A friend, Sue, from my knitting group gave us your link. I like the body type descriptions. Is there any recommended clothing types you can recommend for a slightly pear shape?

Thanks for asking Sue. I will in fact make answers to this exact question a blog entry in the next couple of days if you can wait that long! For the meantime though, it’s all about keeping the bottom half of you simple, while you add detail to your top half.

Can’t wait to read more on how to make the most of our shape………I often stuggle with this!!!

Hmm, would love to see similar suggestions for the Hourglass shape as you did for the Pear.

Hello Cindy! I was planning on posting an entry on the “hour glass” body type soon so stay tuned.

[...] The fit is different for each brand. Different brands target different body shapes. A certain size in one store might fit you perfectly, whereas the same size in another store just doesn’t look right. Again, you need to experiment to find the stores that work for you. [...]

[...] While we might not all be able to wear each form of this season’s new volume – there will be ideal options to balance each body type. Height will be another factor to consider. Stay tuned on how to update existing items in your wardrobe with the correct voluminous pieces for you and your personal style. [...]

Got this link from a friend and it’s just great. Patiently waiting for more info on my apple type.

The pear shape and hour glass are normal figures for a woman and very attractive, but what about the woman with the inverted triangle as i am, it is really uncomfortable and unattractive what can women do, who want to change it and get fullnes or curves to our hips. Is there any kind of remedy or plastic surgery available.

Not sure about any plastic surgery, but I can tell you what I do know.

If your body type is an inverted triangle, that means you have good shoulders which is a positive attribute especially since it is close to your face. Play this up with pretty necklaces or scarves.

Try jackets and blazers that have a defined waist. Look for belted cardigans and tops anything that cinches your waist and gives you more shape. Pair this with slim fitting pants, or cigarette pants which are more tapered at the bottom as this will make your thighs, bottom and hip area appear heavier. For skirts, try full volume skirts such as a circle skirt which has a swing to it and is quite feminine. Also tulip skirts give you more volume at the bottom without the excess fabric. Pants and skirts with pleats will also give you more volume below.

Before you go thinking about going under the knife please try this..I hope it helps some.

Hi, great site Can you help me? My shoulders-hips are aligned with each other, waist defined, but bust is non-existant (AA). I feel like I never graduated from middle school Did I mention I am 29? *sigh* I am otherwise reasonably slim w/ curvy thighs, long legs and junk in the trunk–I guess you gotta make the most with the cards you’ve got! But it’s hard sometimes. Aside from Wonderbra, ‘cupcakes’ and
a pair of water balloons, proportion/illusion tips would be appreciated.

I also have some scarring on my chest area and often conceal via high neck/boat neck tops or strategic necklaces with lower cuts. My boyfriend commented that my knee length jersey shirtdress, various cap sleeve tops/blouses and man-eating bootcut jeans (ha) look especially good. Coincidence? I’m kinda lost…Thank you kindly.

I’m getting a bit confused… how am I to know if I am a pear ? Should I compare my hips to my shoulders, the width of my chest, or my bust ?

You need to look at your silhouette and consider the sizes you wear (top vs the bottom)…..you might tend towards pear very slightly if it’s not that obvious.

I don’t know whether I’m a rectangle or a pear. I have a small bust, very little waist indention, long, thin arms, a short waist, narrow hips that widen dramatically into thick thighs, and short, muscular legs. I don’t have the long, slim legs of a rectangle or the small waist of the pear.
Thank you!

Have you read the blog entry below Carrie?

http://youlookfab.com/2007/12/.....ody-types/

You probably tend towards both body types and this is perfectly fine. Your fuller thighs allow you to tend towards a pear, while your straight torso, narrow hips and small bust allow you to tend towards a rectangle.

um, ok. those are the body types, now what types of CLOTHES do we put on our different body types. there is absolutely no information on the web other than to just point out the body type and maybe tell me what era clothing is best. hello????? is there a book or something??????

Would someone tell me how I can hide my wrist line ´cause I´m all curvy (big hips big bubs) but my wrist is a problem.
Thank you

I’m having the same problem that rhonda is having. I’m an Inverted Triangle and it’s so hard trying to downplay my chest, when everything is made for someone with a smaller chest. Or when I’m trying to add volume to my hips and majority of clothes are made for women with hips. HELP ME PLEASE.

