Photo par NatalieMaynor via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)Knowing your body shape saves dozens of failed purchases. The idea is simple: you spot where the body carries its volumes (shoulders, waist, hips) and pick clothes that rebalance the whole towards a harmonious silhouette. Six families are enough to place yourself. None is better than another, they are just markers to dress well.
How to identify your body shape
Stand facing a mirror, in your underwear, and compare three widths: shoulders, waist, hips. The letter that describes your silhouette comes from there.
- Shoulders and hips aligned, defined waist: X or 8
- Shoulders and hips aligned, undefined waist: H
- Hips wider than shoulders: A
- Shoulders wider than hips: V
- Volumes around the middle, rounded silhouette: O
The general rule that runs through every type: draw the eye to the slimmest part and add volume where it is lacking.
Body shape A (pear)
Wide hips, narrow shoulders, often a slim waist. The aim is to visually widen the top to balance the bottom.
Go for structured shoulders, wide necklines (boat, square), puff sleeves, prints and light colours on top. On the bottom, stay with fluid cuts and darker tones: straight trousers, a plain A-line skirt. Avoid patch pockets on the hips and gathered skirts that add volume where there is already plenty.
Body shape V (inverted triangle)
Marked shoulders and frame, narrow hips. You soften the top and add volume at the bottom.
V-necks lengthen and slim the chest. On the bottom, try A-line skirts, pleated trousers, bootcut, patterns and light colours to give the hips back some substance. Limit shoulder pads, boat necks and busy tops that play up the frame.
Body shape H (rectangle)
Shoulders, waist and hips on the same line, waist barely drawn. The idea is to create an illusion of curves.
Belted pieces redraw a waist: wrap dress, fitted jacket, a belt over a jumper. Layering and slightly structured fabrics add relief. An H shape wears straight cuts and tailoring very well, playing on its clean line rather than fighting it.
Body shape X (hourglass)
Balanced shoulders and hips, a naturally slim waist. The easiest silhouette to dress: just highlight the waist without breaking the proportions.
Fitted cuts, tailored dresses, tucked-in tops and thin belts show everything off. Avoid clothes that are too loose, which hide the waist and lose the top-to-bottom balance.
Body shape 8
Close to the X, with fuller forms and a generous bust. Same principles: mark the waist. Favour fluid fabrics that follow without squeezing, V-necks that open the chest, wrap dresses. Avoid added volume and stiff fabrics that harden the curves.
Body shape O (round)
Volumes spread around the bust and middle, often slim legs. You lengthen the silhouette and show off the assets (legs, neckline).
Vertical lines, long open jackets, fluid fabrics and monochrome looks slim the figure. Put the legs forward with straight trousers or a knee-length skirt. Avoid belts tight at the waist and thick fabrics that add volume.
The point to keep in mind
A body shape is not a cage. Plenty of women see themselves between two letters, and that is normal. Use it as a starting point to understand why one cut suits you and another does not, not as a list of bans. The piece you like and stand tall in will always beat a rule followed to the letter.