What is My Body Shape? - Easy Way to Know What to Wear

A triangle body, also known as a pear-shaped body has the following characteristics:

• Shoulders narrower than the hips.
• Small breasts.
• Defined waist.
• Wide and round hips.

Take a tape measure to make sure these characteristics apply to your figure.

Most body fat is located near the hips, buttocks and thighs with this body type, while the upper body is narrower and does not have as much accumulated fat, hence the body shape is compared to a pear. Some celebrities with this body type include Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé.

When it comes to clothing choices, use colors that reduce your size and disguise the proportions of your bottom half, like black or navy blue. Opt for shades like white or bright colors that broaden your top half. Straight cut trousers are ideal for hiding your hips, whilst it is recommended that you avoid pleated skirts and dresses. Opt for straight and cinched waist shapes, which help focus attention on your smaller half and disguise the wider area. Avoid skirts and trousers with large prints, especially horizontal stripes which will make your figure appear wider.

With an inverted triangle body, the proportions are unlike the previous figure, and has the following characteristics:

• Wide shoulders and back.
• Wide, but not always full, bust.
• Little waist definition.
• Narrow hips and buttocks.

This is a common body shape for swimmers, gymnasts and certain athletes. Celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker and Princess Charlene of Monaco have this body shape.

When choosing clothes for your body shape, it is important to avoid emphasizing the shoulders and the widest part of the body. Avoid shirts and tank tops, sleeveless straight cuts or strapless tops, shoulder pads and any detail in this area as ties, pins, etc. Similarly, high-waisted trousers are not recommended because they accentuate a lack of volume in the buttocks. Pleated skirts and dresses are ideal for this body type, as they balance out the figure well. Low-rise trousers are also recommended, as well as V-neck shirts or T-shirts.

Avoid large prints and horizontal stripes on top, as these will increase the size of your back. Opt for trousers with a slightly wide cut in the hips, such as baggy trousers, which help to balance your figure.

An hourglass body shape is one of the most curvaceous figures and has the following characteristics:

• Hips and shoulders with a similar and proportional width.
• Defined waist.
• Curvaceous body.

Body proportions and curves are most notable with this body type, which are present regardless of weight. Some famous celebrities with this body type are Sofia Vergara, Kim Kardashian and Eva Longoria.

If you have an hourglass body type, it is recommended that you avoid low-rise trousers and skirts, which will make this area more prominent and the proportion will be lost. Skirts and dresses with ruffles or pleats and oversize garments are not suitable for your figure, as they will make your body look much bulkier than it actually is. High-waisted trousers, pencil skirts and fitted waist and A-line dresses are best for your body shape.

An oval or apple-shaped body type is one of the easiest figures to distinguish and is characterised by:

• Rounded shoulders.
• Big breasts.
• Wide and undefined waist.
• Wide hips.

A person's legs may or may not be thin with this body type, but it is characterised because fat is mainly concentrated in the abdomen, forming a tummy. If you have this type of body, you must stay at your ideal weight, because having an accumulation of fat in the abdominal area increases the risk of heart problems and diseases such as diabetes. Some famous women with this body type include Queen Latifah and Adele.

The key thing when choosing clothes for this body type is to opt for clothes that disguise the tummy. Therefore it is recommended that you avoid wearing tight clothing and belts or clothes that define the waist. Choose garments in your size which are loose fitting in the abdominal area. Large prints should be removed from your wardrobe as they increase volume. Instead, opt for monochromatic tones or small prints and V-neck shirts, blouses and dresses that are loose in the abdominal area.

Skirts and straight-cut trousers favor this type of figure by helping to balance it out, just as necklaces can also make the eyes focus on the upper body instead of the belly.

Rectangular bodies are the opposite to hourglass figures and are characterised by a lack of curves. These figures are notable for having:

• Shoulders and hips of similar width.
• Straight or very poorly defined waist.

Some celebrities who show off this body type include Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Diaz and Nicole Kidman. Such body types should avoid straight cut garments which accentuate the lack of waist. On the contrary, wearing wide belts in this area will help to define it a little more. In the same way, wearing prints can create imaginary curves, so for this reason, horizontal stripes, diagonal prints and medium-sized prints are recommended.

Fitted waist dresses look good on these figures. This is also a body shape that will suit ruffles and layers in the upper area, helping to create a sense of curves that look great. V-necks are also recommended, while skinny, low-rise trousers help to show off these figures.

Though there are general recommendations on what type of clothes suit you best, there are ways and ways of wearing different garments. This is why we suggest you read the following articles:

• The best type of skirt for your body shape
• How to choose the perfect prom dress for your body type
• How to choose a party dress according to your body shape

If you want to read similar articles to What is My Body Shape? - Easy Way to Know What to Wear, we recommend you visit our Beauty & Personal Care category.