I am the pear shape. I would like to know how to dress so as to look slimmer and taller!

I am 57 and tired of shopping for clothing that fits either old ladies or young sexy teens and adults. I have a big round bosom (I’m 5′2″ and 36-DD bra size), short waisted, and hippy. What do you suggest and where do I shop?

my measurements are 43-37 or 36-45 or 44

i meant to ask wat shape am i

I, too, am an inverted triangle I think: wider shoulders, waist and hips the same measurement, 5′ tall. I feel so discouraged trying to shop stylish clothing that is suitable for women 50 and over (I am 64 now)…this is the only sight I have found that even addresses the issue!! No pictures exist that I have been able to find. I am a good seamstress but would also like to buy some clothes and accessories but don’t know what to get. PLEASE HELP…THANKS FOR CARING.

Please, please. I am still trying to get some indea about what clothes to put on this inverted triangle shape of mine. It seems some other folks are having the same problem–older, short waisted, thick middle. I am not interested in clothing the compliments women under 30!!!! Won’t you please reply? Thanks so much.

Im an inverted triangle as well. I am 54. I have broad shoulders… and big boobs too. My hips are smaller as I wear a 12 pants and 14/16 top. I have found that clothes from Ann Taylor, Talbots, ATLoft have good fitting tailored classics. I also have found Chico’s, Lane Bryant tops, and Kohl’s has a brand that fits(apt 5) Coldwater Creek is good too. J. Jill for some reason just doesn’t flatter me at all. I am steering away from busy print tops and keeping the busy prints for skirts and scarfs. The key for me was to find the right jacket length and proportion in the skirt length. If the jacket is too long, past my butt I look so top heavy. If it is too short just below my natural waist Channel style, I can look extra heavy too. It really matters as to my pants width at the hem. Playing with the proportions has really helped in the balancing act. I also have short hair which can also make you look like a pimple head with all of the weight on top. So I just make sure it is short and softly curled and keep it cut every 4 weeks so the hair cut always looks crisp. Dresses that are hemmed knee length work best. The worst length is mid calf. I always look doudy in that length. Im 5′4′ so the misses length is never too short on me. Petites in jackets work but in pants are high waters. Ive discovered ribbed knits in sweaters never look good because my boobs stretch out the ribs, smooth knits are my friends. I dont like necklaces that drape off my chest. To me it looks like someone going over Niagra falls. Too big of a drop,if you get what I mean. I ll post a picture of me so you can see what I mean, If I can figure out how to do that.

I’m basically an hourglass but in looking at myself last night, I now think that now I look more like an apple, not a big round appple, but since the holidays I think I’v gained a few pounds and I think they’ve all settled around my middle. I still have a waist but not so defined as before. I guess till I lose this extra weight, wearing a belt will help. but when an outfit doesn’t call for a waist belt, what other tips canyou give me besides just covering it all up in a big cardigan or jacket

[...] time to update the guidelines on how to dress for your body type. But before I readdress each body type in detail I need to clarify a few starting assumptions and [...]

I think body type should be determined more by bone structure than weight distribution. It’s pretty easy to determine this: just look at the outline of your body in a full-lenght mirror. As far as flesh goes, I am a pear – I carry more weight in my hips and thighs, have a skinny upper body. I don’t look anything like the illustration up there though.

Really I am a more of a hourglass – broad shoulders and upper back, small breasts, tapered ribcage and small waist, shapely hips and upper thighs. Very much an X-shaped body. It is essential for me to emphazise my waist, otherwise I look both awkwardly thin (I am underweight with skinny arms and legs) and boxy.

I had no idea that other women went through some of the clothing dilemmas that I do.
I am a short (5′1.5″) slightly pear shaped individual who – unbeknownst to me before now – has been dressing “smart casual” nearly all of my adult life.
I am bookmarking your site !!

same problem here, am 57 average height 1.68 metres or 5′ 6″ and weigh about 48 kgs, 106 lbs, have very visible scarring on right hand neck and chest,
what, boobs are very different sizes so lots of clothes look odd and do not fit as difference is very noticeable, no waist from the back I can pass as a boy, what do I wear other than trousers, jeans white shirts and weaters, my legs are like sticks so skirts, dresses are out out out