Last updated on October 11th, 2025 at 10:06 pm
Determine Your Body Shape
Now that you understand the theory behind body shapes and why knowing your body shape is important.
It is time to learn how to find your body shape.
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Materials:
To learn how to find your body shape you will need:
- 15 minutes
- Measurement tape OR a long string and a ruler
- Pen and paper
- Internet
Step 1 – Measure Yourself
The first step is measuring your body.
In this step, I urge you to try not to be too self-critic.
Remember that numbers by themselves have no meaning.
Numbers can only hurt you in comparison to someone else.
I will explain how to measure each part of your body correctly, accompanied by images to help.
Don’t forget to write down the numbers after measuring.
Shoulders Measurements
1. Put the measuring tape at the highest point around your shoulders, so it almost slips off.
2. Measure from the tip of one shoulder all the way around you (see image for reference).
If it is difficult, you can ask someone to help you.
3. If you are using a measuring tape, simply write down the number.
If you are using a string, follow the same steps and then measure the length used with a ruler.
Bust Measurements
1. Put the measuring tape stretched around your back and across the fullest part of your bust (see image for reference).
2. Measure at the fullest point of your bust. Breathe out to make sure that the tape is not too tight.
You want to avoid pulling the tape so hard that your breasts start to get squashed. Remember to use a bra with no padding.
3. If you are using a measuring tape, simply write down the number.
If you are using a string, follow the same steps and then measure the length used with a ruler.
Waist Measurements
1. Your waist is usually just above the belly button.
You need to put the measuring tape around your waist on the narrowest part of your torso (see image for reference).
2. Measure the narrowest part of your torso.
The measuring tape around your waist needs to sit tight, but it shouldn’t “dig” into your skin. Also, don’t pull on your stomach.
3. If you are using a measuring tape, simply write down the number.
If you are using a string, follow the same steps and then measure the length used with a ruler.
Hips Measurements
1. Put the measuring tape around your hips over the largest part of your butt.
You want to start at one hip and then wrap the measuring tape around your butt.
2. Measure your hips at the widest point below your waist. Your hip is below the hip bone.
You want to remove your clothes and keep your feet together to make sure the measurement is as accurate as possible.
3. If you are using a measuring tape, simply write down the number.
If you are using a string, follow the same steps and then measure the length used with a ruler.
Step 2 – Body Shape Determination
Now that you have your measurements, you’ll use those numbers to calculate your body shape.
You can use a body shape calculator. Go to the website below.
Write down your measurements (in/cm/mm) on the required fields and see the result.
– https://www.inchcalculator.com/body-shape-calculator/
Remember, there is no such thing as an ideal body shape, regardless of what anyone tries to tell you.
The most important thing is that you are healthy and feel happy.
After knowing your body shape come back to read what to do next.
What’s Next?
Now that you know your body shape, use this knowledge for your benefit when you get dressed.
Regardless of your body size and shape, there are three things to remember when finding styles that work for your body shape.
I can’t go into more detail on what to dress for your body shape or it will be a book instead of a quick guide.
If you wish to know what to dress for your specific body shape you can read the posts below.
Style Guides
The rectangle body already has a balanced silhouette. But it is flat with no curves. For this reason, you should focus on the waistline and create the illusion of curves there.
The hips are the widest part of the pear body. As we try to balance your proportions, the tendency is to narrow the hips and accentuate the upper body.
The waist is the widest part of the apple body. As we try to balance your proportions, the tendency is to narrow the waistline and create curves to the hips and butt.
The shoulders are the widest part of the inverted triangle body. As we try to balance your proportions,
the tendency is to narrow the shoulders and add volume to the lower body.
The hourglass body already has a balanced silhouette with a defined waist. To best dress this shape, you can leave the upper and lower body untouched and instead belt the waistline.