The secret to the perfect style lies not only in following fashion trends, but also in choosing a style taking into account your body type. Women's silhouettes differ in their contours, so clothes that fit perfectly on one girl may look completely unflattering on another. Body type and body type depend on the distribution of fat and muscle tissue, the speed of metabolic processes in the body. All this shapes the contours of the body and dictates certain recommendations for choosing clothes. Knowing your body type, you can easily hide your flaws and highlight your strengths by choosing the right wardrobe.
How to determine your body type
The easiest way to find out is to measure the circumference of your chest, waist and hips while standing in your underwear. To take measurements, take a measuring tape and hold it parallel to the floor.
When measuring chest circumference, you should focus on the most protruding point. For an accurate figure, you need to wear underwear without push-up.
Waist circumference is measured at the narrowest part of the torso, usually at the navel or slightly above.
It is strictly forbidden to pull in or inflate your stomach, as this will reduce the accuracy of measurements, which will lead to incorrect determination of your body type.
The widest part of the hips is the line that determines their girth.
These measurements will help you accurately determine your body type:
- If, when subtracting the chest circumference from the hip volume, the final figure is more than 8-10 cm, and the difference between the hip and waist volume exceeds 24 cm, then these measurements are characteristic of the Pear type.
- If the upper body, as well as the hips, are significantly curvier in comparison with narrow legs, then such characteristics correspond to the Apple figure type.
- If the difference between the width of the shoulders and hips is about 10-15 cm, and the chest circumference significantly exceeds the hip circumference, then such indicators characterize an inverted triangle.
- If the chest and hip girths are equal or the difference is insignificant, and the waist girth is 18 cm or more less than these parameters, then these measurements characterize the hourglass type.
- If there is no difference between the girth of the chest and hips, and the width of the waist almost coincides with the width of the two mentioned indicators, then women with such indicators are rectangles.
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Fashion expert Bradley Bayou's calculation technique
The creation of a calculation technique for determining body types is a serious breakthrough in revealing the secrets of beauty and fashion. Bradley Bayou, in his book “The Science of Sexuality,” lists 48 female body types. If we take his arguments into account, it turns out that the main thing in appearance is not the number of kilograms, but their distribution.
Let's look at the four basic body types using the formulas given by Bradley Bayou. Using these data, each woman will be able to determine her body type and, guided by expert advice, determine the silhouette that is suitable for herself.
Female body types
Based on the measurements obtained, there are 5 generally accepted body types:
- Pear (triangle).
- Apple (circle).
- Inverted triangle (T figure).
- Hourglass (figure eight).
- Rectangle (H figure).
Hourglass
Only about 15% of women on the planet have this type of figure, but it is the hourglass that is considered the standard of body shapes. The famous parameters 90-60-90, which all models, as well as ordinary girls, strive for, are a variation of this physique.
The main feature of the hourglass is the preservation of harmonious body proportions at any weight, even overweight.
Its representatives are characterized by the following characteristics:
- the width of the shoulders and hips is equal or approximately equal;
- chest girth and hip volume are also practically the same;
- when you gain extra pounds, all parts of the body gain weight equally;
- breasts are predominantly large;
- long and thin legs;
- expressive waist at any weight.
In addition to the classic one, there are several other names: figure eight, guitar, X-figure. The most famous star representatives are Scarlett Johansson and Monica Bellucci.
Rectangle
In the modeling business, it is in demand no less than an hourglass, despite the fact that the body looks less feminine.
The main feature of rectangles is their long and usually thin legs. In addition, women with such shapes rarely gain weight.
For owners of a rectangular figure, there are several distinctive features:
- shoulders and hips have the same width;
- the waist does not stand out much;
- The shoulders are slightly angular.
There are two types of rectangles: a slender column and a true rectangle. Girls with the slender column type are characterized by: small breasts, thin arms and tall stature. And representatives of a true rectangle most often have average or short height and large breasts.
Several names are used to refer to this body type: classic - rectangle, as well as square, banana, H-figure. Among the stars there are enough owners of the above-mentioned type. For example, Tina Turner and Anna Kournikova.
Pear
Since ancient times, the Pear body type has been considered the most beautiful body type for girls. Unlike the hourglass and the rectangle, he does not have a masculine appearance.
The main feature can be called a narrow waist, which persists even when gaining extra pounds.
