How To Determine Your Body Shape – With Measurements

Your body silhouette is what your body type is, which is what we would discuss shortly. However, it is also important to know your vitals first, as much as it is to understand your body type.

Tip – Using a cloth tape is better than a metal one. Let the tape be neither too tight or loose, it should be snug to a point where you think it will slip, it probably will but hold on to it and it gives you the most accurate number.

• Shoulder

Measuring your own shoulder measurements is relatively difficult because it is tricky to hover the tape while keeping it intact. If you have people around, let someone else help you with this part at least. Start at the tip of the shoulder (any side) and then take it around to the other side, till the end meets the tip of the same shoulder. Remember that the tape should be very close to the shoulder. This way, you get the measurement of the widest point of your shoulder.

• Bust

Stand straight before you do this, you need to measure the fullest part of your bust. Start by placing one end of the tape at the fullest part and wrap it around from under your shoulders to bring it back to where you started. You now have your bust size. Don’t let the tape to squish your breasts; it should stick to your chest end to end.

• Waist

Do not slouch your stomach or pull it in, just stand as straight as you can. Start at the slimmest part of your waist above your belly button, and below the rib cage, this is your natural waistline. Wrap the tape around your stomach and bring it back to where you first started. If you are someone who usually wears clothes below your belly button, you might want to make a note of that number too.

• Hips

You need to measure the circumference of the fullest part of your buttocks to get the measure of your hips. Start with one side of the hip and take it from the rear towards the other hip. Bring it back to the starting point. Do this exercise in front of the mirror, so you know the tape is leveled throughout.

How To Determine Your Body Type And Dress Accordingly? – The Body Shape Guide

Simply put, your body type is the outline of your structure. Thus, understanding your body type helps with mapping clothes, and tweaking it in a way that matches your personal style too. The idea is to make sure the dresses we choose sit beautifully and proportionately (or according to your body proportions) and enhance your looks for an even better-looking silhouette. Short, tall, slender, curvy, etc., do not determine your body type, the body parts do. Since all of us almost have a distinct shape, yet (our bodies) fall under bigger buckets that we need to delve into this a little.

P.S – If you want to be doubly sure and make it seem more than an eyeball measurement, your vitals can be used as the basis too. You can look at the math and be able to point a finger to the body type.

How To Dress For Your Body Types – 5 Different Types

1. What Is An Apple Body Shape?

You will fall under this apple-shaped figure when you have a heavier upper body in comparison to your lower part of the body. People with this body type usually have broad shoulders, bigger bust line, and that’s why it feels like the weight gathers around the midriff.

• How To Dress For Apple Body Shape?

Since most of the weight and concentration is above the hips, the mid-riff appears heavier than the remaining body with a minimal waistline. So, the idea here is to take the attention away from that part of the body and highlight your strengths. That’s why you need to flaunt your legs or wear the dress with V or deep V necklines that created an elongated illusion of the torso.

• Best Clothes For Apple Shaped Body?

A-line or empire cuts are ideal for you. Wear printed dresses or patterned jackets that add a layer to shift the focus. Monochrome looks, dark colors, full or 3/4th sleeves dresses and flowy tops will help. You could also wear flared bottoms; palazzos etc. to create a balance. Also, since your shoulders are broad and you might already have a bigger bustline, ensure you wear the right bra.

• What Not To Wear When You Have An Apple Shaped Body?

Avoid figure hugging dresses or tops with skinny jeans; this will make it more visible. Try and replace the waist belt with an upper waist belt to strike a balance.

2. What Is An Hourglass Body Shape?

You know when you’re an hourglass body shape, and so will the others. This body type is the most balanced of all with a proportionate top and bottom part of the body with a well-defined waistline. So when you look for dresses, choose the ones that do just that for you. It is a body to die for, so flaunt it and in the right way.

• How To Dress For An Hourglass Body Shape?

