How to Identify Your Body Type in 3 Simple Steps
Have you ever stood in front of your closet, staring at a mountain of clothes, and thought, “Why doesn’t anything look good on me?” Trust me… we’ve all been there, gurls! The truth is, dressing well starts with understanding your body type. When you know how to dress for your shape, it’s like a lightbulb moment. You’ll suddenly see your wardrobe (and yourself) in a whole new way! Today, I’m breaking down how to do just that into three simple steps so you can easily identify your body type and start dressing with confidence. You don’t need fancy tools or a fashion degree, just a little time and a good mirror! How to Identify Your Body Type in 3 Simple Steps
Want more tips for dressing as a woman over 50? Hop over to these posts!:
Common Misconceptions About Body Types
Before I get into the three steps to identify your body type, I want to call out a few things!
1. Your weight doesn’t define your shape. Body type is all about proportions, not a number on the scale. Whether you’re a size 2 or a size 22, you can still be an hourglass, apple, or any other shape. So, don’t let your size hold you back from embracing your body type and dressing in a way that makes you feel fabulous.
2. You may not fit perfectly into one category. You might have features of more than one body type, like a mix of pear and hourglass. Bodies are beautifully unique, and these categories are just a starting point to help you find what works best for you.
3. Body types can change over time. Hormonal shifts, aging, and weight changes can all affect your proportions. What worked for your shape 10 years ago might not be your go-to now, and that’s okay! The goal is to love where you are today and dress in a way that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
How to Identify Your Body Type in 3 Simple Steps
Step 1: Get to Know the Five Main Body Types
Before we dive into how to find your body type, let’s talk about the basics. Most of us fall into one of these categories. Of course, everyone is unique, so don’t stress if you’re not an exact match!
1. Rectangle
Up first, we have the rectangle. If your bust, waist, and hips are similar in size, with a straighter, less curvy silhouette, then this is your shape!
If you’re a rectangle, you’re in good company because that’s my shape too! If you browse through my blog and check out my photos, you’ll see that I don’t have a lot of curves. My hips and shoulders are pretty similar in proportion. I figured this out years ago, and it’s been super helpful when it comes to deciding what fashion items will look best on me!
2. Hourglass
If you’re an hourglass figure, then your bust and hips are about the same size, and your waist is smaller and well-defined. Think Marilyn Monroe vibes, gurls!
3. Pear
If you’re a pear shape, then your hips are the star of the show. They’re wider than your bust and shoulders. Famous pear shaped women include Jennifer Lopez and Kelly Clarkson.
4. Apple
Apple-shaped bodies tend to carry weight around the tummy, creating a fuller midsection. You might recognize some of these apple shaped women. Oprah, Jennifer Hudson, and Adele.
5. Inverted Triangle
This shape is exactly what it sounds like! Your shoulders or bust are broader than your hips, creating an inverted triangle shape that narrows when it approaches your midsection and hips. Other famous triangle shaped bodies include Demi Moore, Pamela Anderson, and Renee Zellweger.
P.S. These aren’t labels, ladies! Don’t let this make you feel anything less than amazing about your body. Think of them as simple guidelines to help you find styles that make you feel confident, comfortable, and absolutely fabulous.
Step 2: Measure Your Proportions (Don’t Worry, It’s Easy!)
Okay, now it’s time to grab a measuring tape and get to work. This part might feel a little awkward, but it’s the most accurate way to figure out your body type. If you don’t have a measuring tape handy, you can use a ribbon and a ruler.
Here’s What to Measure:
- Shoulders: Wrap the tape around the widest part of your shoulders. You might need a helper for this one!
- Bust: Measure the fullest part of your chest. (Wear a good-fitting bra while doing this.)
- Waist: Find the narrowest part of your torso, usually right above your belly button.
- Hips: Wrap the tape around the widest part of your hips and backside.
What Do Your Measurements Say?
- Hourglass: If your bust and hips are close in size, and your waist is significantly smaller, you’ve got an hourglass shape.
- Rectangle: If your bust, waist, and hips are pretty similar in size, you’re a rectangle.
- Pear: If your hips are noticeably larger than your bust and waist, you’re a pear.
- Apple: If your waist is the widest part of your body, you’re likely an apple.
- Inverted Triangle: If your shoulders or bust are broader than your hips, you’re an inverted triangle.
Step 3: Step Back and Look at the Big Picture
Measurements are great and all, but sometimes it’s easier to just take a step back and look at your overall shape. Slip into something fitted, like leggings and a tank top, and check yourself out in a full-length mirror. It’s a quick and easy way to see what’s going on with your silhouette!
Things to Look For:
- Proportions: Are your shoulders, waist, and hips balanced, or does one stand out more?
