Guide
What Is My Body Type?
The five body shapes—how to identify yours from proportions, what each actually looks like, and why it matters for dressing (and not much else).
The five body shapes and how to identify yours
Body shape is determined by the ratio of bust, waist, and hip measurements. Here's how each shape reads:
Hourglass
Bust ≈ hips, waist 8–10+ inches smaller. Weight distributes evenly above and below the waist. Natural waist definition. The most balanced proportion.
Pear (Triangle)
Hips clearly wider than bust. Weight tends to carry in the lower body (thighs, hips, glutes). Waist is defined but the hip-to-bust imbalance is the primary characteristic.
Apple (Round)
Midsection is the widest point—bust and waist wider than hips. Weight carries in the abdomen and upper body. Less defined waist.
Rectangle (Straight)
Bust, waist, and hip measurements within 5 inches of each other. Little natural waist definition. The most common shape.
Inverted Triangle
Bust and shoulders wider than hips. Common in athletic builds. Narrow hips relative to upper body.
What body shape actually means for dressing
Body shape analysis matters for fashion because clothes are cut assuming particular proportions. Understanding your shape tells you: what 'fit' actually means for your body (a 'straight size' trouser fits a rectangle, not a pear), where to add or reduce visual weight with clothing, and why specific styles flatter or don't—independently of size.
Frequently asked
What are the main female body types?
The five main female body shapes based on proportions: Hourglass (balanced bust and hips, defined waist), Pear/Triangle (hips wider than bust), Apple/Round (bust and midsection wider than hips), Rectangle/Straight (similar measurements throughout), and Inverted Triangle (bust and shoulders wider than hips).
What is the difference between body type and body shape?
Body type (ectomorph, mesomorph, endomorph) refers to how the body responds to diet and training—a metabolic classification. Body shape (hourglass, pear, etc.) refers to skeletal proportions—where width distributes relative to waist. Shape is more useful for dressing; type is more relevant for training and nutrition.
How do I know if I have an hourglass body shape?
Hourglass proportions: bust and hip measurements within 1–2 inches of each other, waist at least 8 inches smaller than both. Natural waist definition without effort to create it. Hips and bust visually balanced when viewed from the front.
What body shape do most women have?
Studies suggest rectangle/straight is the most common body shape, followed by pear. The classic hourglass is less common than media representation suggests—estimates vary but typically place it at 8–10% of women.
Keep reading
Nose shape analysis
Six nose types, how to identify yours, and how camera angle changes everything.
Lip shape analysis
Six lip types, how to identify yours, and the liner and finish techniques that suit each.
What is my hair type?
The full 1A–4C system, how to identify your curl pattern, and why porosity matters as much.
This page is general information about facial aesthetics terminology, not medical or cosmetic advice. Scores from our tools are AI-generated estimates for entertainment and self-reflection.