Since you have a well-balanced figure, your dresses should do the same as well. The dress should sit well at the right curves and follow the outline of these curves. Make the most of it, because not everybody has this!

• Best Clothes For Hourglass Shaped Body?

Dresses that cinch at the waist will be your best fit. V or plunge V and sweetheart necklines help you flaunt your upper body. To flaunt your waistline, go with a belt at your natural waistline or below the belly button—either way it only looks great. A-line dresses or similar cuts take care of working on the lower part of the body and needless to say; body hugging dresses are your thing, because, why not?

• What Not To Wear When You Have An Hourglass Shaped Body?

Almost anything looks great on this body type. But pairing it up with loose tops or bottoms might kill  the look. What is the point, otherwise?

3. What Is A Pear Body Shape?

The pear shaped body is all in the lower part of your body. Your butt and thighs are visually bigger than your upper body. So, make some space for that base, people. Thanks To Kim Kardashian and others, this body is a rage right now. You’re lucky if you’ve naturally got a figure like this or achieved this with workouts.

• How To Dress For Pear Body Shape?

The advantage with this body type is that you can create an illusion of an hourglass figure if styled correctly. Your shoulders are narrow, and hips are wide.  All you have to do is to strike a balance. Or, wear outfits that enhance your lower body, either way, works well.

• Best Clothes For Pear Shaped Body?

Wide legged pants, A-line skirts or dresses with patterned or ruffled tops that add definition to the upper body look great. Skinny jeans with loose tops help create an hourglass illusion. Crop tops, sweetheart, V or deep-V, scoop or boat necks will balance your bottom out.

• What Not To Wear When You Have A Pear Shaped Body?

Avoid skin fitting tops and loose bottoms, unless you prefer the look.

4. What Is A Rectangle Body Shape?

Rectangle shaped body is usually well balanced from the shoulders to the hips. So, there is not too much of a definition to your silhouette, and it’s fairly straightforward.

• How To Dress For A Rectangle Body Shape?

Your arms and legs are the assets. So, focus on enhancing that. It’s like the hourglass figure minus the defined waistline.

• Best Clothes For Rectangle Shaped Body?

Choose A-line skirts, ruffled and layered tops. Dresses that add definition to your bottom and necklines that add meat to the upper body. Sleeveless, strapless and sweetheart lines are your thing. Blazers, long jackets and capes add the much-needed drama here.

• What Not To Wear When You Have A Rectangle Shaped Body?

Avoid dresses that are overarching, they look very consuming and will not look great.

5. What Is An Inverted Triangle Body Shape?

The inverted triangle is the most athletic looking body type. Your shoulders are much broader than your hips. So, your arms and shoulders need to be enhanced as much as we can, let’s work on them.

• How To Dress For An Inverted Triangle Body Shape?

You have to remember to add definition to your hips and thereby to focus on creating a balance. Straight-cut jeans and dresses that naturally have an inverted V-look to them are all clothes that will suit your body.

• Best Clothes For Inverted Triangle Body Type?

Since your hips are much narrower than your shoulders, pencil cut skirt, skinny jeans, etc. with any tops will look great. But, do make sure that there is not much layering or definition to your upper body because it needs none. V-neck lines work well and create an illusion of narrow shoulders, so this should be your go-to neckline.

• What Not To Wear When You Have An Inverted Triangle Body Shape?

Let all the patterns, ruffles, layers, etc. be part of the bottom part of your body; and, upper body be minimalistic. As long as you remember this, you will do more than good.

Being self-aware and most importantly informed can solve a lot of your shopping nightmares. You at least know that if a dress is not fitting or not looking a certain way, it does not imply that you’re out of shape and disproportionate. You have to work around things and more than anything there’s a glove(s) that’s meant for all of us, we need to know how and where to look! I hope by now you have gotten a better idea on how to dress for your body type. Now chin up-chest-high honey bunches!

