Ladies Body Shape Guide: Find Your Type
Every woman's body is unique, but understanding your proportions can make shopping and getting dressed much easier. This guide walks you through all five female body shapes and how to dress for each one.
The Short Answer
Ladies body shapes fall into five main categories: apple, pear, rectangle, hourglass, and inverted triangle. Your shape is determined by the proportional relationship between your bust, waist, and hip measurements. Knowing your shape helps you choose clothing silhouettes that complement your natural proportions.
Understanding Ladies Body Shapes
Body shape classification for women has been refined over decades of research. The modern system used today is based on the FFIT (Female Figure Identification Technique) framework, which categorizes women into five groups based on the mathematical ratios between bust, waist, and hip measurements.
This system was validated using data from the SizeUSA national sizing survey, which measured over 10,000 people across the United States using 3D body scanning technology. The result is a classification system that is both research-backed and practical for everyday fashion decisions.
The 5 Female Body Shapes
1. Apple Shape
Women with an apple shape carry weight primarily around the midsection. The bust is typically full, and the waist measurement is close to or wider than the hip measurement. The legs tend to be proportionally slimmer. Approximately 14% of women have this shape.
The apple shape is sometimes called the "round" or "O" shape. Women with this body type often find that empire waistlines and V-necklines work well because they elongate the torso and draw the eye upward.
2. Pear Shape
The pear shape is the second most common body shape at about 20% of women. It is defined by hips that are wider than the shoulders and bust. The waist is usually well-defined, and weight is concentrated in the hips, thighs, and buttocks.
Also called the "triangle" shape, the pear benefits from drawing attention to the upper body with statement tops, structured shoulders, and detailed necklines to balance the proportions.
3. Rectangle Shape
The rectangle is the most common ladies body shape, found in approximately 46% of women per the SizeUSA data. Bust, waist, and hip measurements are relatively close together, creating a straighter silhouette without a strongly defined waistline.
Women with a rectangle shape have great versatility in fashion. Creating waist definition with belts, peplum details, or wrap styles adds curves, while structured pieces give a polished look.
4. Hourglass Shape
The hourglass features bust and hips that are approximately equal in width, with a waist that is at least 25% narrower. Despite its fame, only about 8% of women have a true hourglass figure. The key defining feature is the waist-to-hip and waist-to-bust differential.
Fitted clothing that follows the body's natural curves works best for hourglass shapes. Wrap dresses, tailored blazers, and high-waisted bottoms highlight the defined waistline.
5. Inverted Triangle Shape
The inverted triangle shape has broader shoulders and bust compared to the hips. It is one of the rarer shapes at about 5% of women. The shoulder measurement exceeds the hip measurement by at least 5%, and the waist may be less defined.
Styling for the inverted triangle focuses on adding volume to the lower body while keeping the upper body streamlined. V-necklines, A-line skirts, and wide-leg trousers help create visual balance.
How Measurements Define Your Shape
Your body shape is defined by three measurements taken at specific points:
- Bust: Measured at the fullest point of the chest while wearing a non-padded bra. The tape should be level and snug but not tight.
- Waist: Measured at the natural waistline, which is the narrowest part of the torso. This is typically above the navel and below the ribcage.
- Hips: Measured at the widest point of the hips and buttocks, usually about 7-8 inches below the natural waist.
The ratios between these three numbers place you into one of the five categories. For example, if your bust is 36 inches, your waist is 28 inches, and your hips are 37 inches, the bust-to-hip ratio is nearly equal and the waist is significantly smaller, which indicates an hourglass shape.
Let Us Do the Math
Enter your bust, waist, and hip measurements into our calculator, and it will determine your body shape type instantly based on the ratios.
Dressing Tips for Each Shape
The following recommendations are general guidelines based on proportional balance principles. Personal style should always take priority over rules.
| Shape | Best Tops | Best Bottoms | Best Dresses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | V-necklines, empire waist tops, structured blazers | Straight-leg or bootcut trousers, A-line skirts | Wrap dresses, empire line dresses, shift dresses |
| Pear | Boat necks, off-shoulder tops, embellished necklines | Wide-leg trousers, A-line skirts, bootcut jeans | Fit-and-flare dresses, A-line dresses |
| Rectangle | Peplum tops, ruffled blouses, layered pieces | High-waisted trousers, pleated skirts | Wrap dresses, belted shirt dresses, bodycon with structure |
| Hourglass | Fitted tops, wrap tops, scoop necks | High-waisted jeans, pencil skirts, tailored trousers | Wrap dresses, bodycon dresses, belted dresses |
| Inverted Triangle | V-necks, scoop necks, raglan sleeves, simple necklines | Wide-leg trousers, flared skirts, patterned bottoms | A-line dresses, fit-and-flare, dresses with full skirts |
Celebrity Examples by Body Shape
Seeing how public figures with similar proportions dress can provide practical inspiration. These examples are based on publicly discussed body shape observations:
Apple Shape
Angelina Jolie, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Drew Barrymore are often cited as examples of women who carry proportionally more weight in the midsection and bust area.
Pear Shape
Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, and Shakira are frequently mentioned as pear shapes, with hips proportionally wider than their shoulders.
Rectangle Shape
Cameron Diaz, Kate Hudson, and Natalie Portman are often described as rectangle shapes with proportionally uniform measurements.
Hourglass Shape
Marilyn Monroe, Sofia Vergara, and Salma Hayek are commonly recognized as hourglass shapes with balanced bust-to-hip ratios and defined waists.
Related Guides
Women Body Types
Complete guide to all 5 women body types with measurements and identification
Figure Types for Women
Understanding female figure types and how they relate to body proportions
Body Shape Calculator
Find your shape with our free tool
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my body shape as a woman?
To find your body shape, measure your bust, waist, and hips at their widest points using a flexible tape measure. Compare the three numbers: if your hips are the largest, you are likely a pear. If bust and hips are similar with a much smaller waist, you are an hourglass. If all three are close together, you are a rectangle. A body shape calculator can do this comparison for you instantly.
What are the 5 main ladies body shapes?
The 5 main ladies body shapes are: apple (weight centered in midsection), pear (hips wider than shoulders), rectangle (uniform measurements throughout torso), hourglass (balanced bust and hips with small waist), and inverted triangle (shoulders wider than hips). These are classified using the FFIT system based on measurement ratios.
Which body shape is the rarest in women?
The inverted triangle is one of the rarest body shapes in women, found in approximately 5% of the female population according to the SizeUSA survey. The hourglass shape is also relatively uncommon at about 8%, despite being the most represented shape in media and fashion.
Can two women with the same body shape look different?
Yes. Body shape classification is about proportional ratios, not appearance. Two women who are both pear shapes can look very different depending on their height, weight, muscle tone, and where exactly they carry weight. The classification tells you about proportions, not about how you look overall.
Does height affect body shape classification?
No. Body shape is determined by the ratio between bust, waist, and hip measurements, not by height. A tall woman and a short woman with the same proportional ratios will be classified as the same body shape. Height influences how a body shape appears visually but does not change the classification.
Should I dress strictly according to my body shape?
Body shape guidelines are suggestions, not rules. They offer a starting point for finding flattering silhouettes, but personal style, comfort, and preference should always take priority. Many women successfully wear styles that do not follow traditional body shape advice. The goal is to feel confident, not to follow a formula rigidly.