How Can You Determine Your Body Type Correctly?
Indrani is a writer and artist who likes to add a dash of humor to everything she does. She has two years of experience in writing articles across beauty, health, and lifestyle genres. After graduatin... read full bio
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Determining your body shape can sometimes be challenging, as our perception of ourselves and others is subjective. And we all know mirrors can be deceiving! However, with a few simple measurements and analysis, you can easily identify your body shape. In this article, we will walk you through the process of figuring out your specific body shape, so you can embrace your unique physique. Read on to know more!
In This Article
1. How To Correctly Measure Yourself
To obtain accurate measurements, it is recommended to remove your outer clothing and measure your body over your underwear. You can also wear tight sporty clothes like a tank top and leggings.
- Waist Circumference
Wrap the measuring tape around your waist, typically the narrowest part of your belly, while keeping it parallel to the floor. Ensure a snug fit without excessive tightness and record the measurement. Remember, your waistline is usually a few inches lower than your navel but not on it.
- Hip Girth
Place the measuring tape around the widest part of your hips, below your hip bone. Slide it over the prominent points of your buttocks, keeping the tape horizontally aligned. Jot down the measurement.
- Bust Girth
Wrap a measuring tape over your bust, ensuring it runs along the most prominent points and remains parallel to the floor. Allow it to rest on your chest freely without being too tight. Record the measurement.
- Shoulder Girth
Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your shoulders in a horizontal position. Take the measurement and note it down. Taking the shoulder girth measurement can be challenging alone, so it’s advisable to seek assistance from someone in advance.
By following these steps and accurately recording your measurements, you will be able to determine your body shape with confidence and better understand how to dress and style yourself to accentuate your unique figure.
How To Analyze Your Measurements
Understanding your body shape can significantly impact how you present yourself. However, accurately determining your body shape might not always be an easy task. Nevertheless, with a few simple measurements and thoughtful analysis of the results, you can confidently identify your unique body shape.
1. Identify The Largest Measurement
Observe which measurement among your bust, waist, and hip girths has the largest numbers. Is there a noticeable difference when compared to the other measurements? This dominant measurement can provide valuable insights into your body shape.
2. Compare Shoulder, Bust, And Hip Sizes
Examine the sizes of your shoulders, bust, and hips in relation to each other. Are your shoulders noticeably narrower or wider than your hips? Is your bust significantly larger than your hips, or vice versa? Understanding these proportions can help you categorize your body shape.
3. Assess Your Waist Definition
Consider the presence of a well-defined waist. Does your waistline stand out distinctly, particularly in contrast to your hips? A clear waistline is a vital characteristic for determining your body shape.
Now, based on these characteristics, you can identify your body shape using the following categories:
1. Triangle
If your hip girth is considerably larger (more than 5 percent) than your bust or shoulder girth, and you have a well-defined waist, you likely have a “triangle” body shape.
2. Inverted Triangle
If your shoulders are significantly wider (5 percent or more) than your hips, and you don’t have a well-defined waist, your body shape may be classified as an “inverted triangle.”
3. Oval
If the volume in your body is concentrated in the middle, with round and wide shoulders, a large bust, and slightly smaller hips, and your waist is not well defined, your body shape aligns with the “oval” category.
4. Rectangle
If your shoulders, bust, and hips are almost equal in measurement, and you don’t have a well-defined waist, you likely have a “rectangle” body shape. Your body may feature straight hips and a modestly sized bust.
5. Hourglass
If you have a well-defined waist, and your shoulders and hips (or bust and hips) are almost equal in measurement, while your hips and buttocks have round shapes, and your shoulders are also rounded, your body shape falls into the “hourglass” category.
Understanding your body shape can be a powerful tool in choosing clothing that compliments your proportions and accentuates your best features. By embracing and celebrating your unique body shape, you can confidently enhance your style and feel fantastic in any outfit. Embrace your individuality, and let your clothing choices reflect the beauty and confidence within you. Remember, fashion is a wonderful expression of yourself, and knowing your body shape is just the beginning of a journey toward embracing your true self!
