Dressing For Your Unique Body Type

Happy new year everyone! The beginning of the year is the perfect time to take a good look at what you've got in the closet and take a good look at your body type and how you're dressing for it. Dressing for your own unique body type is extremely important when it comes to looking your best. Taking a good honest look at what your best features are as well as the areas you don't like as much will help you to pick the clothes and shapes that highlight your best features and camouflage the not so good ones. I've included below the basic descriptions of the four basic female body types. Since we are all unique you may not fit exactly into one of these four categories, but chances are you will be more like one than the other so go with the one you are closest to.  Take some time to assess your body type from these descriptions and the picture and over the next week or so I will be posting how to dress for each specific body type, that way you will have visual aides when you are looking at your clothes.

So, this is the hard part. You have to be willing to take a good look at your body (I know, super exciting right?) and the clothes you already own. If an article of clothing isn't flattering to your body then you need to toss it. It doesn't matter if it's your favorite piece of clothing you own, it's gotta go. Also, when you are shopping you need to keep your body type in mind. Don't buy it if it doesn't flatter you no matter how cute it may be. Enjoy!



 

Banana or straight (rectangular)

The waist measurement is less than 9 inches smaller than the hips or bust measurement. Body fat is distributed predominantly in the abdomen, buttocks, chest, and face. This overall fat distribution creates the typical ruler (straight) shape.

Apple (triangle downward)

Apple shaped women have broad(er) shoulders compared to their (narrower) hips. Apple shaped women tend to have slim legs/thighs, while the abdomen and chest look out of proportion compared to the rest of the body. Fat is mainly distributed in the abdomen, chest, and face.

Pear or spoon or bell (triangle upward)

The hip measurement is greater than the bust measurement. The distribution of fat varies, with fat tending to deposit first in the buttocks, hips, and thighs. As body fat percentage increases, an increasing proportion of body fat is distributed around the waist and upper abdomen. The women of this body type tend to have a (relatively) larger rear, robust thighs, and a small(er) bosom.

Hourglass shape. (triangles opposing, facing in)

The hip and bust are almost of equal size with a narrow waist. Body fat distribution tends to be around both the upper body and lower body. This body type enlarges the arms, chest, hips, and rear before other parts, such as the waist and upper abdomen.