What Body Type Are You?
We talk a lot about fashion and style. What is most important, though, is understanding what works for your body. Before you step out and splurg on the summer’s hottest trends, be sure you know who you are shopping for - YOU. What’s your body type?
Though they are many components that go into dressing, and really six body types, we are going to cover just the four basic body types: hourglass, rectangle, triangle and inverted triangle. There are variables within each of these body types, such as long, short or proportionate. However, this should give you a good gauge.
Hourglass
• Width of shoulders and hips/thighs are similar
• Waist tends to be 8-10” smaller than hips or bust
• Large bust, possibly shoulders
• Balanced body with emphasis on bust and hips, sometimes belly
Not surprising, this is considered the ideal body type. Your goal is to emphasize your shoulders and neckline to lead attention up toward your face. In addition, you should aim to minimize bust and hip fullness.
Rectangle
• Width in shoulders and hips/thighs are similar
• No defined waist
• Body lines are straight
• Balanced body
The good news for you rectangles out there, most manufacturers design clothes for your body type. Your goal is to minimize your waist and create curves. You will want to emphasize above your waist to lead attention inward and up toward your face.
Triangle
• Wider hips/thighs
• Shoulders are narrow
• Bust size small to average
• Bust tends to be 1-2” smaller than hips
• Possible long waist
Most of us fall into this category. The goal here is to minimize the hips/thighs and create fullness above the waist. Keep the fit smooth and loose on the bottom, while adding design details on top.
Inverted Triangle
• Shoulders are broad
• Bust size average to large
• Hips and thighs are narrow
• Bust is prominent over hips
• Possible short waist
As expected, most models fit into this category. And if you are so lucky, your goal is to minimize your bust and shoulders while emphasizing your hips. You will want to lead attention inward at shoulders toward your neck.
For more information on body types, especially if you fall into one that wasn’t covered here (such as Oval and Figure-Eight), please reach out to me. No matter your body type, you are now enabled to look and feel your best. You go girl!
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