- Weight Distribution: Where do you tend to gain weight? Your answer can help confirm your body type.
- Movement: Stand naturally and notice how your body looks when you’re relaxed. This gives you a more realistic view than posing stiffly.
Here’s the thing: knowing your body type is just the beginning. It’s a tool to help you feel good about yourself—not a rulebook. Use this guide as a starting point and have fun experimenting with styles that make you feel fabulous.
Do you know your body type? Does it influence how you shop for clothing? Now that you know your body type or shape, it’s time to figure out what style of clothing fits it best. I’m working on those posts, but in the mean time, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Each time you share my posts on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE, AND FACEBOOK, it not only helps other ladies who might be style-challenged find my blog, but it also strengthens our community. Furthermore, I appreciate every one of you and consider you a friend.
Are You One Of The GURLS?
You’ll receive a daily email reminder from me, keeping you updated when a new blog post has gone live. In addition, a “special” email might occasionally pop into your inbox, so definitely keep an eye out for those!
To GOD Goes The Glory!
Verse Of The Day
Psalm 119:12 (NIV)
12 Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees.
Thank you for information on body types.
Thank you for helping me identify my body type. I have always wondered what type I have. I’m a rectangle!
This is so helpful, but how do you know what type of clothes to buy based on body shape?
I have posts coming soon on that very topic. Stay tuned!
Tania,
Thank you for your wonderful advice. While reading over this article, I wonder if you could share your knowledge on how to find the best fitting bra for women over fifty?
I too live in Virginia, Central Virginia. While we still have sales gals in stores who help women pick out bras, they are far and few between. As you said, our body changes, including the bust, and it’s hard to find a decent bra.
Thank you.
Here is an article I did on that subject: https://50isnotold.com/how-to-choose-the-best-bra-for-me/
Tania- I am 60yrs young and have not heard of dressing to our body type . Its sounds amazing and very interesting. Thank you for sharing! I am stuck between 2 types so I plan to ask a dear friend to help me determine which is my type. I will continue to read your emails. Have a blessed day!
This was so helpful! Now I am certain I am an apple shape! Good to know when buying clothes.
I’m a pear shape. Hips and thighs are always an issue with clothing. Also, that steak looks sooooo delicious. Yummy
Thank you for this in depth explanation complete with how to measure Tania! I always seem to feel more confident in structured blazers and sweaters, so I’m curious to see more about this topic in future posts.
I’m in my early sixties, and I’ve been struggling with my weight for about eight years now. I am very slowly losing weight, but still struggle with finding clothes that cover my trouble spots. It looks like I am somewhere in between hour glass and pear shape. I cannot wear anything clingy around my midsection and lower abdomen/hip areas due to excess weight. It’s a challenge to find clothes that cover the trouble spots without looking too baggy and frumpy. Sure could use your help!
Those trouble spots are the same for a lot of us. I constantly battle an upper and lower belly pooch. 🙄
This post was very helpful Tania. I never knew what shape I was but I think it’s a rectangle based on this information. I would love to hear more on this approach in selecting clothes. Many thanks.
When you do the fashion show for body type maybe you could use real models of that build to show how clothes should look on your type!
That would be what I would love to do. However, not many people want to have their photos taken and put on the internet for everyone to see.
Very good article about body proportions. I’m pretty sure I’m a rectangle maybe hour glass I will measure tomorrow!
Thanks
Rectangle for me. I’m so interested in seeing how you and Joe do on the Carnivore way of eating. What is your dairy choices?
We eat hard cheeses, whipping cream, sour cream, and even though I haven’t, some eat cream cheese too.
Thank you! Can’t wait to see how it goes!
When I get brave enough to get out the measuring tape, I need to figure this out.
You must really hide any extra weight really well because you already look amazing!! Congrats on 7 pounds lost! I love the protein diet, you do feel amazing!! I might hop on that plan for the month of February. Thanks for inspiration and the tools to figure out body types!
Welcome to the carnivore way of eating! My husband band & I started this ‘woe’ February 2024.
We both lost 20lbs. It has helped us sleep better, and dream, as well as improved so many health issues! We fell off some during Christmas, and boy could we tell the difference! (not good)
I enjoy all your postings! I am an ‘apple’ shape.
Joe has already declared that this is awesome! I plan on having 2 chocolate covered strawberries for Valentine’s Day, but thats it. We both are loving it so far.
I am definitely an apple. My belly is larger compared to my hips and bust. I find it hard to find slacks, jeans to fit me. Since I have to fit my belly, the rest of the slacks are baggy. What’s a woman to do.
Very helpful…haven’t measured but been told I was a pear.
