The ideal body shape for a woman was thought to be the curvy hourglass figure during the 1940s. Pin-up models like Farrah Fawcett exemplified this physique.
If your waist measurement is about the same as your hip and bust measurements, you have a banana or rectangular body type. Stylists recommend clothing that accentuates the waistline.
1. Hourglass
If your bust and hips are roughly the same size with a narrow waist, then you have an hourglass shape. The musculature on your upper and lower bodies is well-rounded, which makes this body type very easy to dress in flattering ways.
In this case, your goal should be to balance the curves of your upper and lower bodies. Traditionally, this is achieved by wearing form-fitting pieces. However, it’s also important to consider your individual style and outfit goals. Ultimately, your curves are unique and should be celebrated in whatever way works for you.
For example, if you love the look of a fuller figure, then it is fine to wear flowing gowns and dresses that add a feminine touch to your body. As long as they’re fitted and not too bulky, then they can help accentuate your beautiful curves and draw the eye to your narrow waist. In addition to a wide range of dresses and tops, you can also opt for skirts that cinch in at the waist or high-waisted pants.
You can also add a touch of volume to your upper body by opting for blouses that have small pleats or flutter sleeves. However, you should avoid wider sleeve shapes such as bell sleeves or dolman sleeves as they can add too much volume to your shoulders and create a top-heavy look.
The classic pin-up model is often associated with the hourglass body type, and for good reason. This figure type exudes a gentle voluptuousness that is very appealing to men. However, as times have changed, it is also perfectly acceptable to embrace a more slimming silhouette. In fact, during the 1950s and 1960s, it became fashionable for women to sport a more slim-lined appearance.
No matter which body shape you are, it’s important to remember that there is no such thing as an unattractive woman. As long as you are healthy, happy, and confident in your own skin, then you should be proud of your body! As such, it is worth experimenting with different patterns, colors, and styles to find the looks that truly make you feel fabulous.
2. Banana
If your waist measurements are about the same as your hip and bust, you have what’s called a banana or rectangle body shape. Stylists probably point you toward off-the-shoulder tops, tube dresses and belted waists. People with this body type have narrow shoulders and a narrower bust, slim arms and a defined waistline that slopes down to the hips. They may also have a flat back and hips. (2)
The banana shape can look a bit boxy, but it’s still a great body type. It’s easy to stay slim with this figure and you have a good chance of having healthy bones. However, pregnancy, poor diet, and aging can all change your body shape. For example, you might go from being an hourglass to a spoon and even from a spoon to a pear.
Women with this figure are tall and lean. They have a straight and narrow body with little to no definition in the waist. It’s hard for them to gain weight, but they tend to lose it quickly. They have a thin upper body and thighs but full lower legs. They don’t have the curves of an apple or pear body type, but they do have a more defined waist than a banana or rectangular shape.
People with this body shape have a broad chest and shoulders, but their hips and buttocks are proportionate to each other. Their upper and lower body are well-balanced, but their hips are slightly wider than their bust. They have a rounded jawline and a slender neck. Stylists probably recommend form-fitting clothing and shoes to show off their proportions.
Women with this body shape are often able to wear almost any style of clothing, but it’s best to avoid high-waisted pants or dresses, loose and boxy clothes, chunky jewelry, and low-cut or spaghetti strapped tops. They should also choose tops and dresses that are light in color and have a lot of details. For footwear, they can wear wedges and pumps with a small heel. They can also add a statement piece like a bold-colored scarf around their neck.
3. Pear
Women with pear shaped bodies have narrow shoulders and a slim torso. Their hips and thighs are full and curvy. They gain weight mainly around their lower abdomen, waist and hips, and tend to have slender legs. Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Michelle Obama, Kate Winslet and Kiera Knightly are classic pears.
The pear body shape is sometimes confused with the apple body shape because both have narrow shoulders and a well-defined waist, but the difference is that an hourglass figure has hip and bust measurements that are equal and a pear has a much wider bottom half than her shoulders. However, there are also women who have a combination of shapes and may be an apple with a narrow waist and a pear with wide shoulders.
In order to look the most flattering, a pear should highlight her slim torso and draw attention away from her wide hips. It’s also a good idea to choose clothes that are more form fitting on top and looser on the bottom. This will help create the illusion of a slimmer torso and elongate your legs.
Adding structure to the shoulder area of your outfit can also add balance to your figure. If you have a pear-shaped figure, try choosing clothing with structured sleeves such as puff sleeves, flutter sleeves or cap sleeves. You can even consider a ruched or scoop neck top.
When it comes to trousers and shorts, pear-shaped women should avoid high or low waisted options, as these styles will accentuate their curves more than they need to. They should opt for straight-leg or flared pants. They can also choose a pair of jeans with front pockets that skim across the hips rather than being positioned close to the hip bone, which will only draw attention to this widest part of the waist.
For a pair of shorts, pear-shaped women should aim for mid-length that fall just above the knee. These will elongate the legs and keep them looking feminine. A snazzy belt or polka print can be added to enhance the look of these pieces.
4. Trapezoid
A trapezoid is a quadrilateral with one set of opposite sides that are parallel and another set that are non-parallel. Its area is calculated by adding its long bases and short bases. This body shape often has a wider chest than hips and legs. Depending on the size of the base and the length of the leg, this type of woman may have a longer or shorter dress or skirt.
Women with this shape tend to be more muscular and will need to make sure their clothes don’t cover up the muscles. It’s also important to focus on exercises that will help sculpt the lower body, such as squats and deadlifts. Performing these exercises can also improve posture, which will help balance the upper and lower body appearance.
If you have a slim build with narrow shoulders and a wide hip, then you may be a mesomorph. This type of body has a tendency to store fat around the mid-section, so it’s essential to avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar, as well as drinking too much coffee. Having regular exercise and keeping a healthy diet will also ensure your weight stays distributed evenly throughout the body.
Some women find their body shape changes after pregnancy. The extra fat that accumulates during pregnancy can settle in the hips and ribs, making them look wider. This can be a temporary change, but others find that their body shape stays the same after pregnancy.
The shapes described above are all common in women, but the way each body is shaped is unique. A female’s shape can be influenced by her genes, as well as the lifestyle choices she makes. Regardless of her body shape, every woman should feel confident and beautiful. Choosing the right clothing to highlight your positive features will allow you to feel more confident in yourself, which in turn can improve your mood. The use of fruit to describe body types is also a reminder that there is no ideal body shape, and all bodies are beautiful. This is especially true for those who don’t fit the “ideal” shapes.
