https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:33:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro/page/2#post-1135349 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 18:47:29 +0000 Anonymous 1135349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hourglass for sure, and you are beautiful. :)</p> <p>I don't see short legs. I see a well-balanced body.</p> <p>Looks to me like you should be able to wear just about anything you want. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro/page/2#post-1135340 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 18:32:02 +0000 In My Joi 1135340@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tanya, I thnk you&nbsp;have an hourglass figure and it is FAB!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro/page/2#post-1129307 Sun, 05 Jan 2014 07:23:37 +0000 anne 1129307@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tanya I am so late to this thread but I have been meaning to get to it. I can relate to every single item on your "how I'd change my body" list! As you knoe we have a lot in common.<br />Here is the link to Imogen's long waisted post<br /><a href="http://www.insideoutstyleblog.com/2009/06/how-to-tell-if-you-have-a-short-balanced-or-long-waist.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.insideoutstyleblog......-waist.htm</a><br />I know I was long waisted by that definition, though I have noted that my waistline goes up and down a bit with weight fluctuation and at a higher weight it is higher up. So many clothes have the waistline too high from me.<br />In terms of fitting things between hips and ribs, I like Claire can't fit a 3 inch belt either, which is interesting because I am short and she is tall. 2 inches is my limit. But skinny belts look terrible, unless they are on top of a dress which acts like a girdle.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro/page/2#post-1117248 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 14:49:31 +0000 Suz 1117248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We can definitely learn from each other, Tanya! Lots of similarities and just a few key differences. I have shorter than average arms, too, I think -- many sleeves are a bit long for me. But then I am also 2 inches shorter than you overall. I have sort of accepted that most clothes are made for women 5'5 to 5'7 tall and so everything needs to be hemmed. And oh, I wish I had those extra two inches! I'd even go as far as 4 more inches, so I completely hear you on that wish for the extra height. I do think it would create new fitting issues, though.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro/page/2#post-1117119 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 07:32:14 +0000 Alexandra 1117119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tanya, yes, the opposite is true for short-waisted bodies. The waist on regular RTW tops hits me close to the high hip. Also, the bust darts usually point to the lowest part of my bra's underwire. Petites are better lengthwise but don't always work for my shoulders. </p> <p>It was funny to see your pants post because I am the opposite way (my measurements are very similar to yours but the length proportions total opposites). Those pants would sit at or slightly above my navel and be a couple of inches too short. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro/page/2#post-1117108 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 07:05:03 +0000 E 1117108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tanya, we can definitely learn from each other! I don't have long arms (of course I'm 3" shorter than you), judging by how many long sleeves I can easily pull over most of my hand. In fact, when a sleeve hits me correctly, I feel like it's too short, I'm so used to the extra fabric. lol I'm going to have to do Imogen's measurements now so that I can see whether I have more length in my calves or thighs. I suspect I'm more like you than Suz, because most knee high boots I try on aren't too tall for me (just too wide), and I like myself in clam diggers. Such food for thought! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro/page/2#post-1117046 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 04:54:33 +0000 Tanya 1117046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, interesting stuff Claire.&nbsp; I think I remember a certain test with hand widths whose outcome was long waist again for me.&nbsp; I can certainly comfortably wear a rigid 3" waist belt.&nbsp; Heck, I think I could (and did) a 4" one as well.</p> <p>Nope, they do not match our arm lengths in ballroom dancing. Difficult enough to match up heights, dance levels and personalities.&nbsp; Arm lengths to would make finding a dance partner impossible </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro/page/2#post-1117022 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 04:29:50 +0000 Anonymous 1117022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Back at you Tanya, about the head size. I just know my head is small because most hats "off the peg"&nbsp;are too large for me. When I flew for British Airways we had to wear hats as part of the uniform, and they had to find me a small one. That was my second (head-slapping) clue that my head was smaller than average. Which, in turn, explained why my shoulders looked so large and square in comparison, and why my body seems larger in photos than it really is.</p> <p>Interesting about the long arms and the dance holds! They must have to measure you against a potential partner's arms, as well as his height, lol! The torso/waist length is confusing. All dress and coat waists hit me above my natural waist too. But the area between the bottom of my rib cage and the top of my hip bone is not particularly long, in other words, I couldn't wear a rigid 3" wide belt comfortably. I think both Angie and Imogen have a test for this (somewhere). One involves measuring and the other you just use your hand's width to gauge. