Bodies come in all different shapes and sizes--no one shape is the right or ideal shape for everyone. Some people have smaller hips or larger bosoms, while others are straight through the torso. Identifying and defining your unique body shape allows you to dress in a flattering manner, boosting your self esteem, say fashion experts Clinton Kelly and Stacey London in their book "Dress Your Best." The terminology surrounding body shapes is full of analogies to fruit, architecture and geometric shapes--no matter what phrase is used to define your specific body shape, knowing how you are shaped allows you to embrace your body and take charge of your appearance.
Step 1
Become familiar with the body shapes commonly ascribed to people. Pear shaped individuals are more bottom heavy, while apple shaped people carry their weight in the middle. Hourglass figures look like two triangles that meet at the waist, while column or ruler shapes appear straight with little differentiation between their waist, bust and hip measurements. A 2005 study performed by the University of North Carolina found that 46 percent of women were ruler shaped, approximately 20 percent were pear shaped, about 14 percent were apple shaped and only 8 percent of women studied had hourglass figures.
Step 2
Take your measurements. Measure around the fullest part of your bust, approximately 1 inch above your belly button for your waist and at the fullest part of your hips.
Step 3
Use your measurements to define your body shape. Pear shaped people have a larger hip measurement and little difference between their bust and waist measurements. Hourglass figures have bust and hip measurements that are similar to each other, with a waist approximately 6 inches smaller than their bust or hips.
Step 4
Figure out if you're an apple or column shape. Apple shaped individuals have a much larger waist measurement than their hip or bust measurements. Column shaped individuals have little variation between their bust, waist and hip measurements.
Step 5
Dress to define your body shape. Accentuate the features you have and use the cut of clothing to add curves where you feel they're needed. Wear clothing that is comfortable and suited to your body type, allowing you to move without pinching, riding up, falling down or ripping.
Things You'll Need
- Mirror
- Measuring tape
References
- The Independent: The Shape of Things to Wear: Scientists Identify how Women's Figures Have Changed in 50 years
- "The Body Shape Bible"; Susannah Constantine, Trinny Woodall; 2007
- "The Dressmaker's Technique Bible"; Lorna Knight; 2008
- "Dress Your Best"; Clinton Kelly, Stacey London; 2005
- "Dress to Express"; Tracy MacWilliams; 2004
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