Figure Types for Women: A Visual Guide
Every woman's body tells a different story through its proportions. This guide covers the five main female figure types and how to identify yours.
The Short Answer
There are five main female figure types: hourglass (balanced curves with defined waist), pear (hips wider than shoulders), apple (fuller midsection with slimmer legs), rectangle (similar width throughout), and inverted triangle (shoulders wider than hips). Your figure type is determined by the proportional relationship between your shoulders, waist, and hips.
What Are Figure Types?
A figure type describes the overall proportional pattern of your body. It is determined by comparing the relative widths of three key areas: your shoulders (or bust), your waist, and your hips. These proportions create a recognizable silhouette that falls into one of five established categories.
Understanding your figure type is not about labeling or limiting yourself. It is a practical tool for making fashion decisions. When you know your proportions, you can choose silhouettes that create the visual effect you want—whether that is balance, emphasis, or creative contrast.
How Figure Type Relates to Body Shape
The terms "figure type" and "body shape" are used interchangeably in most fashion contexts. Both classify bodies based on the same proportional measurements. The main classification systems—whether they use geometric names (rectangle, triangle) or everyday objects (apple, pear)—describe the same five fundamental patterns.
Some older systems used fruit names exclusively, while modern fashion tends to use a mix of geometric and descriptive terms. Regardless of the label, the underlying measurement ratios and styling principles are identical.
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The 5 Main Female Figure Types
Below is a detailed breakdown of each figure type, including visual descriptions, identifying characteristics, and a quick dressing tip.
Hourglass
~8% of womenBalanced curves above and below a clearly defined waist. The silhouette tapers inward at the midsection and widens symmetrically at bust and hips.
- - Bust and hips are within 1-2 inches of each other
- - Waist is at least 9-10 inches smaller than hips
- - Shoulders align with hips in width
- - Defined waistline is the narrowest point
- - Weight gain appears proportionally in bust and hips
Pear (Triangle)
~20% of womenNarrower on top with width increasing below the waist. The silhouette resembles a triangle with the widest point at the hips.
- - Hips are notably wider than bust and shoulders
- - Defined waist that curves into fuller hips
- - Slimmer upper body with narrower shoulders
- - Weight gain concentrates in hips, thighs, and buttocks
- - Lower body is proportionally larger than upper body
Apple (Round)
~14% of womenFuller through the midsection with the widest point at the waist or just above. Legs and arms are often proportionally slimmer.
- - Midsection is the widest area of the body
- - Bust is often full, waist is less defined
- - Hips are narrower than or equal to bust
- - Slimmer legs relative to the torso
- - Weight gain appears in the stomach and upper body
Rectangle (Straight)
~46% of womenShoulders, waist, and hips are similar in width, creating a straight up-and-down silhouette with minimal waist curve.
- - Bust, waist, and hips are within a few inches of each other
- - Waist is not dramatically smaller than bust or hips
- - Even weight distribution throughout the torso
- - Athletic or straight-lined silhouette
- - Shoulders and hips appear roughly aligned
Inverted Triangle
~12% of womenBroader on top with shoulders and bust noticeably wider than hips. The silhouette narrows downward like an upside-down triangle.
- - Shoulders are wider than hips
- - Bust is often larger, waist moderately defined
- - Hips are narrow relative to the upper body
- - Athletic build common with broader back
- - Weight gain tends to appear in the upper body and arms
How to Determine Your Figure Type
The most accurate way to determine your figure type is by taking three measurements: bust (fullest point), waist (narrowest point of torso), and hips (widest point including buttocks). Then compare these numbers:
- Bust and hips within 5%, waist 25%+ smaller: Hourglass
- Hips 5%+ larger than bust: Pear
- Bust 5%+ larger than hips: Inverted Triangle
- Waist within 25% of bust and hips: Rectangle
- Waist is the widest measurement: Apple
If you prefer not to measure, stand in front of a mirror in fitted clothing and visually compare the widths of these three areas. The shape that most closely matches your proportions is your figure type.
Dressing for Your Figure
The core principle of dressing for your figure is understanding proportion. Fashion stylists use proportion to create visual balance, draw the eye to certain areas, or create a particular silhouette. Here are the universal principles that apply across all figure types:
- Balance: If one area is wider, you can visually balance it by adding volume or detail to the opposite area.
- Waist definition: For most figure types, defining the waist creates a flattering effect. Belts, tailoring, and fit-and-flare shapes accomplish this.
- Vertical lines: Elongate any figure type with vertical seams, V-necklines, and monochromatic outfits.
- Proper fit: Clothes that are too tight or too loose rarely flatter any figure. The sweet spot is clothing that follows your body without clinging.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many female figure types are there?
The most widely used classification identifies five main female figure types: hourglass, pear (triangle), apple (inverted triangle at the torso), rectangle, and inverted triangle. Some systems include additional subtypes like diamond or oval, but these five cover the vast majority of women.
What is the difference between figure type and body shape?
Figure type and body shape are essentially the same concept described with different terminology. Both refer to the proportional relationship between your shoulders or bust, waist, and hips. "Figure type" is a slightly more traditional term, while "body shape" is more commonly used online.
Can my figure type change with age?
Your skeletal structure does not change, but fat distribution shifts with age and hormonal changes. Many women notice their figure type evolving during puberty, after pregnancy, during menopause, or with significant weight changes. It is worth reassessing periodically.
What is the most common female figure type?
The rectangle figure type is the most common, with some studies estimating that around 46% of women fall into this category. The pear shape is second most common at about 20%, followed by apple at around 14%. Hourglass is one of the rarest at approximately 8%.
Do clothing brands design for specific figure types?
Most mainstream brands design primarily for the rectangle figure since it is the most common. Some brands specialize in curvy or petite sizing that better accommodates other figure types. Understanding your figure type helps you identify which brands tend to fit you well.
Is figure type determined by genetics?
Yes, bone structure and natural fat distribution patterns are largely genetic. You inherit your skeletal frame—shoulder width, hip width, and torso length—from your parents. While lifestyle can influence muscle and fat, the underlying proportional framework is genetic.
Figure type classification is based on proportional measurement analysis. Prevalence data references the SizeUSA study. Styling advice is general guidance.Learn about our methodology
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