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro/page/2#post-1116851 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 01:45:49 +0000 Tanya 1116851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK ladies, the repairmen are long gone and my bathroom appliances are in much&nbsp; better condition and now I can devote myself to much more interesting matters.</p> <p>Thanks again for all the help, especially the kind words on my scar.&nbsp; I will keep it protected from the sun and covered the upcoming spring/summer per doc's orders, but hopefully will be comfortable to reveal it to the public after that. And you made me comfortable to post my future neckline photos without any covering up. Thank you!</p> <p>I did the little test with my head and it is about an inch longer than 1/8 of my height.&nbsp; However, I think I have small head circumference (do not laugh, had to measure it for my graduation cap) since rigid hats tend to be blown away from my head by wind.&nbsp; So maybe my head is long but narrow?</p> <p>Claire, I think that my arms are long, both because of the test you describe and the fact than arm lengths&nbsp; on a lot of normal shirts and coats I buy tend to be a little short sometimes.&nbsp; My ballroom dance coaches also used to comment that I have long arms.&nbsp; That could be an asset technically, but it was also a problem when some of my dance partner has short arms and they had to be wrapped together with mine in certain dance holds.</p> <p>While it is certain that I have a long torso/upper body, I am pretty convinced that I am long waisted as well, because the waist on many tailored garments such as dresses, shirts and coats pretty often hits me higher than my narrowest point.&nbsp; I think the opposite would happen of i was short waisted.&nbsp; Maybe some of you think my waist is short because it appears so compared to my pretty long rise?</p> <p>E and Suz, it is fascinating how similar our bodies are minus some minor details.&nbsp; And we have similar colorings too!&nbsp; I see this as a great opportunity to learn from each other. E, I totally agree with you that skirts/dresses do a great job of obscuring the long rise/short legs issue, but I rarely get to wear them as they are not allowed at work.&nbsp; Suz, it looks to me that you have solved the mystery behind our clam digger puzzle.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro/page/2#post-1116625 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 21:07:00 +0000 LACeleste 1116625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Tanya,<br />Lots of insight here. &nbsp;Nothing to add but to say you have lovely proportions and I'm look forward to &nbsp;the next installment! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro/page/2#post-1116621 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 21:02:22 +0000 Alexandra 1116621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tanya, to determine the proportion of your head to your body, divide your total height by the length of your head. Eight is "ideal proportion". Less than eight = long head, more than eight = short head. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro/page/2#post-1116520 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 18:58:46 +0000 Liz A. 1116520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tanya, when thinking about round vs. elliptical, I think it influences your style less than it does what you can actually fit into.&nbsp; For instance, some pants would be cut with more room for a rounded rear than others.&nbsp; So like for example, I have good luck at Express and The Limited when buying affordable work pants.</p> <p>Additionally, I would think it affects how you are seen in pictures if you care about such a thing.&nbsp; Like you could stand in such a way to appear slimmer in photos, obviously not&nbsp; really a need in your case.&nbsp; HTH. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro/page/2#post-1116514 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 18:52:45 +0000 Diana 1116514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The scar would not bother me either!</p> <p>For the head measurement, I think you could use Imogen's exercise as a starting point, actually.&nbsp; So her exercise is based on the "ideal" that the body is 8 head lengths, right?&nbsp; So measure your head, then compare it to 1/8 of your height.&nbsp; My head is actually about 1/7.5 of my height.</p> <p>Of course there are other dimensions as well.&nbsp; Head circumference is another big one.&nbsp; Do you have trouble fitting hats?&nbsp; Most one size fits all type women's hats are too small for me, for example.&nbsp; </p> <p>And then there is how large your head appears.&nbsp; Mine is already objectively large, and I think it can appear larger because I have wide-set features and a large forehead (a so-called "five-head"!&nbsp; Or, as my Dad puts it, it's a "scholar's forehead"). And hair (bangs, volume) can affect the appearance of one's head as well.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro/page/2#post-1116511 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 18:49:27 +0000 Elizabeth P 1116511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tanya I didn't clue in that you HAD to cover up, as per Dr's orders, but that makes sense.&nbsp; Is your scar in a location that you can add a scarf for sun protection, and not be limited by the necklines on what you buy/keep, esp for summer wear? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro/page/2#post-1116506 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 18:44:32 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1116506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I am so impressed with your post! &nbsp; I am going to read through all the replies later when I have some time and some focus...