The pear body type is remarkable:
- neat bust;
- fragile shoulders;
- thin hands;
- long neck.
There are several types of pears:
- A true pear. Women with this body type are characterized by large hips and full legs. However, the stomach does not gain weight and remains flat.
- Bell . The physique of this species also has voluminous hips and massive legs, but the waist is much shorter than that of true pears.
- Skittles. Skittle women are characterized by large breasts and a small belly, but with wide hips, their calves and ankles remain quite narrow.
The pear body type has other names:
- triangle;
- A-shaped;
- trapezoid;
- spoon.
The most prominent representatives of this body type among the stars are Shakira, Beyoncé, and Rihanna.
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Inverted Triangle
One of the most uncommon body types. It occurs in 10-15% of women all over the planet.
The main feature is toned legs, which practically do not gain weight when gaining extra pounds, and always lengthen the silhouette.
An inverted triangle body type is characterized by:
- massive shoulders;
- large breasts;
- neat hips;
- wide waist.
The inverted triangle has several alternative names: carrot, T-shape and wine glass. Among the stars and generally accepted beauties there are owners of this physique. These are Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron and Anastasia Volochkova.
Apple
Many women consider this body type to be the most problematic. However, this is not at all true. It is only important to properly arrange your wardrobe. Properly selected clothes will help correct your figure, making your body more proportional.
The main feature of this type of figure is medium or large breasts, which are almost independent of build.
Women with an apple body type are characterized by the following characteristics:
- legs, the length of which is proportional to the body;
- broad shoulders and hips;
- a waist that is weakly defined relative to the chest and buttocks;
- thin arms with a massive upper part.
Many people think that only obese women can have an apple body type. But these are misconceptions. This type of figure is divided into two types, which can also be characteristic of thin girls: a true apple and a vase. Vaz women, as a rule, have large breasts, matching the circumference of the hips, and a slightly defined waist.
The most problematic area for those with a vase-shaped figure is the sides, since excess weight primarily affects them. Women with a true apple body type have slightly different characteristics: breasts are smaller than those of vases, the difference between the waist and hips is minimal, and excess pounds accumulate mainly in the abdominal area.
Adele, Britney Spears and Kate Winslet are the most famous owners of the apple body type.
Problem areas of the "X" figure
Another feature of the “X” figure: there is often a tendency to be overweight. When the weight gain is 1–2 kg, it is not too noticeable, since the owners of such a silhouette, if they gain weight, do so evenly throughout the body.
With a significant increase in the number of extra pounds, the lower part becomes noticeably heavier. The thighs become massive and cellulite appears. I want to urgently start pumping up my abs in order to lose weight, because my tummy is starting to stick out, although my waist remains clearly defined.
The upper arms also become fatter. At the same time, the breasts also increase, but this usually does not upset anyone. And the legs become fuller along the entire length: both in the calves and above the knees. The main problem areas of a female hourglass figure are the triceps, lower abdomen, outer and inner thighs. But the waist remains graceful and clearly noticeable no matter how full you are.
New types of female figures
Over the past 50 years, the proportions of the female body have changed significantly, many of them no longer fit any classic body type. This is exactly the conclusion that scientists from all over the world have come to. The main reason for changes in physique was a sedentary lifestyle, characteristic not only of most women, but also of men.
The average amount of sleep also decreased, which affected the production of special hormones that determine the relationship between different parts of the body. Another reason was the quality of food consumed, as well as the level of medical services. All this led to the emergence of new types of female figures.
The butternut squash is a body type that is derived from the hourglass figure. In women with a similar physique, the chest girth and hip volume are approximately equal, and the waist stands out, but not as much as in representatives of the hourglass type. An example of the butternut squash body type is the famous American actress Eva Mendes.
Another new body type, the eggplant, is a modified pear. For those with this type of figure, the hips are the widest part of the body , and the breasts are small or medium in size. However, unlike a pear, the waist circumference of eggplant women is much larger, and the waist itself is wider. Famous TV presenter Oprah Winfrey has an eggplant-type figure.
A third body type that has emerged relatively recently is called broccoli. The prototype of this body type is an inverted triangle. This type of figure is characterized by a chest circumference that is significantly greater than the circumference of the hips, and the waist, on the contrary, is approximately equal to their width.
The congenital broccoli body type is very rare, but many women achieve it through breast augmentation surgery. Russian TV presenter Masha Malinovskaya can boast of this type of figure.
