If you feel like you keep buying clothes but they never look good on you, chances are you’re not buying the right clothes for your body shape!

So you may be asking, what is my exact body type?

In this post, we’ll cover how to measure and figure out your body type, learn about the five different female body types, what makes them unique, and what to wear so that you look and feel great no matter your shape!

I’ve also included some celebrities with your body shape so you can see how they dress for their figures.

Plus there’s a video tutorial of it below.

Which female body shape is the most attractive?

As humans, our brains are trained to look for balance. We like it and we see it out.

For that reason, the hourglass figure is the most coveted body shape. It’s balanced on the top and the bottom with a narrow center.

But guess what? The hourglass is the rarest body shape!

I’m going to show you how to achieve that hourglass shape even if you weren’t born with it. It’s all about creating optical illusions that trick the eye and balance your proportions.

You are going to be shocked at how easy it is to do this once you know your body type and what silhouettes work best on your figure.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy here for more information.

What are the 5 different women’s body shapes:

We’re not all the same and that is why what looks good on you may not look good on your friend and vice-versa. Subtle differences in shape can make a huge difference between what looks good or doesn’t on your figure.

To simplify things, there are five women’s body shapes. They include Rectangle, Inverted Triangle, Apple, Pear, and Hourglass.

We’re going to dive into each one of these shapes but before we do that, let’s discuss how you can figure out YOUR body shape.

How do I know what my body shape is?

By taking a few quick measurements, you’re going to be able to know your body shape.

Most people think that the body shapes are measured with bust, waist, and hips, but there is another measurement you need, shoulders.

So for this exercise we’re going to use a cloth tape measure. If you don’t have a cloth measuring tape you can download and print a paper one.

Take Your Body Measurements

As I mentioned above, we’re going to take four measurements: shoulders, bust, waist, and hips.

Grab paper and pen so you can jot down these numbers.

Strip down to your underwear and be sure to wear a good support bra for this. I’ve noticed other bloggers and YouTubers say don’t wear a bra but since most of us are over 40+, we want to make sure our bust is lifted to the proper location before taking these measurements.

Let’s start with the shoulders. Using the measuring tape, wrap it around your shoulders. You’re going to measure the circumference of your shoulders including your arms (not just across the back).
Next, we’re going to measure the bust. You’re going to take this measurement around the widest part of your bust line. Measure snug across the bust and write down that number.
Measuring the waist can be a bit confusing. Many people think the waist is at the belly button or top of hips however, it’s much higher than that. It’s nearly right below the bust line at that smallest part of your torso. If you are in doubt where that is, just bend like you are doing “I’m a little teapot.” The bend is where your waist is! Measure that circumference and make note of it.
Our final measurement is the hips. For this, you’ll be measuring the widest part of your hips and booty which is just above the crotch. Take that measurement and write it down.

Now that you have your body measurements, be sure to hold onto them. Not only will you need them to figure out your body shape based on the details below, having them handy will also be helpful if you are shopping online.

Since clothing sizes vary so much from one brand to another, now you can look at the size charts of your favorite online stores and choose the best fitting clothes based on your body measurements.

5 Womens Body Shapes

#1. Rectangle Body Shape

The rectangle body shape is characterized by equal bust, waist and hip measurements. It is sometimes referred to as the banana body shape.

The lack of curves makes the body appear like a column or a rectangle.

You may be surprised to hear that the rectangle is the most common body shape. A whopping 46% of women

Waist measurement is smaller than hip measurement and less than 8” smaller than bust.

Gains weight evenly throughout the body.

How to balance these proportions:

Focus on creating a waistline.
Wear clothes with prints or patterns that create an hourglass looking silhouette.
Wear clothes that create curves or break things up to add interest.

Rectangle Body Shaped Celebrities

Nicole Kidman
Hoda Kotb
Gwyneth Paltrow

#2. Hourglass Body Shape

The hourglass body shape is characterized by hip and bust measurements nearly equal in size, with a narrower waist measurement. This makes the body appear like an hourglass shape.

Weight gain is evenly throughout the body.

This is the most coveted body shape yet it’s the least common one.

How to keep these proportions balanced:

Stick to body skimming looks that don’t add weight to either the bottom or top of the figure such as shoulder pads, puffy sleeves, or peplums.
Focus on clothes that accentuate the waist while being clean and chic.
Avoid boxy fitting clothes.

Hourglass Shaped Celebrities — Images Dreamstime.com

Hourglass Body Shaped Celebrities

Sophia Vergara
Marilyn Monroe
Salma Hayek
Scarlett Johansson

#3. Inverted Triangle Body Shape

The inverted triangle body shape is characterized by broad shoulders and bust that narrow down to the hips. This makes the body appear like an inverted triangle shape. It is sometimes referred to as the strawberry body shape.

Very athletic looking body type often found in swimmers.

How to balance these proportions:

Direct focus to hips, and bottom.
Avoid tops with loud prints or angles.
Look for flowy bottoms including flared leg, wide leg, or palazzo pants.
Also choose skirts with a flared or a-line cut.

Inverted Triangle Body Shape Celebrities

Cameron Diaz
Jennifer Garner
Angelina Jolie

#4. Apple Body Shape

Typical characteristics of the apple (oval) body shape are a large bust, narrow hips and a full midsection. This makes the body appear like an apple shape - bust is the largest measurement.

Weight gain is usually through the midsection while the arms and legs remain thinner.

How to balance these proportions:

All details should be above the bust-line or below the hipline to draw the eye away from the midsection and towards the bust, shoulders, and legs.
Shirts should highlight the bust while nicely skimming over the tummy.
Avoid belts and anything boxy and cropped.
Instead, opt for drapey and waterfall styled tops that draw the eye away from the midsection.

Apple Body Shaped Celebrities

Oprah Winfrey
Dame Judi Dench
Queen Latifah

#5. Pear Shaped Body Type

The pear (or triangle) body shape is characterized by large hips, which are wider than the bust and shoulders. This makes the body appear like a pear shape.

Gains weight in the hips, thighs, and butt.

How to balance these proportions: