How to Determine Your Body Shape (The Right Way—No Confusing Charts)
Photo by Folajimi Famosaya
You’ve probably seen the body shape charts that tell you to grab a measuring tape, take five different measurements, and then magically know your shape. But what if that method isn’t working for you?
If you’re feeling confused about your body shape, you’re not alone. This guide will help you figure it out the right way—without the overwhelm. No complicated math. No vague, outdated charts. Just practical ways to determine your body shape so you can finally shop with confidence.
Not sure where to start? Take our Body Shape Quiz for instant results!
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The 5 Main Body Shape Types
Before we jump into the methods, let’s get clear on the five primary body shapes and how to recognize them:
Body Shape | You Might Notice… | What to Focus On |
---|---|---|
Hourglass | Bust & hips are balanced, with a defined waist. | Highlight the waist and embrace curves. |
Pear | Hips are wider than bust. | Draw attention upward to balance proportions. |
Apple | Carries weight around the midsection but has great legs. | Define the waist and elongate the torso. |
Rectangle (Athletic) | Bust, waist, and hips are similar in width. | Create curves with strategic cuts and layering. |
Inverted Triangle | Shoulders are broader than hips. | Soften the upper body and add volume below. |
Still not sure? Take our Body Shape Quiz for an instant answer!
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The 3 Best Ways to Determine Your Body Shape
This is where most articles stop at just listing body shapes—but we’re taking it a step further. Here’s how you can accurately figure out yours:
Method 1: The Mirror Test (The Quickest Way)
Photo by Anna Nekrashevich
Stand in front of a full-length mirror wearing fitted clothing.
Ignore weight—focus on proportions instead.
Ask yourself:
Which part of my body is visually dominant? (Hips? Shoulders? Midsection?)
Does my waist stand out, or does my body look more straight-lined?
Tip: If your body looks curvier, you likely have an Hourglass or Pear shape. If it’s straighter, you might be a Rectangle or Inverted Triangle.
Method 2: The Clothing Fit Test (The Real-World Approach)
Photo by Darina Belonogova
Think about how clothes fit you:
Jeans Test:
If waist fits but hips are too tight → You might be Pear-shaped.
If hips fit but waist gaps → You might be Hourglass.
If jeans feel snug around your midsection but fit well everywhere else → You might be Apple-shaped.
Dress Test:
If dresses fit your bust but are loose at the waist → You might be Hourglass.
If dresses make you look straight up and down → You might be Rectangle.
If dresses feel tight in the stomach but flow well elsewhere → You might be Apple-shaped.
Jacket Test:
If blazers feel tight in the shoulders but loose at the hips → You might be Inverted Triangle.
If jackets fit in the shoulders but feel tight when buttoned at the waist → You might be Apple-shaped.
Find Your Body Shape
Method 3: The Measuring Tape Test (For Those Who Love Precision)
Photo by Mikhail Nilov
If you prefer a numbers-based approach, here’s how to measure:
Bust: Measure at the fullest part.
Waist: Measure at the smallest point.
Hips: Measure at the widest part.
Compare your numbers to these ratios:
Hourglass → Bust & hips are similar, waist is noticeably smaller.
Pear → Hips are significantly wider than bust.
Apple → Waist is the widest measurement.
Rectangle → Bust, waist, and hips are almost equal.
Inverted Triangle → Shoulders are wider than hips.
Common Body Shape Myths (And What Actually Matters)
These misconceptions cause a LOT of confusion—so let’s clear them up.
Myth: Your body shape changes if you gain or lose weight.
Truth: Your proportions stay the same—you don’t magically switch from a Pear to an Apple.
Myth: You need a measuring tape to figure it out.
Truth: Clothing fit and mirror reflection are often more reliable than numbers.
Myth: One body shape is better than another.
Truth: Every shape can look amazing with the right styling!
Now that you know your shape, let’s find the perfect outfits!
Now that you know your body shape, here’s what’s next!
Need outfit ideas? Check out our Body Shape Outfit Guides for expert styling tips!
Still unsure? Try our Body Shape Quiz for extra clarity.
Want jeans that actually fit? The Best Jeans for a Pear Figure
How to Dress for Your Body Shape → Learn styling tips for every body shape