Your Body Shape: Apple
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.
What 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 Measurements
Understanding your specific proportions helps you shop with confidence. Here are the key measurement indicators for an apple body shape.
Bust to Hip Ratio
Bust is typically larger than hips by 3+ inches
Waist Difference
Waist is similar to or larger than hip measurement
Shoulder to Hip Alignment
Shoulders are often broader than hips
Typical Ratios
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.
Your Body Shape Characteristics
- 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
Style Tips for Your Shape
Create vertical lines with V-necks, long necklaces, and open cardigans
Empire waistlines sit above your midsection, enhancing your bust and gliding over the midsection
Show off your legs with shorter hemlines and fitted pants
Structured fabrics provide support without clinging to the midsection
Monochromatic outfits create a lengthening, elongating 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 Clothing for Your Shape
Tops
- V-neck tops
- Empire waist tops
- Wrap styles
- Flowy tunics
- Open cardigans
- Scoop neck blouses
- Peplum tops
Bottoms
- Straight-leg pants
- Bootcut jeans
- Mid-rise styles
- Tailored shorts
- A-line skirts
- Wide-leg trousers
- Flat-front pants
Dresses
- Empire waist dresses
- Wrap dresses
- Shift dresses
- A-line dresses
- Fit-and-flare above knee
- Asymmetric hemlines
- Maxi dresses
Outerwear
- Long cardigans
- Waterfall jackets
- Single-breasted coats
- Duster coats
- Open-front blazers
- Longline vests
- Swing coats
What to 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
What to Wear for Every Occasion
Knowing your body shape is only the first step. Here is how to dress your apple figure for different occasions, from the office to a night out.
Work and 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 and 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 and 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.
Accessory Guide for Apple Shapes
Accessories are a powerful way to draw attention to your favorite features and complete your outfits with confidence. Here are expert recommendations for the apple body shape.
- Long pendant necklaces that create vertical lines
- V-shaped jewelry to elongate the neckline
- Avoid wide belts at the waist; try hip-slung or under-bust styles
- Statement earrings to draw attention upward
- Structured handbags worn at hip level
- Scarves worn long and loose in vertical lines
- Pointed-toe shoes to elongate the leg line
Best Fabrics for Apple Shapes
Recommended Fabrics
- Flowing chiffon — drapes softly away from the midsection
- Matte jersey — creates a smooth line without clinging
- Cotton poplin — structured enough for button-downs without stiffness
- Ponte — holds shape beautifully for jackets and structured dresses
- Crepe — elegant drape that skims the body
Fabrics to Approach with Care
- Clingy knits at the midsection — creates unwanted emphasis
- Stiff brocade — adds bulk through the torso
- Thin, transparent fabrics — feel less confident and polished
Seasonal Styling for Apple Shapes
Spring
V-neck tunic tops over straight-leg jeans, empire-waist dresses in cotton, and longline cardigans. Light layers create a long, lean spring silhouette.
Spring capsule guide →Summer
Flowing maxi dresses, A-line sundresses with V-necklines, and wide-leg pants with fitted V-neck tees. Light, breathable fabrics that skim the body.
Summer capsule guide →Fall
Longline blazers over dark jeans, wrap dresses in ponte knit, and structured jackets. Dark monochromes create a streamlined, polished autumn look.
Fall capsule guide →Winter
V-neck cashmere sweaters, open-front long cardigans, and A-line wool skirts with tights. Vertical details and monochromatic outfits elongate the torso.
Winter capsule guide →Frequently Asked Questions
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 complement an apple figure?
Complement an apple figure by creating vertical lines with V-necks and long necklaces. Empire waistlines sit above the midsection enhancing the bust, while shorter hemlines show off legs. Monochromatic outfits create a lengthening effect. Focus on A-line silhouettes that glide over the midsection.
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 complement your natural apple shape rather than trying to change it.
Continue Your Style Journey
Now that you understand your apple body shape, explore our other tools to refine your personal style even further.
Capsule Wardrobe Quiz
Build a complete wardrobe tailored to your lifestyle and body shape.
Color Analysis
Discover which colors complement your skin tone and enhance your natural beauty.
Size Converter
Convert between US, UK, EU, and AU clothing sizes instantly.
Body Shape Dressing Guide
Comprehensive guide covering all five body shapes with detailed styling advice.
Celebrity Style Inspiration
These celebrities share your apple body shape:
Recommended Brands for Apple Body Shape
These brands offer clothing styles that complement your apple figure. We have included options across different price points to suit every budget.
Tops
Anthropologie
Premium$80-300
Everlane
Mid-Range$40-150
Zara
Mid-Range$30-150
H&M
Budget-Friendly$15-80
Bottoms
Levi's
Mid-Range$60-130
Gap
Budget-Friendly$30-100
Banana Republic
Mid-Range$60-200
ASOS
Budget-Friendly$20-100
Dresses
Reformation
Premium$100-400
Diane von Furstenberg
Premium$200-500
Mango
Mid-Range$40-150
ASOS
Budget-Friendly$20-100
General Shopping
Nordstrom
Mid-Range$50-300
Target (A New Day)
Budget-Friendly$15-50
Anthropologie
Premium$80-300
Note: Prices and availability may vary. We recommend checking size guides on each brand website as sizing can differ between manufacturers.
Classification based on body measurement ratios. Styling recommendations are general guidance.Learn about our methodology
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