What is My Body Shape? Easy Self-Assessment Guide
Discovering your body shape is the key to dressing with confidence. Follow our step-by-step guide to find your body type and learn what styles flatter your figure.
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Our free calculator determines your body shape in 30 seconds with personalized styling tips.
Why Knowing Your Body Shape Matters
"What is my body shape?" is one of the most common questions women ask when trying to improve their style. Understanding your body type is not about changing who you are—it is about working with your natural proportions to look and feel your best.
When you know your body shape, you can:
- Shop smarter: Skip the fitting room frustration by knowing what works
- Save money: Stop buying clothes that end up unworn in your closet
- Build confidence: Wear clothes that make you feel amazing
- Create balance: Use clothing to enhance your best features
- Develop style: Build a cohesive wardrobe that works together
The 5 Main Body Shapes
Before we dive into how to find your body shape, let us quickly review the five main categories:
Apple (Round)
Fuller midsection and bust with narrower hips and slender legs
Pear (Triangle)
Hips wider than shoulders with a defined waist
Rectangle (Straight)
Bust, waist, and hips are similar in width
Hourglass
Bust and hips balanced with a defined narrow waist
Inverted Triangle (V-Shape)
Shoulders and bust wider than hips
How to Measure Yourself
To find your body shape, you will need to take three key measurements. Here is exactly how to do it:
What You Will Need
- • A flexible measuring tape (fabric, not metal)
- • A mirror to check tape placement
- • Form-fitting clothes or underwear
- • A friend to help (optional but useful)
Step-by-Step Measurements
1. Bust Measurement
Stand straight with arms relaxed at your sides. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust (usually at nipple level). Keep the tape parallel to the floor and snug but not tight.
2. Waist Measurement
Find your natural waistline—the narrowest part of your torso, usually above your belly button. Wrap the tape around, keeping it parallel to the floor. Do not suck in or push out.
3. Hip Measurement
Stand with feet together. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks. This is usually about 8 inches below your waist. Keep the tape parallel to the floor.
How to Calculate Your Body Shape
Now that you have your measurements, use these guidelines to determine your body shape:
| Body Shape | Measurement Ratio |
|---|---|
| Apple | Bust > Hips, Waist is similar to or larger than hips |
| Pear | Hips are 5%+ larger than bust |
| Rectangle | Bust, waist, and hips within 5% of each other |
| Hourglass | Bust and hips within 5%, waist 25%+ smaller than both |
| Inverted Triangle | Bust/shoulders 5%+ larger than hips |
Example Calculation
Let us say your measurements are: Bust 36", Waist 28", Hips 40"
- • Hips (40) are larger than bust (36) by 11% → Points to Pear
- • Waist (28) is smaller than hips (40) by 30% → Defined waist confirms Pear
- • Result: Pear Body Shape
Let Us Do the Math
Skip the calculations! Our body shape calculator instantly analyzes your measurements and provides your body shape with personalized styling recommendations.
Visual Self-Assessment Method
If you prefer not to measure, you can also identify your body shape by answering these questions:
Quick Visual Assessment
Where do you gain weight first?
- • Midsection/belly → Apple
- • Hips, thighs, bottom → Pear
- • Evenly all over → Rectangle
- • Bust and hips equally → Hourglass
- • Upper body, back → Inverted Triangle
Which fits first when trying on a dress?
- • Bottom fits, top is loose → Pear
- • Top fits, bottom is loose → Inverted Triangle or Apple
- • Both fit similarly → Rectangle or Hourglass
Look at yourself in a mirror from the front:
- • Shoulders narrower than hips → Pear
- • Shoulders wider than hips → Inverted Triangle
- • Shoulders and hips aligned → Rectangle or Hourglass
- • Defined waist dip → Hourglass
- • Straight sides → Rectangle
Common Mistakes When Determining Body Shape
Avoid these common errors when trying to find your body shape:
- Measuring over clothes: Always measure in form-fitting clothes or underwear
- Sucking in your stomach: Stand naturally for accurate measurements
- Using a metal tape: Flexible fabric tapes give more accurate body measurements
- Measuring at the wrong spots: Follow the guidelines above carefully
- Comparing to others: Focus on your own proportions, not absolute numbers
What To Do After Finding Your Body Shape
Once you know your body shape, you can start dressing to flatter your figure. Here are your next steps:
Explore Body Shape Guides
Detailed styling tips for each body type
How to Dress for Your Body Shape
Comprehensive dressing guide for all shapes
Take the Capsule Wardrobe Quiz
Build a wardrobe that works for your body
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out my body shape?
To find your body shape, measure your bust, waist, and hips in inches or centimeters. Compare the measurements: if hips are largest you are a pear, if bust is largest with less waist definition you are an apple, if all similar you are a rectangle, if bust and hips are equal with a smaller waist you are an hourglass, and if shoulders/bust are wider than hips you are an inverted triangle.
What is the most common body shape?
The rectangle body shape is the most common, representing about 46% of women. This is followed by pear (20%), apple (14%), inverted triangle (12%), and hourglass (8%). Body shape distribution varies by region and genetics.
Can my body shape change over time?
Yes, your body shape can change due to weight fluctuations, aging, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and exercise. While your bone structure stays the same, where you carry weight can shift, potentially changing your body shape classification.
What measurements do I need to find my body shape?
You need three measurements: bust (around the fullest part), waist (at the narrowest point of your torso), and hips (around the fullest part of your bottom). Some calculations also include shoulder width for more accuracy.
Is there a quick way to determine my body shape?
Yes! Use our free body shape calculator that does all the math for you. Simply enter your bust, waist, and hip measurements, and get your body shape result instantly along with personalized styling tips.
Why does knowing my body shape matter?
Knowing your body shape helps you choose clothes that flatter your natural proportions, saves time and money when shopping, builds confidence through better fit, and helps you develop a cohesive personal style.