Body Types Part 1 - Women’s Body Types

Knowing our body shape is essential to curating the right clothes for our body and is a crucial element in our overall style. Sadly, body types can often be confusing, convoluted, or hard to understand. Body types are not frequently discussed in the fashion world and clothes are often made to suit specific body types. Trends are generally depicted on the latest “in” female body, which leaves the rest of us wondering, “Well, what about me?” Once we know what to look for based on our shape and have acquired the basics to enhance our body type, we can deviate from our shape to purchase the latest trends and looks if we desire.

Women fall into one of 6 body type categories:

• Standard

• Rectangle (H-shape)

• Inverted Triangle (V-shape)

• Hourglass

• Triangle (A-shape)

• Round (Apple or O-shape)

Before diving into the diverse shapes, it’s important to know about somatotypes as well all fall into one or two of these.

Somatotypes

A somatotype generally describes body composition, based on skeletal frame, a person’s angles or curves, and how someone may gain or lose weight. This concept is frequently used in the fitness world but is a helpful (although not essential) reference for understanding body type as well.

Ectomorph

Ectomorph bodies are long, lean, and angular. They have a difficult time gaining fat or muscle. They tend to be taller, straighter, and less curvy. 90’s supermodels are a good example of classic ectomorph bodies.

Endomorph

Endomorphs are the opposite of ectomorphs. They are naturally curvier and have softer edges, and it’s easy for them to gain both fat and muscle. This, however, does not mean that an endomorph is overweight. Marilyn Monroe falls into the endomorph category.

Mesomorph

A mesomorph somatotype is a body that is between endomorph and ectomorph. They tend to have more of an athletic build and are curvier than ectomorphs. However, similar to endomorphs, they can gain fat and muscle, but don’t have as much difficulty losing it. Angela Bassett is a typical example of a mesomorph.

Body Types

Standard Shape

Although not frequently mentioned, the standard female body shape is notable because it tends to be the average body type. Standard shapes are generally proportional all over and their bust and hips are the same width. Their waists come slightly in, but not so much as an hourglass.

Standard shapes can wear a variety of clothing, fabrics, and prints. Maintaining the proportionality that these bodies naturally have is important to consider. Putting an emphasis on the waistline while preserving the balance between the shoulders and hips is ideal. Boxy dresses and shapeless outfits do not suit this body type since the fabric could overwhelm the overall body structure.

Rectangle Shape

The rectangle, or H-shape, is similarly proportional to the standard shape, but there is little to no waist definition. As its name suggests, this body type has very few curves and follows the straight lines of a rectangle shape. People with this body shape tend to have a smaller bust and seat. Kate Hudson and Kate Middleton are examples of classic H shapes.

As with any body type, rectangle shapes should follow the lines of their body when it comes to dressing. Straight and fitted clothing, particularly tops, will look best on this type. The boyfriend fit also works well. Wearing mid-rise or high-rise bottoms or adding a belt to a dress gives the illusion of a defined waist. Straight-leg and slightly flared jeans look best on this body type. Unlike most body types, h shapes can wear more angular clothing and patterns that include rectangles and vertical lines.

Inverted Triangle Shape

The inverted triangle, or V-shape, is wider on top than on the bottom. This shape tends to have broader shoulders and/or a bust that is wider than the waist and hips, thus depicting an upside-down triangle. There is little to no waist definition, their hips seem to be narrow or straight compared to the bust, and their legs tend to be lean and long. Women with v shapes can look more athletic because of their broad shoulders. Renee Zellweger and the singer P!nk are examples of this shape.

The best clothing for this shape will balance the bottom half with the top half. Put emphasis on the waist with belts or gathered or pleated high-waisted, straight-leg pants or skirts. Tops should be fitted, with little detail, and a lower cut (ideally V-neck) to balance the bust with the waist. Low-density patterns and colors should be worn on the bottom half of the body. Angular and triangle shape accessories will highlight the natural lines of this body shape.

Hourglass

The biggest difference between hourglass and triangle shapes is that hourglass bodies are bustier or have wider shoulders: the bust is proportional to the hips with a defined waist. Not all hourglass types have a large bust, but the bust is always equal to the hips. Hourglasses have traditionally feminine curves. Scarlett Johannsen, Katy Perry, and Christina Hendricks are examples of the hourglass figure.

Clothes that bring attention to the waist are best for this body type. Feminine, A-line items like flare dresses and skirts, wrap dresses, or high-waisted pants work well. Fabrics that flow well over the curves work best so that the shape doesn’t get lost in the material. V-neck tops are ideal and belts should be worn to create more definition around the waist. Hourglass shapes should avoid baggy clothes and vertical stripes.

Triangle Shape

The triangle, pear, or A-shape body type is the opposite of the inverted triangle. This body type has narrow shoulders and/or a smaller bust compared to the hips. A-shapes tend to have a defined waist, which is why it is easy for them to be confused for an hourglass shape. Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, and Christina Aguilera are examples of the A or triangle shape.

The best clothes for A-shapes are those that will balance the top half with the bottom half. Details, patterns, colors, and ruffles should be worn on the top. High necklines work well to balance the smaller bust in comparison to the hips. Bottoms should be fitted or drape over the hips. High-waisted bottoms work well for this body type, and detailed elements should be added to the smallest part of the waist. Rounder accessories or statement necklaces work well for this shape.

Round Shape

The round, apple, or O-shape is characterized by a larger top half of the body compared to the bottom half. An apple shape may have broader shoulders or a larger bust and carry more weight in their midsection. Generally, this body type has a higher waist, right under the bust, and leaner arms and legs. Women do not need to be overweight to fall into the O-shape category. Queen Latifah and Drew Barrymore are examples of the round body shape.

Note: pregnant women fall into this category.

O-shapes have versatility in their clothing options. Bringing attention to the limbs, particularly the legs with long, wide-leg pants is ideal. Skinny and flare pants can suit this body type as well. Wrap dresses, empire waist garments, and dresses/tops that gather under the bust will be the most flattering and waist-defining. Long tunics and blazers with softer fabric will help elongate the overall torso and fall nicely over the curves of the body. Accessories ideally are oval or round to create more harmony with the shape. Horizontal patterns and stripes should be avoided.

Body types are vital for both men and women to understand, but given the diversity in shape, women particularly should pay attention to them. They inform us how to dress based on our shape and help us understand that we are all unique and that despite what the media tells us, there is no ideal body type. It’s important to note that in order to create a more holistic picture and harmonious look for individualized styles, style personalities play a role and should be accounted for (more on this in a later post!). Knowledge of body types helps create a baseline understanding of our own bodies, and a foundation on which to build our own style.

Stylishly yours,

Leah Nalepa and Anthony Bolognese