A guide to know your body shape and how to dress to fit
Bodies come in all different shapes and sizes. That’s part of what makes each of us unique.
It’s important to know that there isn’t an “average” or “typical” body.
Some of us are curvier, some of us have narrower hips or broader shoulders — we’re all a little bit different.
Rectangle, straight, or “banana”
If your waist measurements are about the same as your hip or bust, and your shoulders and hips are about the same width, you have what’s called a “banana” or rectangle body type.
Stylists will probably point you toward off-the-shoulder tops, tube dresses, and belted waists.
Triangle or “pear”
With this shape, your shoulders and bust are narrower than your hips.
You probably have slim arms and a fairly defined waist. Your waist most likely slopes out to your hips.
Stylists often recommend clothing that shows off the waistline.
Spoon
The spoon body type is pretty similar to the triangle or “pear” shape.
Your hips are larger than your bust or the rest of your body and may have a “shelf”-like appearance.
You likely have a defined waist. You may also carry some weight in your upper arms and upper thighs.
You may be told to look for dresses that have classic “baby doll” cuts or other items with an empire waist.
Hourglass
If your hips and bust are nearly equal in size and you have a well-defined waist that’s narrower than both, you have an hourglass shape.
Your legs and upper body are probably considered proportionate.
Your shoulders may be slightly rounded, and you most likely have a rounded buttocks.
Form-fitting or tailored clothing have traditionally been designed with this body type in mind.
Top hourglass
As a top hourglass, you have the general hourglass shape, but your bust measurements are slightly larger than your hips.
Boot cut or slightly flared pants probably fit you well, as do full or A-line skirts and tailored jackets.
Bottom hourglass
As a bottom hourglass, you have the general hourglass shape, but your hip measurements are slightly larger than your bust.
Stylists probably point you toward form-fitting knits and dresses.
Inverted triangle or “apple”
If your shoulders and bust are larger than your relatively narrow hips, you have what’s known as an inverted triangle or “apple” shape.
Stylists may recommend tops that have some shaping around the waist and more open necklines, or clothing that shows off your legs.
Round or oval
If your bust is larger than the rest of your body, your hips are narrow, and your midsection is fuller, you have what’s usually called a round or oval body type.
Stylists usually point people with this body type toward tops that flare at the top or that have vertical details.
Diamond
If you have broader hips than shoulders, a narrow bust, and a fuller waistline, you have what’s called a diamond body shape.
With this type, you may carry a little more weight in your upper legs. You may also have slender arms.
Flowy off-the-shoulder or boat-neck tops are usually recommended for this body type.
Athletic
If your body is muscular but isn’t particularly curvy, you might have an athletic body type.
Your shoulder and hip measurements are about the same.
Your waist is narrower than your shoulder and hips, but it isn’t overly-defined and looks more straight up and down.
Stylists often point to halter, strapless, and racerback styles.