Body Shape Calculator
Geometry, Not Weight
When we talk about "Health," we talk about BMI and scales. When we talk about "Style," we talk about Body Shape. Two women can weigh exactly the same 150lbs but look completely different in the same dress because their skeletons map out different geometries.
Knowing your shape isn't about changing your body; it's about learning the proportions that nature gave you so you can dress to flatter them.
The 4 Main Body Types
While human bodies come in infinite variations, the fashion industry categorizes silhouettes into four primary buckets:
1. Hourglass (Curvy)
The Math: Your shoulders and hips are roughly the same width, and you have a defined waist (at least 25% smaller than your hips).
Style Tip: You want to accentuate your waist. Wrap dresses, high-waisted jeans, and belted coats look fantastic on you.
2. Pear / Spoon (Triangle)
The Math: Your hips are significantly wider than your bust and shoulders.
Style Tip: The goal is to balance your upper body. Wear boat-neck tops, ruffles, or bright colors on top, with darker colors on the bottom.
3. Inverted Triangle (Strawberry)
The Math: Your shoulders or bust are wider than your hips. This is common in swimmers and athletes.
Style Tip: Add volume to your lower half. A-line skirts and wide-leg pants create balance with your broad shoulders.
4. Rectangle (Banana / Athletic)
The Math: Your measurements are fairly uniform. Your waist is not significantly smaller than your hips or bust.
Style Tip: Create the illusion of curves. Wear clothes with ruffles, belts, or peplum tops to "create" a waistline visually.
How to Measure Accurately
You need a flexible tape measure and a mirror. For the best results, measure over bare skin or very thin underwear.
Most people forget this. The "High Hip" is the measurement around your pelvic bone (about 3 inches below your waist). The "Hip" is around the widest part of your buttocks (about 7 inches below your waist). Our calculator uses High Hip to differentiate between a true "Hourglass" and a "Spoon" shape.
- Bust: Measure the fullest part of your chest.
- Waist: Measure the narrowest part of your torso (usually just above the belly button). Relax, don't suck it in!
- High Hip: Measure the top of the hip bone.
- Hip: Measure the widest part of your glutes.
Comparison with WHR
You might notice this sounds similar to the Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR). While related, they serve different purposes.
- WHR: Used by doctors to predict heart disease risk (Apple shapes have higher risk).
- Body Shape: Used by stylists to recommend clothing fits.