What body type do I have?
How do you start?
- First take a look at the overview diagram below.
- Take a good look at all the body shapes and decide, based on the images and key features, which figure type suits you best. Not sure? Then measure the circumference of your shoulders, waist and hips and compare them with the outline diagram.
- Scroll further down the page to see styling advice for each body type to create the perfect outfit.
Women’s figure types
Reverse triangle
Do's
- A-line skirts or dresses balance your shoulders and hips
- Prints on the bottom of your outfit draw the focus away from your shoulder
- Tops with a round neckline draw attention away from your shoulders
- Jeans that sit on the hips make your hips look wider
Don’ts
- Tops or blouses with prominent shoulders put the focus on your shoulders
- Narrow spaghetti straps make your shoulders wider
Hourglass
Do's
- Always emphasise your waistline
- A short jacket or blazer will show off your narrow waistline
- Shirts with sleeves that end at the waist emphasise your waistline
- Trousers or skirts with a high waistline emphasise the right point
Don’ts
- Trousers or skirts that sit on the hip because your waist is less prominent
- Horizontal stripes at the widest point of your body. This draws attention away from your narrow waistline.
Petite rectangle
Do's
- Tailored tops or blouses emphasise your slim upper body
- Wide trousers or skirts give the lower half of you more ‘body’
- Dresses with a fitted top and wider bottom create curves
- Wear a belt to emphasise your waist
Don'ts
- Vertical stripes emphasise your narrow build
- Shapeless clothes like a boyfriend blazer or oversized sweater dress make your figure look shapeless
Pear
Do's
- Wear heels to make your legs look optically slimmer/longer
- Accentuate your upper body with ruffles, puff sleeves, prints, etc.
- Tops with a tailored fit emphasises your narrow waistline
- Keep your clothes calm at the bottom
Don'ts
- A pencil skirt emphasises your hips, as do lively prints and thick fabrics.
- No pockets on the hips/thighs or buttocks, as you will put extra emphasis on this area
Apple
Do's
- Always focus on your slim legs
- Generous V-neck tops, dresses or blouses accentuate your décolleté and make you look slimmer
- Trousers or skirts with a print emphasise your slim legs
- Jeans or light trousers with flared legs balance your slim legs with broader shoulders
Don’ts
- Chunky knit jumpers or cardigans will emphasise your broader torso
- Tight tops accentuate your wider waistline