Sources and Methodology
Transparency about our research sources, methodology, and the academic foundations behind DiscoverFashions fashion tools.
Site Philosophy
DiscoverFashions aims to provide accessible, educational fashion guidance through interactive tools grounded in established research and industry standards.
Our tools are designed to help women understand their body proportions and make informed styling decisions. We prioritize transparency about our methodology and clarity about the limitations of simplified classification systems.
All interactive tools process data client-side only — your measurements are never sent to our servers, ensuring complete privacy.
How We Developed Our Methodology
Our body shape classification system is built on research from NC State University's Textile and Apparel Management department. The Female Figure Identification Technique (FFIT) was developed by Simmons, Istook & Devarajan in 2004 as a scientific method for categorizing female body shapes using measurement ratios.
The original FFIT research identified nine distinct body shape categories. For practical consumer use, we simplified this to five main categories that most people can recognize and relate to. This simplification makes our tools accessible while remaining grounded in peer-reviewed science.
Our size conversion tables draw from European Standard EN 13402 and International Standard ISO 8559. These provide the foundation for our conversions between US, UK, EU, and AU sizing systems. We also incorporate industry-standard conversion tables that fashion brands commonly use.
Population-Level Body Shape Distribution
NC State University sorted SizeUSA body-scan data from more than 6,300 US women into seven shapes with FFIT and released the four named shares below in February 2006. The other-three figure is our own subtraction. Apple is not one of the seven shapes, so it has no figure here.
| Body Shape | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Rectangle | 46% |
| Spoon (Pear) | 20%+ |
| Inverted Triangle | 14% |
| Hourglass | 8% |
| Other three shapes (top hourglass, bottom hourglass and triangle), our subtraction | about 12% |
Source: NC State University analysis of SizeUSA body-scan data from more than 6,300 US women, sorted with the Female Figure Identification Technique (Simmons, Istook and Devarajan, 2004). The four named percentages are as released by NC State in February 2006. The 12% for the other three shapes is our own subtraction, 100 minus those four, and the release does not state it. The seven-shape classification is described in Lee, Istook, Nam and Park (2007), International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology 19(5).
Limitations of Body Shape Classification
No classification system perfectly describes human bodies. Body shape categories are generalizations that work well for many people, but your body may not fit neatly into any single category.
- •Most people are combinations of two or more body shape types
- •Weight distribution changes over time and with lifestyle
- •Proportions vary within each category significantly
- •Clothing fit depends on more than just body shape
We encourage you to use your dominant result as a starting point for exploration, not a definitive label. Your body is unique and deserves personalized attention.
The Capsule Wardrobe Concept
The term “capsule wardrobe” was revived and popularized by Susie Faux, owner of The Wardrobe boutique in London, during the 1970s. While the concept existed earlier, Faux is widely credited with establishing it as a fashion philosophy.
According to Faux, a capsule wardrobe contains essential clothing items that do not go out of fashion. These typically include skirts, trousers, and coats that can be supplemented with seasonal pieces. The idea is to build a foundation of versatile, timeless items that work together.
“A capsule wardrobe contains essential clothing items that do not go out of fashion, such as skirts, trousers, and coats, which can be supplemented with seasonal pieces.”
— Susie Faux, The Wardrobe boutique, London
Source: Archived Susie Faux website | Wardrobe archives
Educational vs Professional Advice
What We Provide
- Educational guidance on body shape classification and styling
- General size conversion references based on international standards
- Style exploration tools for personal wardrobe development
- Research-backed information with documented sources
What We Do NOT Provide
- Medical, health, or fitness advice
- Professional styling consultations
- Brand-specific sizing (always check brand size charts)
- Body image or dietary guidance
Academic References
Our methodology is informed by peer-reviewed research and established industry standards.
Female Figure Identification Technique (FFIT)
Simmons, Istook & Devarajan (2004)
Journal of Textile and Apparel Technology and Management
Foundational research for body shape classification methodology
FFIT Validation
Devarajan & Istook (2004)
NC State University Repository
Validation record for the FFIT sorting method. It is not the source of the population percentages on this site.
Fashion Designers Ignoring Shapes of Women's Bodies
NC State University (2006)
NC State University news release, 20 February 2006 (Newswise reprint)
Source of the population percentages: about 46% rectangle, a little over 20% spoon or pear, nearly 14% inverted triangle, about 8% hourglass, from SizeUSA body-scan data
Comparison of body shape between USA and Korean women
Lee, Istook, Nam & Park (2007)
International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology 19(5), 374-391
Peer-reviewed description of the seven-shape classification applied to more than 6,300 US women
EN 13402 - Size Designation of Clothes
European Committee for Standardization (CEN) (2001)
European Standard
Basis for European clothing size conversion
ISO 8559 - Size Designation of Clothes
International Organization for Standardization (2017)
International Standard
International framework for garment sizing methodology
Susie Faux and the Capsule Wardrobe Origin
Susie Faux (1970)
The Wardrobe boutique, London
Revived and popularized the term "capsule wardrobe" in the 1970s
Tool-Specific Methodology
Body Shape Calculator
- Classification System:
- Five-category system (Apple, Pear, Rectangle, Hourglass, Inverted Triangle) based on FFIT research
- Input Required:
- Shoulder, bust, waist, and hip measurements
- Method:
- Ratio-based comparison against established thresholds
Size Converter
- Standards Used:
- EN 13402 (EU), ISO 8559, industry-standard conversion tables
- Regions Covered:
- US, UK, EU, AU for clothing and shoes
- Important Note:
- Conversions are approximations; brand-specific sizing varies
Capsule Wardrobe Quiz
- Conceptual Basis:
- Susie Faux capsule wardrobe concept (1970s), modernized for contemporary styling
- Style Categories:
- Minimalist, Classic, Trendy, Bohemian
- Method:
- Lifestyle and preference questions with weighted scoring
Update Policy
- Content Review Cycle:
- Quarterly
- Methodology Review:
- Annual (or when new research emerges)
- Last Comprehensive Review:
- October 2026
- Size Conversion Tables:
- Updated as international standards change
Report Errors or Suggest Corrections
We strive for accuracy. If you identify factual errors, outdated information, or have suggestions for improving our methodology, please contact us.
Citation Information
How to Cite Us
We welcome citations of our tools and research. Please use the following format:
Format
"[Page Title]" - DiscoverFashions.com, [URL], accessed [Date]
Example
"Body Shape Calculator" - DiscoverFashions.com, https://www.discoverfashions.com/tools/body-shape-calculator/, accessed December 14, 2025
For AI & Developers
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