I’m a cross between an hourglass and rectangle. My waist is not as small. I’ve read other definitions that the shoulders and hips are the same and the waist is 9 inches or more smaller in size to the hips and shoulders for an hourglass. According to that source bust size is not relevant. I find clothes are more flattering if I define my waist but not always feasible.
Good information. I struggle finding clothes that I feel good in. Looking forward to the coming posts.
Thank you for information on body types.
I loved reading about body types. I’m waiting for your suggestions on what style of clothing to choose for each. I’m either an apple or rectangle.
Barb
Congratulations on your weight loss!! However, you look fantastic to me and I envy your lovely shape. One thing about weight loss as we age it shows up in our face and neck quickly. 🤦🏼♀️Or it does on me. My neck gets longer and longer. I love the winter because I can wear turtlenecks. I have every color and many duplicates of Chico’s turtlenecks. My go to fashion statement for Winter.
I gain and lose weight in my face and neck first. Of course, the belly (where I would love to lose it) is the last to go.
I am a pear shape – would like to know what styles would be the most flattering for that shape.
I am a pear shape – would like to know what styles I should wear.
I think I am an apple but not sure. I look forward to your future posts on dressing your shape. Thank you.
Inverted triangle here! Darker tops and v necks always look best on me. How I wish I could wear a crewneck or light colors on top without looking so unbalanced. Short neck, short limbs, and long torso don’t help! I’m really looking forward to this series. Thanks!
incredibly helpful post today. thanks for the information. knowing body shape does help guide fashion choices.
Great post! I’m a pear! A-line skirts and dresses
evidently I am an inverted triangle. I used to be more of an hour glass shape but things have changed. thank you for that great article.
This was a great post. You definitely explained how to measure. I really liked the diagrams. I do think it is very important to know how to dress our own body type.
Also the diet sounds like a really good idea. I would like to know more about it. This might be beneficial for not only me but my husband who has Type 2 diabetes.
You can find lots of info on the diet online. I’ve heard some say that it is good for diabetes, but I would do my research. I know that a low carb diet was recommended for my friend who was pre-diabetic, so it does sound like an option.
A very informative post. Thank you for helping us!
Good luck on your diet.
Hi!
I’m 5’3 hour glass. Size 4. 61 years old. Steak looks fantastic! Glad it’s working for you! I went on a similar diet several years ago & lost quite a bit of weight. Similar to Atkins. I had continued the theory of low carb for years. This past July I suffered a heart attack. Had one 100% blockage in one artery which resulted in getting a stent. Some heart damage as well. Cholesterol monitoring is a must if you do this diet. I now eat a low fat low cholesterol diet, consuming whole grains, lean meat & fruits & vegetables. Lots of potatoes, beans & bread! I walk between 2.5 & 4 miles everyday. I’ve lost 23 pounds since July. went from a size 8 to a 4 & weigh 127lbs. Just some “food” for thought. Great job on a weightloss! Take care!
I have known my body type for years lol I am a pear and that’s why I love A-line dresses and skirts. No pencil skirts for this girl lol 😆 Thank you for this post I did go ahead and remeasure my body this morning after reading the post.
Thanks! I’m a rectangle! Chico’s size 1 and Talbots size 10.
Thanks for this information. I’m a pear. I’m looking forward to your post on us pears. 😀
Thank you from the bottom of the grateful heart for this fantastic article! It was so very helpful.
Thank you for today’s blog. I was discussing body shapes just yesterday with a friend. We were in agreement that the stylish wide-leg jeans that look great on you, are not flattering on our pear shape bodies. I’m the same height and similar weight as you, but totally different shape. It’s okay, I’ve accepted my body and work to keep it strong & healthy. 😀
Jill, that goes against most recommendations. Pear shaped bodies want to highlight a smaller waist (so look for high rise jeans), and the wide legs then help to camouflage larger hips and thighs. Jeans that are more form fitting highlight those areas instead.
Well then, I’ll give it another try with wide leg pants. Thanks!
Great post! I am a rectangle too.
Great post! I am a rectangle too.
I so appreciate this post. I have always wondered what I am and how to tell. This makes it easy and explains it well. Will you please also do one on what styles work best for each type of? Thanks again!
My husband has done carnivore for awhile now. He lost a lot of weight. I tried it and lost but can’t stick with it. I like BBQ or A1 sauces on my meat. I’m eating low carb, with carbs coming from veggies and berries/apples. Now when I eat things with gluten, I feel bloated. Makes me think my body has changed over the years.
My mom tried it for less than 23 hours. Lol! She doesn’t like eggs, meat or cheese. 🙄
curious about hourglass shape – it’s really challenging to find clothes – button down shirts and dresses that fit in one area but not the other. I always seem to look like a box in these. Any thoughts on how to dress for this shape?