Pear
You are a pear if your hips are about 5% wider than your shoulders. A pear-shaped physique has one significant advantage - a flat stomach, which causes envy among other women. Therefore, try to choose your wardrobe in such a way as to highlight your killer waist as much as possible.
Celebrities with such shapes include: Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira and Kelly Clarkson.
Signs of a pear
- Hips wider than shoulders.
- Round (sloping) shoulders.
- The waist is clearly defined.
- Buttocks are round and full.
- You gain weight mainly in your thighs.
Wardrobe selection
For each body type, it is very important to wisely select wardrobe elements, as this will hide possible flaws and problem areas, and highlight the advantages.
The hourglass figure type allows its owners to wear almost all styles, lengths and textures. The only exception is baggy items. Also, clothes should not be too large or too small, or unsuitable. It is worth noting that this rule applies not only to women of size eight, but also to representatives of any body type.
For an hourglass figure type, the main emphasis should always be on the waist to emphasize its elegance and subtlety.
This effect can be achieved using fitted clothing, items with a corset or lacing at the rib level. You can also use accessories: highlight the waist with narrow or medium-width straps, a scarf tied in the form of a belt, or a chain.
The benefits of an hourglass figure will help you fully demonstrate:
- fitted knit tops;
- tulip skirt;
- short sweaters;
- sheath dress;
- shirts with belts;
- wrap dresses;
- pencil skirt;
- tight fitted dresses;
- V-necklines;
- flared skirts;
- fitted jumpsuits, jumpsuits with an emphasis on the waist;
- classic pants;
- dresses with a corset.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7qX7g0vGv0
The following wardrobe items are not suitable for hourglass women:
- low-waisted clothing;
- straight styles;
- baggy sweatpants;
- men's cut jackets and shirts;
- bombers;
- large decorative details in the bust area;
- sweatshirts with a collar;
- high-heeled shoes, platform;
- ornaments with large elements;
- sweatshirts.
Unlike the figure eight, the rectangle body type requires careful wardrobe selection.
The main task for rectangular women is to maintain proportions, as well as to correctly highlight the waist. The emphasis should be on long beautiful legs with dresses and skirts above the knee, as well as shorts.
Best suited for women with rectangle shapes:
- shirt dresses;
- clothes with patterns;
- untucked shirts;
- peplum on dresses or skirts;
- loose T-shirts;
- A-line dresses;
- wrap top;
- V-shaped cutouts;
- A-line dresses;
- tight trousers and jeans;
- A-line skirt;
- asymmetrical dresses;
- medium length heel;
- High waisted bottom.
Women with rectangle shapes are strictly not recommended to:
- narrow belts;
- clothes without clear outlines;
- things are not in size;
- tops with narrow straps;
- pencil skirt;
- elements of the upper part of the wardrobe that excessively reveal the stomach;
- straight styles;
- high collar;
- bias cut.
The pear body type also requires a particularly careful selection of wardrobe and outfits.
The focus should be on graceful arms and shoulders, while massive hips and full legs can be reduced or hidden with the help of a well-chosen bottom.
The pear body type requires wearing a variety of clothes.
The most winning wardrobe items for pear women will be:
- pencil skirt;
- fitted outerwear;
- jeans in dark colors;
- flared skirt;
- classic pants;
- heeled shoes;
- tops and sweaters in bright colors;
- massive accessories;
- A-line clothing;
- wrap dress;
- large decorative details on things worn on the upper body;
- A-line skirt;
- mid-rise trousers or jeans.
Not suitable for those with a pear body type:
- overly tight jeans;
- trousers, skirts and dresses with horizontal stripes or large patterns and prints;
- low waistline;
- straight dresses;
- high-neck sweaters;
- catchy belts on the hips.
An important task for women with an inverted triangle figure is to create balance between the upper and lower parts of the body.
The main emphasis should be placed on the hips, as this will visually reduce the width of the shoulders and chest.
The following models are best suited for female carrots:
- A-line skirt with decorative details;
- fitted dresses with a voluminous skirt;
- trousers and jeans in light shades;
- V-neck;
- men's cut shirts;
- wrap dresses and blouses;
- boyfriends;
- mid-rise classic trousers;
- flared skirts.
