Personal style is just that: personal. And no one person or rule can really tell you what suits you. If you're lucky, you just get a feeling and can run with it. But we all have those moments of uncertainty and a guiding factor towards a reliable clothing choice can lie in the question we sometimes find ourselves pondering, "What body shape am I?"
Forget size—this isn't about that and never should be. Instead, there is a nifty little way to understand your body shape, and it's thanks to our brilliant co-founder Hillary Kerr, who let us know that we can find which pieces show off our figures best by simply understanding our body shapes a little better, and dressing accordingly (be safe in the knowledge this still leaves you with so many options). Instead of panicking and buying in on every fashion trend, try dressing to show off your figure with the help of our body shape calculator. Trust us—it'll ensure you’re comfortable and confident in the clothes you choose to wear every day and help you shop, whether you're after flattering jeans or a new top.
How Do I Determine My Body Shape?
So how do you figure out your body shape? Rather than comparing yourself to pictures of celebrities or fruit shapes (which can leave you feeling unsure if you’ve arrived at the right conclusion), we spoke with Tania Dudu, a Paris-based personal stylist and fashion expert to point us in the right direction.
We've also looked to Oprah’s fashion expert Bradley Bayou’s technique, which uses maths to get to the right shape—it is a little intense, but we’ll walk you through it. We’re limiting this article to four common types for simplicity’s sake, but we know that body shapes and sizes vary vastly. Also, keep in mind that no matter what your size is, you can have any of the below four outlines; it’s more about how your weight (whatever it may be) is distributed.
With that said, get out your tape measure and scroll down for this body shape calculator to discover what body shape you are once and for all and learn several helpful tips from Dudu in dressing for your type.
1. Start by Measuring Your Body
Shoulders: Have someone help you measure from the tip of one shoulder all the way around you. The measuring tape should be high up around your shoulders so it almost slips off.
Bust: Pull the measuring tape taut across the fullest part of your bust and around your back. Don’t pull the tape so taut that your breasts start to get squashed.
Waist: Measure the smallest part of your natural waist, just above the belly button.
Hips: Start at one hip (below the hip bone) and wrap the tape measure around the largest part of your butt.
2. Bring Other Factors Into the Equation
Now that you have your measurements, you’ll use those numbers to calculate your body shape. Dudu notes that there are several primary body shapes, four of which we've listed out below, and that 'each has its unique characteristics.' She notes that 'in reality, most people do not fit perfectly into one category,' so don't feel as if you need to squeeze yourself into a certain shape or shop only for that body type. Fashion is all about experimentation and personal tastes.
There are many factors to think about on top of the measurements you take, too. Dudu also points out that calculators and advice articles 'often fail to take height and proportions into account.' By considering where your waist hits, how long your legs are and the overall proportions of your body, you'll be much better informed when it comes time to shop. 'Knowing your strengths and weaknesses allows you to find a lot of information, such as “What clothes to choose for a petite height” or “How to visually elongate your legs,"' she adds.
You’ll notice the equations below allow you to use your bust or shoulder measurements interchangeably. Doing this accounts for those who have especially big or small busts or especially narrow or broad shoulders.
3. Discover Your Shape
You may find that doing the equation with your shoulders versus your bust places you in two different body type categories. This means your body type may actually encompass more than one category. For example, you may find you’re more of a triangle (or pear) shape when using your bust measurement and more of an hourglass when using your shoulder measurement. If this is the case, you should consider both body types when shopping and ultimately make purchases by seeing what feels best on you. And remember—these are just indicators, not hard-and-fast concepts to live by. You will find, after experimenting and developing your style over the years, that there are exceptions to the rules and that many varied and wonderful items will look fabulous on you.
Scroll down to see which shape description matches your body the best, and then use the equations to validate that you’ve found your true shape.
1. INVERTED TRIANGLE
Confirm by checking the numbers. You are an inverted triangle if your shoulder or bust measurement is more than 5% bigger than your hip measurement (shoulders or bust divided by hip measurement). For example, you are an inverted triangle if your shoulders are 36 inches and your hips are 34.25 inches or smaller.
Celebrities With Inverted Triangle Body Shapes
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley styles a grey blazer with leather leggings.
Halle Berry wears a blazer dress with court shoes.
Cate Blanchett wears a snake-print jacket with green leather trousers.
Shop Our Pick for Inverted Triangle Body Shapes:
The item that always looks great: Fitted jackets and dresses with a nipped-in waist and flared bottom.
Why: The defined waist and flare over your hips create the illusion of lower-body curves and help balance out your shoulders.
The tie-detail helps you customise this to your proportions.
