to these areas.
Key ratio: Hips > Bust by 3+ inches, Defined waist
Styling focus: Balance upper and lower body
Pear shape guide →3. Apple (Round)
Apple shapes carry weight in the midsection and upper body, with a fuller bust and less defined waist. The legs and arms tend to be proportionally slimmer. Approximately 14% of women have this shape. It becomes more common with age as hormonal shifts redirect fat storage toward the abdomen.
Key ratio: Bust ≥ Hips, Waist close to bust measurement
Styling focus: Elongate torso, define waist with strategic cuts
Apple shape guide →4. Rectangle (Straight)
The most common shape at 46%, the rectangle has shoulders, waist, and hips that are roughly the same width with minimal waist definition. Women with this shape often have an athletic or lean build. The silhouette is straight up and down, which gives tremendous versatility in fashion.
Key ratio: Bust ≈ Waist ≈ Hips (within 5% of each other)
Styling focus: Create curves and waist definition
Rectangle shape guide →5. Inverted Triangle
The inverted triangle features broader shoulders and bust with narrower hips. This shape is common among swimmers and women who carry more muscle in the upper body. About 14% of women have this proportion. Styling aims to add visual weight below the waist to balance the wider top.
Key ratio: Shoulders/Bust > Hips by 3+ inches
Styling focus: Add volume to lower body, soften shoulders
Inverted triangle shape guide →Sub-Categories and Variations
The five primary shapes are broad categories. In reality, many women sit between two types or match a more specific sub-category:
Top Hourglass
Bust is slightly larger than hips, but the defined waist still gives an hourglass impression. A blend of hourglass and inverted triangle.
Bottom Hourglass
Hips are slightly larger than bust, but the narrow waist still creates an hourglass effect. Sits between hourglass and pear.
Spoon Shape
Similar to pear but with a more pronounced "shelf" at the hips. The hip curve is more angular and distinct than a gradual pear taper.
Diamond Shape
Narrower shoulders and hips with a wider midsection. Similar to apple but with narrower shoulders, creating a diamond silhouette.
How Genetics Influence Your Shape
Your body shape is largely written in your DNA. Here are the genetic and biological factors at play:
- Bone structure: The width of your shoulder bones and hip bones is inherited and cannot be changed. This determines the "frame" of your shape.
- Fat distribution genes: Specific genes control whether your body stores fat in the abdomen, hips, thighs, or evenly. This is why family members often share similar shapes.
- Hormones: Estrogen promotes fat storage in hips and thighs (pear tendency), while cortisol and insulin promote abdominal fat (apple tendency). Testosterone can influence shoulder width and muscle mass.
- Ethnicity: Research shows that body shape distribution varies across ethnic groups, reflecting different evolutionary adaptations and genetic patterns.
Which Shape Are You?
Stop guessing and get a precise answer. Our body shape calculator analyzes your measurements and tells you exactly which category you fall into.
Finding Your Type with Measurements
The most reliable way to determine your body shape is through three simple measurements. Stand straight in front of a mirror wearing close-fitting clothes:
- 1. Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape horizontal.
- 2. Waist: Find the narrowest point of your midsection—usually just above the navel.
- 3. Hips: Measure at the widest point across your hips and buttocks.
| Shape | Bust vs Hips | Waist |
|---|---|---|
| Hourglass | Within 1 inch | 9+ inches smaller |
| Pear | Hips 3+ inches larger | Defined |
| Apple | Bust ≥ Hips | Close to bust |
| Rectangle | Within 5% | Within 5% of bust/hips |
| Inverted Triangle | Bust 3+ inches larger | Varies |
Go Beyond the Basics
Ready to learn how to dress for your specific shape? Explore our dedicated body shape guides with detailed styling advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many different body shapes are there for women?
There are five widely recognized primary body shapes: hourglass, pear (triangle), apple (round), rectangle (straight), and inverted triangle. Some classification systems identify additional sub-types like top hourglass, bottom hourglass, and spoon shape, bringing the total to 8-12 depending on the model used.
What determines your body shape?
Body shape is determined by a combination of genetics, hormones, and lifestyle. Your bone structure (shoulder width, hip width) is inherited and permanent. Hormones like estrogen and testosterone influence where fat is stored. Diet, exercise, and age can shift fat distribution over time.
Can two women with the same body shape look different?
Absolutely. Two women who are both classified as "pear" can look quite different due to variations in height, frame size, muscle tone, posture, and exactly where weight sits on their frame. Body shape is a general category, not a precise mold.
Does body shape change with age?
Yes. Hormonal changes during menopause cause many women to shift fat storage from the hips and thighs toward the midsection, which can change a pear into more of an apple or rectangle over time. Muscle loss and posture changes also alter how your shape appears.
Is one body shape better than another?
No body shape is inherently better, more attractive, or healthier than another. Beauty standards vary across cultures and change over time. Every body shape has its own strengths when it comes to fashion, and all shapes can be styled beautifully with the right approach.
How accurate is measuring body shape at home?
Home measurements are reasonably accurate if you use a flexible tape, measure at the correct points (fullest bust, narrowest waist, widest hips), and keep the tape level. For best results, have someone help you measure, take each measurement twice, and wear light-fitting clothing.