Apple Body Shape: Complete Style Guide
The apple body shape carries weight primarily around the midsection, with a fuller bust and narrower hips. Often featuring beautiful legs and a less defined waist, this shape benefits from styles that create length and draw the eye vertically. Your legs are often your best asset.
Not sure if you're an apple shape? Take our quizWhat is an Apple Body Shape?
An apple body shape (also called round or oval) is a female body type where weight is carried primarily around the midsection, with a fuller bust and narrower hips. The waist is less defined, but apple shapes often have slender, shapely legs. About 14% of women have this body type.
Apple Body Shape Measurements
Understanding your measurements helps confirm if you have an apple body shape. Here are the typical proportions:
Proportion Guidelines
- Bust to Hip: Bust is typically larger than hips by 3+ inches
- Waist: Waist is similar to or larger than hip measurement
- Shoulders: Shoulders are often broader than hips
Typical Measurements
Common examples: 42-38-36, 40-36-34, or 44-40-38 inches
How to Measure
Measure bust at fullest point, waist at natural waist (or widest point of midsection), and hips at widest point. If your waist is your widest measurement, you likely have an apple shape.
Apple Body Shape Characteristics
Key Features
- Fuller midsection and bust with weight carried around the middle
- Narrower hips compared to bust and waist
- Less defined or undefined waistline
- Often have slender, shapely legs and arms
- Broad shoulders and back
- Tendency to gain weight in stomach and upper body first
- Often have a flatter bottom compared to hips
Celebrity Apple Shapes
These famous women share your body type:
How to Dress an Apple Body Shape
Create vertical lines with V-necks, long necklaces, and open cardigans
Empire waistlines sit above your midsection, flattering your bust and skimming the tummy
Show off your legs with shorter hemlines and fitted pants
Structured fabrics provide support without clinging to the midsection
Monochromatic outfits create a lengthening, slimming effect
A-line silhouettes skim over the midsection gracefully
Avoid belts at the natural waist; opt for under-bust or hip-level belts
Layer strategically with open cardigans and structured jackets
Best Clothes for Apple Body Shape
Best Tops
- V-neck tops
- Empire waist tops
- Wrap styles
- Flowy tunics
- Open cardigans
- Scoop neck blouses
- Peplum tops
Best Bottoms
- Straight-leg pants
- Bootcut jeans
- Mid-rise styles
- Tailored shorts
- A-line skirts
- Wide-leg trousers
- Flat-front pants
Best Dresses
- Empire waist dresses
- Wrap dresses
- Shift dresses
- A-line dresses
- Fit-and-flare above knee
- Asymmetric hemlines
- Maxi dresses
Best Outerwear
- Long cardigans
- Waterfall jackets
- Single-breasted coats
- Duster coats
- Open-front blazers
- Longline vests
- Swing coats
What Apple Shapes Should Avoid
- Clingy fabrics around the midsection that highlight the tummy
- Belts at the natural waist that emphasize the widest point
- Cropped tops or jackets that end at the widest point
- High-waisted pants with tucked-in tops
- Horizontal stripes across the middle
- Boxy, shapeless tops that add bulk
- Tight pencil skirts without flow
- Double-breasted jackets that add width
Best Accessories for Apple Body Shape
The right accessories can elongate your silhouette and draw attention to your best features. Here are expert recommendations:
Apple Body Shape Outfits by Occasion
Different occasions call for different styling approaches. Here's how to dress your apple figure for any event:
Work & Office
V-neck blouses with straight-leg trousers. Single-breasted blazers worn open. Shift dresses that skim the midsection. Empire waist tops with tailored pants.
Casual & Weekend
Flowy tunics with leggings or skinny jeans to show off legs. Open cardigans over V-neck tees. A-line dresses with shorter hemlines.
Evening & Formal
Empire waist gowns that flow from below the bust. Wrap dresses in luxe fabrics. A-line cocktail dresses with V-necklines.
Date Night
Wrap dresses that define the bust while skimming the middle. V-neck tops with fitted pants. Flowy blouses with statement accessories.
Apple Body Shape FAQ
What is an apple body shape?
An apple body shape (also called round or oval shape) carries weight primarily around the midsection, featuring a fuller bust and narrower hips with a less defined waistline. Apple shapes often have slender legs and arms, making legs a key asset to showcase. About 14% of women have this body type.
What are the measurements for an apple body shape?
Apple body shape measurements typically show the bust and waist as the largest measurements, with narrower hips. Common examples include 42-38-36, 40-36-34, or 44-40-38 inches. The key indicator is that your midsection (waist area) is similar to or larger than your hip measurement.
What clothes look best on an apple body shape?
Apple shapes look best in V-neck tops, empire waist dresses, wrap styles, flowy tunics, and A-line silhouettes. The key is creating vertical lines and drawing attention away from the midsection while showing off slender legs. Structured fabrics that skim rather than cling work best.
What should apple body shapes avoid wearing?
Apple shapes should avoid clingy fabrics around the midsection, belts at the natural waist, cropped tops or jackets that end at the widest point, high-waisted pants with tucked-in tops, horizontal stripes across the middle, and boxy shapeless tops that add bulk.
How can I dress to flatter an apple figure?
Flatter an apple figure by creating vertical lines with V-necks and long necklaces. Empire waistlines sit above the midsection flattering the bust, while shorter hemlines show off legs. Monochromatic outfits create a lengthening effect. Focus on A-line silhouettes that skim the tummy.
What is the difference between apple and rectangle body shape?
The main difference is where weight is carried. Apple shapes carry weight around the midsection with a fuller bust, while rectangle shapes have evenly distributed measurements with minimal waist definition. Apple shapes often have narrower hips than bust, while rectangle shapes have similar bust and hip measurements.
Is apple body shape unhealthy?
While carrying weight around the midsection can be associated with certain health considerations, body shape alone does not determine health. Many healthy, active women have apple body shapes. Focus on overall wellness rather than changing your natural body shape. Consult healthcare providers for personalized health advice.
Can you change an apple body shape?
You cannot change your fundamental bone structure, but exercise can help tone muscles and manage weight distribution. Core exercises and cardio can help, but genetics largely determine where your body stores fat. Focus on styling tips that flatter your natural apple shape rather than trying to change it.
About This Guide
Classification Basis
Apple body shape classification is part of the five-category system used in fashion styling, based on proportional relationships between bust, waist, and hip measurements.
Prevalence
According to NC State University's SizeUSA study (2004), approximately 14% of women have an apple body shape.
Limitations
Styling recommendations are general guidance based on proportional balance principles. Individual preferences and comfort should always take priority.
External Reference: Wikipedia - Female body shape
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