Love your “What I have on order” list. So helpful to know what is on its way to you so I can strike preemptively!
I now know my body type and look forward to your future posts. I look a lot like your assistant, Megan. Maybe you’ll use her as a model?!
I’m more or less an inverted triangle (shoulders definitely wider than hips, but I still have some curves). I consider my broad shoulders an asset, so I dress to highlight them! 🙂 So absolutely yes, knowing one’s body type is key to finding flattering styles to wear. You did a great job explaining this!!!
I’m definitely an inverted triangle. I can never buy sets of tops and pants because I need two different sizes. You and Joe will lose a lot of weight on your diet and despite what some people think it is a pretty healthy way to eat.
This is a great explanation of all types. If anyone was in doubt before, your details should clear it up. 🙂
Thanks for the info. Such a help.
I think I’m an hour glass but not 100% sure. Going to try your suggestions.
Now, please tell us what type of items we need to pick for our body type.
Can’t wait to read that post!
Stay warm!
I definitely have a bootie! So, I guess that makes me a pear…so, I want to hear more about the carnivore diet! I think no sugar gets rid of inflammation. Do you drink coffee? I can’t drink it black. Happy Wednesday ❤️❤️❤️
Alison, I love coffee, but I can’t drink it black either. You can add heavy whipping cream (or butter) and still be carnivore, but I still add a little SF creamer. I don’t think that 1 cup of coffee a day with creamer is going to derail the entire diet.
Thank you for the shape chart
I’m a short hourglass. Not petite, just short. 😆 Walmart Time and Tru is my friend.
Good post. Hope you will do a follow up that will give a few hints on what clothing looks best in each type. I’m lucky – I can look at you as I am a rectangle too!
Congrats on trying the carnivore diet. At some point I assume fruits and veggies are put back in? Good to have a partner like Joe to do it with you. That steak looks delicious!
You diet sounds great to me. I really want to try it and that steak looks delicious! Love this information today and will be measuring myself when it warms up here- don’t want to be undressed that long!😂🥶
My husband did carnivore diet for a minute. Is butter(dairy) allowed?
I think there are a lot of different variations, we are doing the one that includes all animal products.
Tania, I just love your posts. Love hearing about your adventures with Joe…so fun!
This post about body shape is great. I’m looking forward to posts about clothing that will compliment the body types.
Thank you for all you do for us gurls !
Diane G
Thank you for this information. Very helpful. Now to know what styles (petite hourglass) are for each. I will stay tuned. Thanks again
I was a total rectangle up until about age 50 then menopause hit and I became a bit of an apple! Now that I’m 64 through exercise and mindful eating I’m back to a rectangle again. I wish I was more curvy but obviously I’m not built that way.
Bodies change with time, so it’s good to reassess! Thank you.
Thank you! One of the best tips for body shape I’ve seen. I’m somewhere between an hour glass and a rectangle. This will help when purchasing clothes.
Very informative post thank you! I like that you are posting what u have on order! Congratulations on your weight loss! Even as a livestock farmer I just can’t eat much meat so I would starve. Plus this Krispy Kreme doughnut is really good with my coffee!🤣☃️🥶
Tamatha, it is weird, but I’m never hungry. And, since I started this diet, I no longer crave sweets.
This was a helpful post. Can you offer suggestions for what to wear for each body type?
That’s the plan.
Thank you! Thank you! I am a pear and need a little wardrobe refresh. I enjoy your posts every day. Congrats on your weight loss.
This is a really helpful post for me. Would you also write a post suggesting types of clothes for each of the shapes? I’m 68, just changed shape and trying to dress well and cofortably in my new shape.
Thsnk you!
I plan on doing a post on those. It will take me a little time, so be patient.
Yummy steak & great post
Great information! I found out my body shape long ago, because I used to sew almost all my clothing. I love getting your emails, because I am a rectangle also, and you give me wonderful outfit ideas. Have a blessed week!
this is a very helpful post!! I can’t wait to see what styles look good on different body types!
thanks for this great info. now help me know where the best places to shop for our shapes. I have straight legs, no thighs, seem to me all pants and jeans are made for the larger thigh women. Need very straight in thigh area. Thanks for all your help.
Great info, I am a pear. It does help with styling your clothes to know your shape.
Rectangle here just like you! This makes it hard to buy pants because by the time the waist fits everything else is way too big especially for the flat butt! I’ve had this problem my whole life. I have luckily found some jeans and leggings options that work well.
You look so slim in the black tee and white pants! That goes to show how dressing for you body type makes you look just right.
Apple for me. Ugh.