The five body shapes
| Shape | Measurements | Style ideas |
|---|
| Hourglass | Bust and hips about equal, waist clearly smaller | Wrap dresses, belts, fitted waists |
| Pear (triangle) | Hips wider than bust | Boat necks, A-line skirts, detail on top |
| Inverted triangle | Bust or shoulders wider than hips | V-necks, wide-leg trousers, full skirts |
| Rectangle | Bust, waist and hips fairly similar | Layering, peplum tops, defined waistlines |
| Apple (round) | Fuller around the middle | Empire waists, V-necks, straight-leg trousers |
Worked example
Measurements of 36-27-37 inches: bust and hips are within 3% of each other, and the waist is 25% smaller than the bust, so the result is hourglass.
How to measure
- Stand straight and relaxed in light clothing or underwear.
- Keep the tape parallel to the floor for every measurement.
- Breathe normally and don't pull the tape tight.
Body shapes are a fashion guide, not a health measure. Shopping for underwear too? Try the bra size calculator.
Last reviewed October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main body shapes?
Style guides usually describe five: hourglass (bust and hips similar with a defined waist), pear or triangle (hips wider than bust), inverted triangle (shoulders or bust wider than hips), rectangle (bust, waist and hips fairly similar) and apple or round (fuller through the middle).
How does the calculator decide my shape?
It compares your three measurements. If bust and hips are within about 5% of each other and your waist is at least 25% smaller, that is an hourglass. Hips more than 5% wider than bust is a pear; bust more than 5% wider is an inverted triangle. Little waist definition is a rectangle, and a waist close to or larger than bust and hips is an apple.
Where should I measure?
Bust: around the fullest part of your chest. Waist: at the narrowest point, usually just above the belly button. Hips: around the widest part of your hips and bottom. Keep the tape level and snug but not tight.
Is one body shape better than another?
No. Every shape is normal. The categories are just a shorthand used in fashion to suggest cuts and styles that people of each shape often like.
Does this work for men?
The same measurements work for anyone, but the shape names and style tips here are mostly used in women's fashion.