What Body Shape Am I? How to Figure Out Your Figure and What Styles Look Best on You

When it comes to figuring out your body shape, the first step is letting go of common stereotypes. Despite what you might’ve heard, your height or weight doesn’t determine your shape. Instead, it all comes down to your bone structure and how your body naturally distributes muscle and fat.

It’s also worth noting that body shape and body size aren’t the same thing. Two people can wear the exact same clothing size and have completely different silhouettes.

For the most accurate results, skip the assumptions—like “I’m athletic, so I must be a rectangle”—and grab a measuring tape instead. Taking your measurements is the easiest way to understand your proportions and confidently identify your body shape.

Follow these simple steps to get started:

1. Get a measuring tape if possible or a ruler and a piece of string if a tape is unavailable.
2. Wear form-fitting or minimal clothing while measuring to ensure the most accurate results.
3. Keep your phone or a notepad handy to jot down your measurements—plus a calculator if you want to easily figure out your ratios.
4. Measure your body at the fullest part of your bust.
5. Measure your body at the broadest part of your hips.
6. Measure your body at the narrowest part of your waist.
7. (Optional but helpful) Measure your shoulder width as well, since this can make it easier to distinguish between similar shapes like the hourglass and inverted triangle.
8. Use your measurements to calculate your shape:
   Divide your waist by your bust
   Divide your waist by your hips
   Divide your bust by your hips

Compare these ratios to the shape descriptions above to get a better idea of where you fall. For example, if your waist is significantly smaller than both your bust and hips, you may be an hourglass. If your bust is much larger than your hips, that could indicate an inverted triangle shape.

Once you’ve written down your measurements, the next step is to compare them. Not sure what to look for? Let’s break it down with an example.

Imagine your measurements are:

• Bust: 36 inches
• Waist: 29 inches
• Hips: 38 inches

In this case, your bust and hips are fairly close in size, while your waist is noticeably smaller. Since your waist is about 20–25% smaller than your bust and hips, this would put you in the hourglass category.

Or let’s say your numbers look more like this:

• Bust: 34 inches
• Waist: 30 inches
• Hips: 41 inches

This time, your hips are significantly larger than both your bust and waist, which points to a classic pear shape.

By comparing your own measurements the same way, you can quickly figure out which body shape you fall into. 

To make things even easier, check out the reference chart above.

If you have an hourglass figure, your curves are the star of the show—and your wardrobe should show them off. Think waist-defining styles like wrap dresses, fitted tops, and high-rise pants that highlight your natural balance. Skip boxy or shapeless pieces unless you're planning to tailor them. Structured shoulders—like puff sleeves or tailored blazers—also enhance your silhouette by accentuating your waist-to-shoulder ratio.

Looking to build your hourglass-friendly wardrobe? Lulus is a go-to for flattering, statement-making pieces, and with a Lulus promo code, you can score deals on everything from curve-hugging dresses to polished jumpsuits. 

For added styling tips, reach for monochrome looks or vertical stripes to elongate your frame, and play with bold colors to draw attention to your waistline.

If you've got a pear shape, you'll find that the eye is often drawn toward the lower half of your body. You can either lean into it with curve-loving silhouettes like slip skirts or curve-enhancing bootcut jeans. You may also want to balance out the two separate halves of your body with off-the-shoulder tops or striped blouses that draw attention upward. Just be mindful of lengths—steer clear of tops or jackets that hit right at your widest point. Cropped styles that stop at the waist are usually your best bet.

Pear shapes shine in vibrant colors and flowy textures. We suggest using this Free People promo code to shop for boho chic items that celebrate the natural curves of your body. Especially on the upper half of your body, lighter colors and textured options like knits or chiffon help to balance your silhouette. (Image credit: @rebekabarath)

If you have an apple-shaped body, flowy and elongating pieces are your best friends. Empire waistlines, tunic dresses, and peasant-style tops all flatter your midsection while showcasing your legs and neckline. Skip the low-rise jeans and opt for high-rise, wide-leg pants or flared skirts that help balance your silhouette.

When it comes to fabrics and prints, structured materials with subtle detailing tend to flatter apple shapes best. Brands like Tuckernuck offer timeless shift dresses and empire silhouettes that suit your proportions perfectly. Use a Tuckernuck promo code to save on flattering wardrobe staples that feel as good as they look. 

Dark, solid colors and vertical stripes are classic go-tos for creating a sleek silhouette on an apple shape—but they can sometimes feel a bit too safe or understated. Add flair with luxe accessories—use a FARFETCH promo code to score designer bags or statement shoes that elevate your look. (Image credit: @yulia.yermak)

Rectangle-shaped bodies have a naturally balanced frame, meaning you can rock a wide range of silhouettes. Tailored pieces with built-in shape—like belted dresses, cinched jackets, and high-waisted trousers—are your secret weapon. Want to go edgier? Oversized outerwear and wide-leg pants work well, especially when styled with crop tops or fitted layers to define your waist.

To break up the symmetry, opt for bold details—think ruching, ruffles, asymmetry, or color blocking. Rectangle shapes come to life with standout prints and interesting textures. Bloomingdale’s has an amazing selection of structured staples and playful fashion-forward styles—plus, with a Bloomingdale’s promo code, you can stock up without breaking the bank. You can also grab sculpting wide-leg pants with this SPANX promo code. (Image credit: @allchloerose) 

If your shoulders are broader than your hips, you likely fall into the inverted triangle category. Your shape shines in pieces that add volume to your lower half—like cargo pants, pleated skirts, and wide-leg trousers. Pair those with fitted or V-neck tops that soften the upper body and create balance. Just be mindful of shoulder pads or high necklines—they can sometimes exaggerate your frame.

To create visual harmony, opt for darker shades up top and lighter or patterned styles on the bottom. American Eagle carries tons of flattering options, from wide-leg jeans to soft knits—and with an American Eagle promo code, you can refresh your wardrobe for less. Look for details like ruching, tiered skirts, or textured fabrics to give your outfits extra dimension where you want it. (Image credit: @toriacurbelo)

When it comes to styling body shapes, some universal things work for everyone. 

All types of body figures need to follow these basic guidelines:

• Ensure your clothes fit well and are neither too large nor too small for your frame.
  
• Get clothes tailored if they're too long or have other fit issues.
  
• Use bright colors to draw attention to areas you love and dark shades to downplay things you don't.
  
• Remember that you can use textures, tailoring, and shapewear to help get the silhouette you prefer.
  
• Pick items you love instead of only sticking with "flattering" pieces. Any garment can look incredible on you if it makes you feel confident and happy.
  

Remember, dressing for your body shape is all about celebrating what makes you feel confident. There’s no one “ideal” shape—each one has its own standout features worth showing off. When you know how to style your unique silhouette, you can highlight your favorite features and feel your best in every outfit.