Body types are not about weight or clothing size. They’re about proportions — how your bust, waist, and hips compare to each other.

All you need is a soft measuring tape and 2 minutes.

How to measure correctly

• Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest (keep the tape level, not too tight).
• Waist: Measure the narrowest part of your torso (often above the belly button).
• Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat.

Write your numbers down. Then compare them below.

1) Hourglass

Measurement pattern

• Bust and hips are within 1–2 inches of each other
• Waist is 7–10 inches smaller than bust and hips

Example

• Bust: 38
• Waist: 28
• Hips: 38

Key feature: Balanced curves with a clearly defined waist. If dresses usually fit your bust and hips but feel best when cinched, you’re likely an hourglass.

2) Pear (Triangle)

Measurement pattern

• Hips are 2–4+ inches wider than bust
• Waist is smaller than hips

Example

• Bust: 36
• Waist: 28
• Hips: 40

Key feature: Curves carry more in the lower body. If tops usually fit easily but bottoms or fitted dresses feel snug at the hips, you’re likely a pear.

3) Inverted Triangle

Measurement pattern

• Bust (or shoulders) is 2–4+ inches wider than hips
• Waist may or may not be defined

Example

• Bust: 40
• Waist: 31
• Hips: 36

Key feature: Broader upper body with narrower hips. If dresses often feel tight across the chest or shoulders but looser through the hips, you likely fit this category.

4) Rectangle (Straight)

Measurement pattern

• Bust, waist, and hips are within 1–3 inches of each other

Example

• Bust: 36
• Waist: 33
• Hips: 36

Key feature: Little natural waist definition. If clothes often feel boxy unless they’re designed to create shape, you’re likely a rectangle.

5) Apple (Round)

Measurement pattern

• Waist is within 1–3 inches of bust
• Waist is wider than hips

Example

• Bust: 40
• Waist: 38
• Hips: 36

Key feature: Fullness through the midsection with slimmer legs or hips. If fitted waists feel uncomfortable but flowy styles feel best, you may be an apple shape.

Why most women are a blend

Most women don’t fit perfectly into one category. Body types are based on relative measurements, and many women fall between two shapes. For example, someone may have the curves of an hourglass with slightly wider hips like a pear. This is completely normal.

Think of body types as a range, not a box. Your closest match helps guide fit, but it doesn’t define your body.

How body type can shift over time

Your bone structure stays the same, but where your body stores fat and muscle can change. This can slightly shift your proportions over time.

• Weight changes: Fat gain or loss can change bust, waist, or hip measurements.
• Hormonal changes: Life stages like postpartum or perimenopause can affect fat distribution.
• Muscle changes: Strength training or muscle loss can alter balance and shape.

This is why your body type today may not look exactly like it did years ago — and why flexibility matters when shopping.

Why this matters when shopping

When you understand your proportions, you stop forcing styles that don’t work, choose silhouettes with confidence, and shop smarter with fewer returns. The right clothing should feel comfortable, breathable, and natural — not restrictive or off.