Being able to identify your body shape is the first step to finding the most flattering fit in a dress. Style is not all about sporting the trendiest outfits, and wearing things that highlight the best features on your body can elevate the look of any wardrobe. To crown the quest to find the most flattering dress this season with success, we have put together this guide that will take you by the hand and help you shop for that dreamy dress!

Body Types

1. Hourglass

Your Body: Hourglass figures are curvy with proportionate hips and bust. Individuals with this body type have an upper body that is considered “balanced” with their leg length. Hourglass figures also have well-defined waists, and this asset should be accentuated!

Best Dresses for You: Look for dresses that have V-necklines, open necklines, cinched-in waistlines, and/or form-fitting tops. Wrap dresses with belted waists are also a great option for hourglass figures!

What NOT to Wear: Baby doll dresses, shapeless styles, empire waist styles, and oversized dresses.

2. Pear (or Triangle)

Your Body: Girls with a triangle body type typically have a thinner upper body and larger hips and thighs. To appear more balanced and proportionate, triangle body types should opt for dresses that add more volume to their upper half.

Best Dresses for You: Any dress with a strapless top, a fitted open neck, a V-neckline, A-line or full skirt will help hide a wider hip. Dresses with details in the bust area will help create a balancing effect. Keep in mind that if you pick a dress that’s fitted on the hips, you will probably have to go a size up and take the garment to a seamstress to alter the waist. In short, you will look fab in flare and fit dresses as they are roomier from the waist down and add volume to your small upper body and thin waist!

What NOT to Wear: Oversized/shapeless styles, full poofy skirts, super-short hemlines, and curve-hugging fabrics.

3. Athletic (or Inverted Triangle)

Your Body: If you have an athletic body, your silhouette is slightly more narrow in the hips than in the shoulders. Athletic body types also tend to have waists that are not well-defined and broader shoulders. The key with this body type is to balance your upper body with your narrower lower body. In other words, you want to try and give your figure more of an hourglass effect.

Best Dresses for You: Any dress that will balance the upper body and fill your slight hips, such as dresses with embellishment, ruffles or any other volume-increasing details. A-lines and lower waistlines are very flattering. In general, dresses that slightly flare out are ideal for you as they help balance out broad shoulders!

For athletic body types with bigger busts, thick straps, halter tops, dresses with ruching and draping, U-necklines, and V-necklines will all help play up the curves of your body and make your bust look its best! If you want to give your body a more feminine shape, pick out a dress with a cinched midsection.

What NOT to Wear: Hemlines that are too short will make your top look heavier than it actually is, so stay far away. Strapless dresses and dresses that don’t have enough support (i.e. spaghetti straps) are best avoided if you are athletic with a bigger bust. The same applies to fabrics that are stretchy through the torso, as well as dresses with details/shirring/ruffles on the bust.

4. Apple (or Round)

Your Body: Women with apple body types carry their weight in their midsection and usually have a shorter, undefined waist, and slim legs. Apple body types also tend to have flatter bottoms.

Best Dresses for You: Any dress that draws attention to your upper body is a good option. Belted styles, drop-waist dresses, swing dresses, dresses with an embellished top or an empire waist all fit this criterion. A-line dresses, wrap dresses, and dresses with full skirts are also great options, as they help conceal the midsection. A major asset of apple body types is their legs, so feel free to flaunt them in shorter dresses!

What NOT to Wear: Anything that turns the eye to your midsection, such as horizontal lines, natural waistlines, and fitted tops.

Some styling experts also create a separate category for petite women (less than 5ft 3inches tall) with a slender body type. For these women, they suggest wearing fitted dresses to accentuate their lean physique and dresses with a belt around the waist to help create a more flattering shape. Short dresses that allow you to show a little leg can go a long way, and an asymmetrical hemline can help you look taller. Finally, slim-fitting dresses with pleating or vertical prints and a V-neckline will help elongate your silhouette.