In order not to focus on broad shoulders, you should avoid:
- tight skirts;
- excessively loose outerwear;
- jackets and cardigans with shoulder pads;
- short shorts and skirts;
- large decorative elements at the top of the outfit;
- shirts and sweaters with voluminous sleeves;
- dresses with wide horizontal stripes.
The apple body type requires the greatest perseverance and effort when choosing a wardrobe and individual sets.
The main task for women with this type of figure is to make their body visually longer and slimmer. You should focus on your graceful legs, and also try to highlight your waist.
These tasks are best handled by:
- A-line dresses;
- asymmetry;
- multilayer;
- loose shirts or blouses with a belt;
- vertical darts;
- trousers that flare out from the knees;
- A-line dresses;
- V-necklines;
- drawings or large details on jeans or trousers;
- tunics;
- knee-length cardigans;
- classic pants;
- boyfriend jeans;
- straight trench coat;
- tulip skirt.
For women with body type, it is not advisable to have an apple in your wardrobe:
- tight dresses;
- cropped tops, sweaters and sweaters;
- jeans or trousers with a lower waist;
- oversize style items;
- flared skirts;
- tops or blouses with voluminous sleeves;
- fitted turtlenecks;
- year skirts;
- large drawings and prints on the elements of the upper part of the wardrobe;
- large buttons on shirts, jackets and jackets.
Apple
An apple, circle or O-shaped figure means beautiful slender legs, moderately rounded hips with a fairly large waist and chest.
Strengths of the apple body type:
- The proportions of the body are not disturbed, that there is a top and a bottom that looks harmonious;
- Long legs;
- Typically large breasts.
The disadvantages of this type of figure require correction:
- Weakly defined waist or its complete absence;
- Hands, as a rule, are thin in the forearm area, but the closer the shoulder is, the more massive they become;
- Wide chest and back;
- Small buttocks.
Choosing the right clothes for an apple figure should take into account slender legs - they need to be emphasized, as well as a neckline - it is important to demonstrate attractive breasts. The silhouette itself is subject to correction – it needs to be visually stretched.
Good clothes for an apple body type:
- Dresses that widen towards the bottom - a-line or A-line. They do not weigh down the already large top and hide the roundness of the figure. Asymmetrical models with an interesting hem are also suitable;
- Blouses, tops, shirts, T-shirts with a V-neck. The apple figure is often accompanied by a short neck and it is this neckline that will help visually lengthen it;
- Trousers and jeans with trim in the pockets and waistband - embroidery, folds, voluminous pockets will balance the massive top and slender legs.
If you choose clothes with a print, it should be a vertical stripe, which does an excellent job of visually correcting your height and figure. If it’s not vertical stripes, then it’s plain, basic things are best.
What to refuse:
- Extremes – a very tight silhouette or, conversely, a baggy oversized one;
- Tops, blouses, shirts with accents at the neck or on the shoulders - ties, voluminous sleeves or sleeveless clothing will only increase the size of already wide shoulders and massive arms;
- Crop tops – the lack of a waist will only become more noticeable. Turtlenecks will also work;
- Clothes with trim in the belly area - this is often a problem area for an apple, so there is no need to focus attention on it;
- Pencil skirts and other tight styles that highlight the difference between your top and legs.
Proper training
The types and amount of physical activity for those who want to lose weight or properly maintain their shape directly depend on individual recommendations according to their body type. For each body type, different sets of exercises are effective, targeting certain areas of the body.
Women with an hourglass figure are prone to rapid weight gain. Therefore, they are advised to minimize the amount of fatty foods or foods containing many carbohydrates they consume. You absolutely cannot refuse dinner, or go on a diet of monotonous dishes, since it is very difficult to maintain such a nutritional system.
The hourglass figure type requires exercise that targets the muscles of the entire body. Swimming is best suited for this, as well as dancing and race walking. Loads should alternate with heart training using cardio exercises. This will help you get rid of extra pounds evenly and keep your body in good shape.
Women with rectangular shapes may also experience extra pounds, especially in the central part of the torso. Strength exercises are contraindicated for them, as they shorten and strain the muscles. Because of this, the body becomes visually larger.
Yoga and aerobics are suitable as physical activities that make muscles longer and more elastic.
A metal hoop will help shape your waist. For the best effect when losing weight, women with rectangle shapes should give up various snacks, getting a full supply of energy thanks to three full meals.
