Determine Your Body Shape: A Comprehensive Guide

Within the style community, professionals often hold varying opinions on the significance of helping clients identify their body shape and teaching them how to dress accordingly. Some emphasize its value, while others are less convinced. As for us at Wear Out There, we’re firm believers in the empowering potential of understanding your body shape as a starting point for building a wardrobe that truly resonates with you.

Before Christina ventured into the realm of style coaching, she, too, was under the misconception of her own body shape- and after kids, she had to rediscover her figure. Recognizing and embracing this knowledge has revolutionized the way she shops – smarter and more efficiently.

Determining your Body Shape

Now, let's clarify one thing right away - fashion and style should never be bound by rigid rules. If you adore a particular piece that supposedly doesn't "suit your shape," you absolutely should wear it. Remember, style is deeply personal. However, our goal is to provide you with the tools and knowledge to confidently determine your body shape once and for all. After all, information is power, isn't it?

Step 1: Taking Accurate Measurements

Ready to embark on this journey? The first step is to measure yourself accurately. For the most precise results, consider measuring yourself a few times or ask a friend for assistance.

• Shoulders: Begin by placing the end of the measuring tape at the top of one shoulder and wrap it around until it meets at the back of the same shoulder. The tape should closely skim the top of your shoulders, almost on the verge of slipping off. This measurement represents the widest circumference of your shoulders.
  

• Bust: Position the measuring tape around your body over the fullest part of your bust. Ensure that the tape sits comfortably below your arms and spans your shoulder blades. It should be taut but not overly tight. Maintain a level tape when taking the measurement, particularly around the back.
  

• Waist: To locate your natural waist, bend gently to your left or right side. The natural bend point you feel is your waist's natural location. Measure around the slimmest part of your waist, ensuring the tape is not too loose or too tight.
  

• Hips: Measure approximately 20 cm down from your natural waist as a guide. With your feet together, measure around your hips at their widest point, typically over your bottom or at the top of your thighs.
  

• Inside Leg Length: Measure from the crotch point to your anklebone or to the point where your trousers typically rest on your shoes.

Step 2: Decoding Your Body Shape

Now that you have your measurements, it's time to delve into the world of body shapes. This free online calculator can tell you where you fall.

For women, there are five distinct body shapes, each with slender and full versions: Triangle, Inverted Triangle, Rectangle, Hourglass, and Round. The goal here is to use clothing strategically to visually balance or maintain your proportions and work toward achieving that classic "hourglass figure." Remember, every shape is beautiful and can rock styles uniquely. So, let's dive into where you might fall!

• Triangle Shape: A woman with a triangle figure will have shoulders narrower than her hips, with the latter measuring at least 5% larger than the former. This body shape will require a larger size on the bottom half compared to the top half.
  Pro tip: To balance out wider hips, emphasize the top half with widening necklines, patterns, bold accessories, and colors.

• Inverted Triangle Shape: For this shape, shoulders are broader than the hips, and you'll typically require a larger size for the top half rather than the bottom. Shoulders will measure at least 5% larger than the hips.
  Pro tip: Balance those wider shoulders by emphasizing your bottom half with patterns, colors, bold shoes, or detailed pants.

• Rectangle Shape: Women with a rectangle figure have measurements for the bust, hips, and waist that are quite similar. This body shape features a straight shoulder line, a straight ribcage, and a less than 25% difference between waist and shoulder measurements.
  Pro tip: Create a waist by opting for wrap tops, items with ties, or shapely accessories.

• Hourglass Shape: In an hourglass figure, shoulders are nearly the same size as hips, and you'll typically wear nearly the same size on top and bottom. Shoulders and hip measurements are within 5% of each other, while the waist is at least 25% smaller than the shoulder and hip measurements.
  Pro tip: Maintain these proportions by equally emphasizing both halves of your body through your clothing choices.

• Round Shape: A round figure typically features an average to generous bust, sloping or rounded shoulders, hips and shoulders of similar measurements, and weight carried around the tummy and upper body. The waist definition is usually minimal.
  Pro tip: If you identify with this shape, elongate your figure with monochromatic looks, layering, and by avoiding horizontal lines anywhere on your body – go for vertical.

Step 3: The Beginning of Your Style Journey

Use this guide as your starting point to determine your body shape and embark on a journey of self-discovery in your wardrobe. When we step into clients' closets, we often find numerous pieces that align with their body shape. After a few minor adjustments and armed with this knowledge, they elevate their outfits to the next level. Remember, your body shape is a part of your unique beauty, and your style should always reflect your personality and confidence. So, embrace your shape and make it a part of your style story.

You can grab your full body shape guide in our shop section. And if you need anymore help determining your style building blocks, consider joining one of our programs.