Your guide to determining your body type

To dress not only properly, but also in flattering clothing you need to know what body shape you are working with. Fortunately for you, you don't have to ponder this question anymore, because we present you tips on how to determine your body type!

1. Measure Yourself

Pick up the measuring tape and find out your proportions by measuring your chest, your waist, and the widest part of your hips. Use this technique when working with your bust too. Do the exactly opposite when finding out your waist circumference and use the tape to determine the width of the thinnest part of your midriff.

2. Fat Distribution

Make sure to pay attention on which parts on your body you tend to store fat when you are gaining weight. It can be your belly, your waist, your chest, your thighs, or your butt. The fat distribution is the most reliable way to learn which body type you are working with. Try standing in front of the mirror and see what is your general body shape.

• Apple body type is generally characterized by a wider waist and smaller hips. Take a closer look. If you usually gain more weight in your midriff than in your rear end and thighs, there is a pretty high chance you have this an apple-like body type. You can either have a bigger chest and be defined as "top heavy" or you can have slightly smaller breasts and a larger torso.
• Pear body type can be described as "bottom heavy". Look at your legs and hips. If they are generally thicker than your torso and your shoulders, this is a definite sign of this body shape. Your bust and waistline are bound to be on a more petite side.
• Hourglass body type is a "guitar"-like shape, characterized by wider hips, bust, and shoulders and smaller waist. The fat is distributed rather evenly making your hips and chest look well-proportionate.
• Rectangular body type is rather easy to recognize. All of the main measuring points – bust, waistline, and hips – have pretty much the same width or your waist can be a little bit thinner than the other two; however, it still lacks curvature.

Regardless of what your body type is, remember there are no "right" or "wrong" ones. All of these are pretty common and can be modified with exercise and clothing if you don’t like your particular shape. Research which clothes and hairstyle will suit your appearance and make sure to hit a couple of stores and a fashion hair salon in your town!

Hey! I’m Jessica Carter. Last year I finished Ual (University of Art London) with a specialization in Fashion Journalism. Now I live in Nyc and practice skills received there. I try writing about fashion trends for different magazines and websites.