Female Body Types: Complete Guide to All 5 Body Shapes
Understanding your body type is the first step to dressing with confidence. Learn about the 5 main female body shapes and discover which one matches your unique figure.
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What Are Female Body Types?
Female body types, also known as body shapes or figure types, are classifications based on the proportions between your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. Understanding your body type helps you choose clothing that flatters your natural shape, creating a balanced and confident look.
While there are many body type systems, the most widely used categorizes women into 5 main shapes: Apple, Pear, Rectangle, Hourglass, and Inverted Triangle. Most women fit into one primary category, though some may be a combination of two types.
The 5 Main Female Body Shapes
Here is a detailed breakdown of each body type, including characteristics, percentage of women who have this shape, and celebrity examples for reference.
1. Apple Body Shape
Also known as: Round, Oval
Fuller midsection and bust with narrower hips and slender legs
Key Characteristics:
- Weight concentrated in midsection
- Bust equal to or larger than hips
- Less defined waistline
- Slender arms and legs
- Often have a fuller bust
Celebrity Examples: Queen Latifah, Amy Schumer, Rebel Wilson
View Apple Style Guide2. Pear Body Shape
Also known as: Triangle, Spoon
Hips wider than shoulders with a defined waist and slender upper body
Key Characteristics:
- Hips wider than bust and shoulders
- Well-defined waist
- Narrow shoulders
- Weight carried in hips, thighs, bottom
- Slender upper body and arms
Celebrity Examples: Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Shakira, Kim Kardashian
View Pear Style Guide3. Rectangle Body Shape
Also known as: Straight, Banana, Athletic
Bust, waist, and hips are similar in width with minimal waist definition
Key Characteristics:
- Shoulders, waist, hips similar width
- Minimal waist definition
- Athletic or straight appearance
- Weight distributed evenly
- Often lean and long-limbed
Celebrity Examples: Cameron Diaz, Kate Middleton, Natalie Portman
View Rectangle Style Guide4. Hourglass Body Shape
Also known as: X-Shape, Figure 8
Bust and hips approximately equal with a well-defined narrow waist
Key Characteristics:
- Bust and hips nearly equal
- Significantly smaller waist
- Curvy hips and thighs
- Shoulders align with hips
- Weight gain is proportional
Celebrity Examples: Scarlett Johansson, Sofia Vergara, Marilyn Monroe
View Hourglass Style Guide5. Inverted Triangle Body Shape
Also known as: V-Shape, Strawberry
Shoulders and bust wider than hips with narrow hips and lean legs
Key Characteristics:
- Broad shoulders
- Bust larger than hips
- Narrow hips and flat bottom
- Athletic upper body
- Lean, toned legs
Celebrity Examples: Angelina Jolie, Naomi Campbell, Demi Moore
View Inverted Triangle Style GuideHow to Identify Your Body Type
To determine your body shape, you will need to take three measurements: bust, waist, and hips. Here is how to measure yourself accurately:
How to Measure Yourself
Bust
Measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
Waist
Measure at your natural waistline, the narrowest part of your torso (usually above your belly button).
Hips
Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
Body Type Calculation Guidelines
Once you have your measurements, compare them to identify your body type:
- Apple: Bust is larger than hips, with less waist definition
- Pear: Hips are more than 5% larger than bust
- Rectangle: Bust, waist, and hips within 5% of each other
- Hourglass: Bust and hips within 5%, waist 25%+ smaller
- Inverted Triangle: Bust/shoulders more than 5% larger than hips
Skip the Math
Our body shape calculator does all the calculations for you and provides personalized styling recommendations.
Why Knowing Your Body Type Matters
Understanding your body type is not about changing who you are—it is about working with your natural shape to look and feel your best. Here are the benefits:
- Smarter Shopping: You will know what to look for and avoid wasting money on unflattering styles
- Confidence Boost: Wearing clothes that fit well makes you feel more confident
- Time Saving: No more hours in fitting rooms trying on clothes that will not work
- Balanced Proportions: Learn techniques to create visual balance for your unique shape
- Personal Style Development: Build a wardrobe that works together and suits your body
Body Type vs Body Shape: What is the Difference?
While often used interchangeably, these terms can have different meanings:
Body Shape refers to your physical silhouette—the visual outline of your body based on the proportions of your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. This is what we have been discussing (apple, pear, hourglass, etc.).
Body Type in fitness contexts often refers to somatotypes—ectomorph (lean), mesomorph (muscular), and endomorph (soft)—which relate more to metabolism and muscle-building tendencies than fashion.
For fashion purposes, both terms typically refer to body shape classifications like the 5 shapes we have covered in this guide.
Dressing for Your Body Type
Each body type has specific styling strategies that create visual balance and highlight your best features. Here is a quick overview:
Apple Shape Tips
- • V-necklines elongate the torso
- • Empire waist dresses
- • A-line silhouettes
- • Show off your legs
Pear Shape Tips
- • Structured shoulders
- • Boat necklines
- • A-line skirts
- • Dark bottoms, bright tops
Rectangle Shape Tips
- • Create waist definition
- • Peplum tops
- • Belted dresses
- • Layered outfits
Hourglass Shape Tips
- • Fitted at the waist
- • Wrap dresses
- • High-waisted bottoms
- • Avoid boxy shapes
Inverted Triangle Tips
- • V-necklines to narrow shoulders
- • Volume on lower half
- • A-line and flared skirts
- • Wide-leg pants
Explore Detailed Style Guides
Ready to dive deeper into styling for your specific body type? Check out our comprehensive guides for each shape:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 5 female body types?
The 5 main female body types are: Apple (round shape with fuller midsection), Pear (wider hips than shoulders), Rectangle (straight shape with similar measurements), Hourglass (balanced bust and hips with defined waist), and Inverted Triangle (broader shoulders than hips). Each body type has unique characteristics and flattering clothing styles.
How do I know my body type female?
To determine your body type, measure your bust, waist, and hips. Compare these measurements: If your hips are larger than bust, you are likely a Pear. If bust is larger than hips with a full midsection, you are an Apple. If measurements are similar, you are a Rectangle. If bust and hips are equal with a smaller waist, you are an Hourglass. If shoulders/bust are wider than hips, you are an Inverted Triangle.
What is the most common female body type?
The Rectangle body type is the most common, representing approximately 46% of women. This is followed by Pear (20%), Apple (14%), Inverted Triangle (12%), and Hourglass (8%). However, body type distribution varies by region and ethnicity.
Can your body type change?
Yes, your body type can change due to factors like aging, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and lifestyle. While your bone structure remains the same, where you carry weight can shift over time, potentially changing your overall body shape classification.
What is the difference between body type and body shape?
Body type and body shape are often used interchangeably, but technically body type can refer to metabolic types (ectomorph, mesomorph, endomorph) while body shape refers to your physical silhouette (apple, pear, hourglass, etc.). In fashion contexts, both terms typically refer to your visual body shape.
Is hourglass the ideal body shape?
There is no "ideal" body shape - all body types are beautiful and have their own advantages. While hourglass has been historically celebrated in Western media, beauty standards vary globally and change over time. The best approach is to dress for your unique shape rather than trying to achieve a specific ideal.