2. RECTANGLE
Confirm by checking the numbers. You are a rectangle if your waist is less than 25% smaller than your shoulder or bust (waist measurement divided by shoulders or bust) and your shoulder, bust and hip measurements are within 5% of each other. Find this out by looking at your shoulder, bust and hip measurements. Call the largest of the three measurements t (it will usually be your shoulders) and the other two measurements y and z. Multiply t by 0.95. If y and z are greater than the result of t times 0.95, then your shoulder, bust and hips are within 5% of each other.
For example, you are a rectangle if your shoulders are 36 inches and your waist is 27 inches or more. An example measurement for this body shape could be 32-27-34.
Celebrities With Rectangle Body Shapes
Kate Hudson wears a yellow off-the-shoulder top with a printed midi pencil skirt.
Mindy Kaling wears a full-skirted green shirt dress.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, wears a tweed fitted jacket and matching skirt.
Shop Our Pick for Rectangle Body Shapes:
The item that always looks great: Skirts with volume-increasing details like ruffles, gathers, bows, pleats, pockets or embellishments.
Why: They fill out your hips and balance your upper body.
This skirt is incredibly versatile. And yes, that is pockets you spy.
3. TRIANGLE (OR PEAR)
Confirm by checking the numbers. You are a triangle (also known as a pear shape) if your hips are more than 5% bigger than your shoulders or bust. You can get this number by taking your hip measurement and diving it by your shoulders or bust measurement.
For example, you are a triangle if your shoulders are 36 inches and your hips are 37.75 inches or larger.
Celebrities With Triangle Body Shapes
Sienna Miller wears a white mini dress with a gathered waist.
Lupita Nyong'o wears a clashing print dress.
Jennifer Lopez wears an off-the-shoulder in blush pink with a fitted bodice.
Shop Our Pick for Triangle Body Shapes:
The item that always looks great: Fit-and-flare dresses.
Why: They highlight and define your top half and are roomier from the waist down for your bottom half so the silhouette always fits well.
Reformation specialise in this very silhouette.
4. HOURGLASS
Confirm by checking the numbers. You are an hourglass if your waist is at least 25% smaller than your shoulder or bust (waist measurement divided by shoulders and bust) and your waist is at least 25% smaller than your hips (waist measurement divided by hips) and your shoulder and hip measurements are within 5% of each other.
Find this out by looking at your hips and shoulder measurements. Call the larger of the two measurements t and the smaller one y. Multiply t by 0.95. If y is greater than the result of t multiplied by 0.95, then your hips and shoulders are within 5% of each other.
For example, you are an hourglass if your shoulders and hips measure 36 inches and your waist is 27 inches or smaller. The 36-24-36 figure is funneled under this category, but body shapes are all unique and it largely depends on your proportions, not necessarily exact inch measurements.
Celebrities With Hourglass Body Shapes
Priyanka Chopra wears a strapless black cocktail dress.
Ashley Graham wears a yellow knitted jumper and skirt set.
Tracee Ellis Ross wears a ruffled gown with a tie waist.
Shop Our Pick for Hourglass Body Shapes:
The item that always looks great: Anything fitted around the waist and bosoms.
Why: They accentuate your waist and enhance your hourglass figure.
Shirred, ruched and smocked tops and dresses are a lovely choice for hourglass body shapes, as they contour your curves.
How to Shop for Your Body Type
Knowing your body type is one thing, but shopping with this information can be challenging. Dudu has several pieces of advice for finding items that you feel best in—regardless of body type.
Prioritise Fits and Brands You Feel Comfortable In
Overall she says to 'focus on your preferences, your body shape, the brands you trust and the correct size (don't be afraid to go up a size if you prefer a looser fit) or your feelings during a fitting.' You might gravitate towards an item for no reason other than you like the colour or shape, but it may surprise you in how it fits—and more importantly—the good feelings it triggers.
Look to Influencers with Similar Body Types
Another great tip Dudu offers is following influencers who have a similar body type to your own. They'll be able to share styles, brands and combinations that work for them and it will better help you visualise how it might look on your frame. 'I am petite, and many of my followers with a similar height often write to me, saying, "Tania, I was unsure about this dress, but now I see it will fit me well and won’t be too long."'
Experiment and Try New Things
Learning your body shape shouldn't hinder you from trying new styles—even those that are supposedly not 'meant' for your shape. 'Remember that styling is all about the right combinations,' says Dudu. 'You might think a crop top isn't for you, but you really want to wear something lighter in the summer. In that case, choose high-waisted pants or shorts and go for that dream top!' With mixing different styles, shapes and textures, you might discover an outfit formula you adore. 'Most of my clients start wearing clothes that have been sitting in their closets for years, or they begin buying items they previously wouldn’t have considered, all because they find the right combinations,' says Dudu.
This piece was published at an earlier date on Who What Wear U.S. and has since been updated.