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  • Writer's pictureKatie Pape

Fashion Confidence Begins Here: How to Identify Your Body Shape

A template of a woman's body labeled shoulders, bust, waist, and hips

Have you ever admired how certain outfits seem to effortlessly enhance someone's natural beauty and confidence? It all begins with understanding and embracing your unique body shape – a beautiful and individual aspect of who you are.


Why does body shape matter? It matters because it's a celebration of your individuality. Understanding your body shape empowers you to embrace and highlight your favorite features. It's about recognizing the curves, angles, and lines that make you uniquely you, and celebrating them through your fashion choices.


Understanding your body shape adds a scientific dimension to your fashion choices, making shopping and getting dressed so much easier. By knowing what works best for your unique silhouette, you can focus on selecting clothes that not only look great but also make you feel confident and comfortable. It's all about finding that perfect balance between style and functionality, allowing you to express yourself authentically through your wardrobe. Let's dive into the fascinating world of body shapes and discover how it can transform your approach to fashion!


The first step is to measure your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips and write them down. Using your measurements and the criteria below, you can find out which shape you most align with.



1️. Pear Shape (Triangle):


An illustration of a woman who has a triangle body shape


  • Shoulders: Narrower shoulders in proportion to the hips.

  • Bust: Bust size may vary, but generally smaller than the hips.

  • Waist: Defined waistline that is narrower than the hips.

  • Hips: Fuller hips and thighs compared to the shoulders.

  • Thighs: The widest part of the body is typically around the hips and thighs.

  • Proportions: Weight is often carried in the lower body, with a smaller upper body.


2️. Round/Oval/Apple:



An illustration of a woman who has a round body shape

  • Shoulders: Generally larger than the hips.

  • Bust: Bust size may vary, typically larger than the hips.

  • Waist: Less defined waistline with a tendency to carry weight around the midsection.

  • Hips: Narrower hips compared to the shoulders and bust.

  • Proportions: Weight tends to be carried in the bust, abdomen, and midsection.


3️. Rectangular Shape:


An illustration of a woman who has a rectangle body shape

  • Shoulders: The width of the shoulders is similar to the width of the hips.

  • Bust: Bust size may vary, but generally, there is little difference in measurement between the bust, waist, and hips.

  • Waist: Waistline is not very defined, with minimal curve between the bust and hips.

  • Hips: Hip measurement is similar to the bust and waist measurements.

  • Proportions: Torso may appear straight with minimal curves, all measurements are around the same.


4️. Hourglass Shape:


An illustration of a woman who has an hourglass body shape

  • Shoulders: The width of the shoulders is generally equal to the width of the hips.

  • Bust: Well-defined and proportionate to the hips.

  • Waist: A defined waistline that is significantly smaller than the bust and hips, creating an hourglass silhouette.

  • Hips: Fuller hips with a noticeable curve, often proportionate to the bust.

  • Proportions: Overall, the body has balanced proportions with a noticeable indent at the waist.


5️. Inverted Triangle:


An illustration of a woman who has an inverted triangle body shape

  • Shoulders: Broad shoulders that are wider than the hips.

  • Bust: Bust size may vary, but generally, the bust is proportionate to the shoulders or slightly larger.

  • Waist: Waistline may be well-defined or slightly less defined, with minimal curve between the waist and hips.

  • Hips: Narrower hips and thighs compared to the shoulders.

  • Proportions: Upper body is broader than the lower body.


An illustration of woman with different body shapes

Armed with these measurements and knowledge about your body, you have the key to confidently explore fashion styles tailored to your unique body shape. Remember, your body shape is not a limitation but a beautiful expression of your individuality. You may even fall into multiple categories, and that's okay! This guide isn't designed to fit you into a box but to help you understand how to dress for your body if you choose to do so. Embrace your unique shape with confidence and pride.


Key Takeaway: Your body shape is unique, and understanding it is the first step toward fashion confidence. Embrace your shape, explore styles that enhance your natural beauty, and step out with confidence!


Stay tuned for more posts on this! Be sure to check out my curated shoppable style edits and follow along on Instagram. Thanks for reading!

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