How to take measurements of your body shape?
There are four main body measurements which are used to determine your body shape. To accurately determine your body shape, follow these steps:
- Bust: Measure around your bust, keeping the tape measure level.
- Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of your waist, usually above the belly.
- Hips: Measure around the part of your hips.
- Shoulders: Measure around the broadest part of your shoulders, usually across the back.
- Thighs: Measure around the fullest part of your thighs for additional shape insights.
- Arms: Measure around the fullest part of your upper arms if needed.
Ensure the tape measure is snug but not tight for accurate results.
How to find your body shape?
Determining your body shape involves observing your natural proportions and understanding how your body distributes weight. Begin by measuring key areas: your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. Stand straight and use a flexible measuring tape for accuracy. Compare your measurements to common body shapes: apple (wider midsection), pear (wider hips than shoulders), hourglass (similar shoulder and hip measurements with a defined waist), and rectangle (similar measurements throughout with minimal waist definition). You can use a body shape calculator to simplify this process by inputting your measurements to identify your body shape.
What are the common body shapes in women
There are several common body shapes, each with distinct characteristics:
- Hourglass: Balanced bust and hip measurements with a defined waist.
- Apple: Broader upper body with a larger bust and waist, narrower hips.
- Pear: Wider hips and thighs, smaller bust and waist.
- Rectangle: Bust, waist, and hips have similar measurements with minimal curves.
- Inverted triangle: Broad shoulders and bust with narrower hips and waist.
What are the common body shapes in men
Men's body shapes can vary significantly, reflecting different proportions and characteristics. Understanding these common body shapes can help men choose the right clothing styles and fitness routines that enhance their physique. The following are some prevalent body shapes in men, each with distinct features that can guide style and fitness decisions.
- Rectangle: The rectangle body shape is characterised by similar measurements across the shoulders, waist, and hips, resulting in a straight silhouette. Men with this shape often have little definition in the waist and can benefit from clothing that adds dimension, like fitted tops or structured jackets.
- Triangle: The triangle body shape features a narrower upper body with broader hips. Men with this shape may have a heavier lower body, and styles that add bulk to the shoulders can help create a more balanced look, such as padded blazers.
- Trapezoid: The trapezoid shape has broader shoulders and a well-defined waist, creating a V-like appearance. This shape is often associated with athletic builds, making fitted clothing and activewear ideal to showcase muscular proportions.
- Oval: The oval body shape features a larger midsection, often with a fuller waist and broader shoulders. Men with this shape can opt for clothing that provides a streamlined look, such as tailored fits and darker colors that help to create a slimming effect.
- Inverted triangle: The inverted triangle body shape is marked by broad shoulders and a larger upper body, tapering down to narrower hips. Men with this shape often have a strong physique and can benefit from clothing that highlights the upper body while keeping the lower half more fitted to maintain balance.
What is your body shape?
Determining your body shape involves measuring key areas such as the bust, waist, and hips to understand your unique proportions. Knowing your body shape can significantly enhance your fashion choices, as it allows you to select styles that flatter your figure and highlight your best features. For instance, if you have an hourglass shape, dresses that cinch at the waist can accentuate your curves beautifully. If you identify with the pear shape, A-line skirts and tops with wider necklines can draw attention upward and balance your proportions.
It’s essential to remember that body shapes are not one-size-fits-all; individual differences make each body unique. Rather than focusing solely on fitting into a specific category, embrace your shape and find clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Understanding your body shape can lead to more informed choices about what to wear, ultimately enhancing your self-image and personal style.
Body Shape
|
Shoulder-to-Hip Ratio
|
Waist-to-Hip Ratio
|
Description
|
Hourglass
|
0.95 – 1.05
|
0.70 – 0.80
|
Shoulders and hips are nearly equal in size, with a significantly smaller waist.
|
Pear (Triangle)
|
< 0.95
|
> 0.80
|
Hips are wider than shoulders, and the waist is smaller than the hips.
|
Apple
|
> 1.05
|
> 0.80
|
Shoulders and waist are larger than the hips, with weight around the stomach.
|
Rectangle
|
0.95 – 1.05
|
> 0.80
|
Shoulders, waist, and hips are almost the same size, with little waist definition.
|
Inverted Triangle
|
> 1.05
|
< 0.80
|
Shoulders are broader than hips, creating a V-shape.
|
Oval
|
0.95 – 1.05
|
> 0.85
|
Waist is fuller than both the hips and shoulders, creating a rounder midsection.
|
Read more: Ideal Weight Chart
How does the body shape calculator work?
A body shape calculator employs an algorithm that analyses specific measurements of the body, including the waist, hips, bust, and sometimes shoulders. The body shape calculator for males and female is the same. Here's how it typically works:
1. Input measurements:
Users provide their measurements, usually in inches or centimeters, for key areas of their body.
2. Comparison to standards:
The calculator compares these measurements to standardised body shape classifications, such as hourglass, pear, apple, rectangle, or triangle.
3. Ratio analysis:
It assesses the ratios and proportions between different body parts to determine the closest match to the predefined shapes.
4. Result presentation:
The body shape calculator then presents the user with their body shape classification, offering insights into their proportions and suggesting appropriate clothing styles or fitness goals based on this classification.
5. Limitations:
However, it's crucial to note that these calculators offer generalisations and may not fully capture individual variations in body shape.
