How to Determine Your Body Type at Home
Learn to identify your body type using simple measurements and visual cues. No expensive consultations needed—just a measuring tape and this guide.
Understanding your body type is the first step to dressing in a way that flatters your unique shape. While you could visit a stylist, you can easily figure out your body type at home with a few simple measurements.
This guide will walk you through two methods: the measurement method (most accurate) and the visual assessment method (quick and easy). Using both together gives you the clearest picture of your body shape.
What You'll Need
- • Soft measuring tape (or string + ruler)
- • Full-length mirror
- • Fitted clothing or underwear
- • Pen and paper to record measurements
- • Optional: a helper for more accurate measurements
Step-by-Step Measurement Guide
Gather Your Tools
Get a soft measuring tape, a mirror, and optionally someone to help. Wear fitted clothing or underwear for accurate measurements.
Measure Your Bust
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, keeping it parallel to the floor. The tape should be snug but not tight. Record this number.
Measure Your Waist
Find your natural waistline—the narrowest part of your torso, usually above your belly button. Wrap the tape around and record the measurement.
Measure Your Hips
Stand with feet together and measure around the widest part of your hips and buttocks, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
Compare Your Measurements
Use the measurement ratios to determine your body shape. Compare bust, waist, and hip numbers to identify whether you are apple, pear, hourglass, rectangle, or inverted triangle.
Verify with Visual Assessment
Look at yourself in a full-length mirror. Does your visual assessment match your measurements? Consider where you naturally carry weight.
Body Type Measurement Ratios
Compare your measurements to these criteria to identify your body shape.
Hourglass
Bust and hips are within 5% of each other. Waist is at least 25% smaller than bust/hips.
Bust: 36", Waist: 26", Hips: 37"
Pear (Triangle)
Hips are more than 5% larger than bust. Waist is defined.
Bust: 34", Waist: 27", Hips: 40"
Apple (Round)
Bust is larger than hips. Waist is similar to or larger than hips.
Bust: 40", Waist: 36", Hips: 38"
Rectangle (Straight)
Bust, waist, and hips are within 5% of each other. Little waist definition.
Bust: 34", Waist: 32", Hips: 35"
Inverted Triangle
Bust/shoulders are more than 5% larger than hips. Athletic upper body.
Bust: 38", Waist: 30", Hips: 34"
Visual Assessment Method
Stand in front of a mirror in fitted clothes and look for these visual cues.
Hourglass
- • Shoulders and hips appear aligned
- • Obvious waist indent
- • Curves at bust and hips
- • Balanced upper and lower body
Pear
- • Hips visibly wider than shoulders
- • Defined waist
- • Slender upper body
- • Weight in thighs and bottom
Apple
- • Fuller midsection
- • Less waist definition
- • Slimmer legs
- • Weight above the hips
Rectangle
- • Straight up-and-down silhouette
- • Minimal waist curve
- • Athletic appearance
- • Even weight distribution
Inverted Triangle
- • Broad shoulders
- • Narrow hips
- • Athletic upper body
- • Slim lower half
Tips for Accurate Results
Measuring Tips
- • Keep the measuring tape parallel to the floor
- • Don't suck in your stomach—measure naturally
- • Take each measurement 2-3 times and average them
- • Measure in the morning for most consistent results
- • Wear thin, fitted clothes or underwear only
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Measuring over bulky clothing
- • Pulling the tape too tight or leaving it too loose
- • Measuring at inconsistent points
- • Comparing yourself to specific numbers rather than ratios
- • Forgetting that body shapes exist on a spectrum
What If You're Between Types?
If you find yourself between two body types, that's completely normal! Many women have characteristics of multiple shapes. Consider which type you most closely resemble or whose styling tips feel most relevant to your concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is measuring body type at home?
Home measurements can be quite accurate if done correctly. The key is consistency—always measure at the same points and keep the tape level. For best results, have someone help you or use a mirror. Our body shape calculator uses standard measurement ratios that professionals use.
What measurements do I need for body type?
The three essential measurements are: bust (fullest part of chest), waist (narrowest part of torso, usually above belly button), and hips (widest part of hips and buttocks). Some methods also include shoulder width for more precise results.
Can my body type change over time?
Yes, your body type can shift with weight changes, age, pregnancy, and hormonal shifts. Your skeletal structure stays the same, but where you carry weight can change. It is helpful to reassess your body shape periodically, especially after significant life changes.
What if I am between two body types?
Many people fall between categories or have characteristics of multiple body types. This is completely normal. Focus on which type you most closely resemble and use styling tips from both if helpful. Body shapes exist on a spectrum, not in rigid boxes.
Do I need special tools to measure?
You only need a soft measuring tape (the kind used for sewing). If you do not have one, you can use a string and then measure the string with a ruler. Wear fitted clothing or measure in underwear for accuracy.
Why is knowing my body type helpful?
Knowing your body type helps you choose clothes that flatter your figure, shop more efficiently, create balanced outfits, and understand which styles might not work for you. It takes the guesswork out of fashion and saves time and money.
Body shape classification based on measurement ratios. Styling recommendations are general guidance.Learn about our methodology
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