A pear-type figure most often allows its owner to suffer from unwanted kilograms in the hips and buttocks. To lose weight and then maintain the result, you must follow dietary restrictions and exercise.
Women with this type should minimize the consumption of flour, fatty, salty foods: smoked or sausages, high-fat milk, potatoes, beets. It is also recommended to drink more than 6 glasses of pure mineral water per day. Squats are especially effective among physical activities. They will help correct problematic hips.
You should perform 3 to 7 sets of 10-15 squats per day. Women with an inverted triangle body type are rarely likely to gain weight. Therefore, it is recommended to perform exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles of the thighs and buttocks. These exercises include squats with dumbbells.
This will visually make the body more proportional. For best results, exercise should be supplemented with proper nutrition. Carbohydrates should be consumed only in the morning, and dinner should be the lightest meal of the day.
Women with an apple-shaped figure lose weight only when they switch to proper nutrition. Additional physical activity will slightly improve the effect, but the basis is organizing your own diet. You should eat at least 4 times a day, but the portions should be small.
Fried meat and fish should be replaced with low-fat boiled foods. It is recommended to remove sauces and spices from the diet. Consumption of flour and sweets should be reduced to a minimum. You should also avoid drinking carbonated drinks and alcohol, replacing them with water and green tea.
We don’t stop at what nature has given us
An important addition to nutritional correction will be properly selected physical activity, which will give confidence, calmness and peace of mind. Since the body weight of the “X-type” is distributed evenly, you need to lose weight by loading all muscle groups.
A suitable option is “circuit” training, which allows you to work the entire body in one session and includes compound exercises to use maximum muscles. Make a training plan so that the load is distributed evenly on both the upper and lower body.
Classification of female forms by metabolic types
There are 4 metabolic body types, which are determined by the most dominant gland in the body. This gland helps to understand in which parts of the body, first of all, unnecessary kilograms are deposited.
The following types are distinguished:
- The thyroid type appears as a result of dominance of the thyroid gland. Women with this metabolic type gain weight in the abdomen and legs. When losing weight, the chest circumference first decreases, the buttocks lose their rounded shape, and only then the problem areas change.
- The lymphatic body type is determined by the adrenal gland. Women with this type can lose weight only through physical activity. Excess weight appears in the upper body: back and abdomen.
- The pear-shaped type is a sign of dominance of both the reproductive and adrenal glands. As a result, women with this body type gain weight in their hips and legs. Losing excess weight with this metabolic type is quite difficult. The most effective will be fast walking, skipping rope, skates and rollers.
- The pituitary type appears as a result of the active work of the pituitary gland. Women with the pituitary metabolic type have a thin and unmuscular body, reminiscent of a child's physique. Excess weight is distributed evenly. You can get rid of it with the help of race walking, long-distance running and dancing.
Build
We determine the body mass index BMI. The Internet is full of calculators for determining BMI. It’s easy to calculate it yourself: weight (in kg) must be divided by height squared (in meters)
Approximately according to age norms:
- 19 - 24 years old BMI = 19 - 24
- 25 - 34 BMI = 20 -25
- 35 - 44 BMI = 21 - 26
- 45 - 54 BMI = 22 - 27
Based on body composition, we see whether we need to make the figure visually slimmer or, conversely, add volume.
The next characteristic of our body type is
Determination of physique by wrist
Wrist circumference, called the Solovyov index, allows you to determine the thickness of the arm bones, from which you can draw a conclusion about your physique.
Based on the circumference of the wrist, it can be:
- asthenic (wrist circumference is 15 cm or less);
- normosthenic (measurement shows from 15 to 17 cm);
- hypersthenic (wrist circumference greater than 17 cm).
Thus, knowing your own body type helps you understand the characteristics of your body and organism. Body type can be determined by different indicators, but there are 5 classic types. The most common of them is pear.
Article design: Oksana Grivina
Understand and accept
Knowing yourself and your appearance is very calming. Once the theory has been read, you can begin to practice. How is your body type determined? Maybe there are some formulas or equations? Quite possible. But the laziest beauties won’t bother. They will go to professional dressmakers and find out everything in a matter of seconds. Masters of cutting and sewing instantly “calculate” the features of the human physique by eye. Just one casual glance is enough for them to give away the result.
But there are always doubting people who want to understand and clarify everything themselves. Special methods have been invented for them to independently determine their body type at home.
