How To Understand Your Body Shape
Bodies come in a wonderful array of shapes and sizes – from petite and athletic, to curvy and tall. No two bodies are the same. So it’s really important to understand your body shape and which cuts, silhouettes, tailoring and proportions work for you.
We’ve developed a short guide to help you get to know your body shape and start to find your ideal looks. Start by getting a cloth measuring tape.
- Shoulders: place the tip of the tape horizontally at shoulder height and wrap it across your shoulders to bring it back to where you first started. Don’t stretch or pull the tape, it should rest lightly on your body.
- Bust: stand up straight and repeat the same steps as above, but place the tape at the height of your breasts, take the measurement at the widest part (nipple height).
- Waist: take the measurement where your waist is narrowest (above the navel, below the ribcage).
- Hips: measure across the widest part of the hips (where your glutes are at their fullest).
1. Rectangular Body Shape
- The shoulder, bust and hip measurements are similar, with a difference of no more than 2cm between them.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Choose asymmetrical cuts to create curves.
- Pick skirts and dresses that are cinched at the waist.
- Opt for fitted, structured blazers and jackets.
- Look for straight, wide-legged and flared trousers and jeans (go high-waisted if you want a slim fit).
2. Pear/Triangle Body Shape
- Your waist measurement is wider than your bust or shoulder measurement.
- You have a fuller/voluptuous waist, thighs and glutes.
Style Tips:
- Emphasise your shoulders and bust to balance your silhouette.
- Accentuate your top half – wear bright colours and accessories, prints and mix your textures and volumes.
- Tone down your lower half – keep things discrete with dark colours and neutrals.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Choose wide-legged, straight-cut and flared trousers and jeans.
- Go for plunging necklines.
- Embrace A-line and princess cuts for skirts and dresses.
3. Inverted Triangle Body Shape
- Your shoulders are wider than your hips.
- The waist is not particularly defined.
Style Tips:
- Emphasise your lower half – your hips and legs!
- Keep your top half simple in neutrals and dark colours (avoid prints, textures, frills, embellishments).
- Call out your bottom half with colours, prints, textures and volumes.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Choose a V-neck, U-neck or scoop neckline.
- Embrace flared, straight-leg or boyfriend trousers and jeans (avoid anything tight-fitting).
- Go for straight, A-line, ballerina, midi or tulip skirts and dresses.
4. Hourglass Body Shape
- Your shoulders, hip and bust measurements are roughly even.
- You have a well-defined waist.
Style Tips:
- Define your waist, they’re a great asset.
- Show off your shape and make it work for you.
- Choose anything form-fitting or pleated, wrap tops for your top half.
- Tuck in your tops to define your waist when it comes to your bottom half.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Go for V-neck, round-neck, boat-neck or square necklines.
- Choose high or mid-rise, slim-fit, skinny trousers and jeans.
- Opt for pencil skirts and tight/fitted dresses.
5. Oval Body Shape
- Your waist is broader than your shoulders or hips.
- You’re generally well-proportioned.
- You have a fuller bust/upper body.
Style Tips:
- Opt for silhouettes without structured waistlines to take focus away from the mid-section.
- Choose bust-defining tops in dark colours and diagonal/vertical stripes.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Go for a V-neck or a round neck and peplum tops.
- Pick high-waisted, slim fit and straight-leg trousers and jeans.
- Opt for high-waisted, pencil and A-line skirts.
- Choose imperial cut and strapless dresses.
- Bring in under-bust belts.