</p> <p>I see an hourglass - and WOW, what an hourglass! &nbsp; Very Audrey Hepburn, but better, shapelier, lovelier &nbsp; You look like a professional dancer.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think you should show your scars, and not let them limit your style choices. &nbsp; I know how self-conscious one is of one's perceived flaws or shortcomings. &nbsp; So... I am going to set aside what I think, and cast my vote -&nbsp;for you to dress the way that makes you feel happiest and most secure about your beauty </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro/page/2#post-1116496 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 18:36:50 +0000 AJ 1116496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First off, yay for starting your analysis! &nbsp;Second, I don't have anything new to add from what the others have already said. &nbsp;Third, you are slender enough that I don't think the distinction between elliptical or round is necessary. &nbsp;Fourth, I have a relative that had neck surgery and at first she was sensitive about showing it, but now she doesn't even think twice. &nbsp;Plus the fact that her area has a dominant summer season, she had no choice but to get used to it. &nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro/page/2#post-1116490 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 18:30:15 +0000 Tanya 1116490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, ladies, thank you so much for all the responses!&nbsp; I much appreciate all the conversation going on here.&nbsp; There is so much I want to say, and will, just not right this very moment as I have some repairmen in my apartment to deal with. But shortly, I will write so much more!</p> <p>I do want to express my gratitude for all the kind comments about my scar. Dressing wise, I will have to keep it covered for at least the first year when out of my apartment, per doctor's recommendations, to protect it from the sun.&nbsp; After some time, when it fades and the swelling is hopefully gone, I will probably feel more comfortable leaving it uncovered.&nbsp; The pictures are different, as I want to post many soon with various necklines, which is tough to do with the neck covered.</p> <p>Also, and don't laugh at me, how do I determine if I have a large head or not? I seriously have no clue. Should I post a photo, or is there some exercise, or...? Of course, just asking this question makes me giggle a like a school child during birds and bees conversation.</p> <p>It seems that the opinions on round vs. elliptical thing are fairly divided.&nbsp; It is not particularly important, i am just curious. I have a feeling i am more round but can not really justify it.&nbsp; Does this influence dressing tips in any way?</p> <p>Much more to come in&nbsp; few hours...</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro#post-1116320 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 15:42:48 +0000 Alassë 1116320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I see slim hourglass too, but you legs look long to me - I don't see a long torso.&nbsp;You look nicely-curved/busty, and I don't see any flab. I agree, you have a lovely, slender waist.&nbsp;I think you look great! I always figured you were pretty much the ideal type, could wearr anything, symmetrical, etc. And scars don't bother me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro#post-1116316 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 15:37:26 +0000 Angie 1116316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First, your scars are a reminder that you are healthy, Tanya. With you, we are celebrating that.&nbsp;</p> <p>Second, very curvy hot hourglass. Long waisted, long bodied&nbsp;and long necked. Beautiful inside and out. xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro#post-1116304 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 15:16:54 +0000 E 1116304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, it's definitely possible that I'm just very, very elliptical. lol I think I'd need to see lots of pics of people who are round vs elliptical to get a grasp on it, since in comparison to me, Tanya looks curvy in profile as well as front on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro#post-1116288 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 14:52:46 +0000 Liz A. 1116288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Tanya,&nbsp; I agree with everyone else on almost all counts.&nbsp; You are a X-shaped hourglass (high five to a fellow club member!)&nbsp; I'm not an expert on proportions, but I really enjoy thinking about them.&nbsp; So funny, because I'm the same height as you 5-6, maybe 5-7, but everything that Suz said applied to me as well, big head, long chin to bust, short waist, long rise, normal thighs, short calves.</p> <p>I also never thought you had short legs, but I can relate to having to hem normal lengths for flats.&nbsp; Anyways the one thing I did want to add is that from my limited understanding, I would say that your body is round.&nbsp; I understand elliptical to mean you look wider head on than you do from the side, as in you turn to the side and everyone is surprised by how slim you are.&nbsp; You look slim all around!&nbsp; Just my two cents </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro#post-1116279 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 14:47:46 +0000 Lisa 1116279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A scar wouldn't bother me.&nbsp; I have a few myself.&nbsp; One on the top of my foot from bunion surgery a few years back and that one is easily 4 inches or more in length.&nbsp; Another on my back again at least 3 inches or more from skin cancer surgery.&nbsp; I used mederma on both to lighten them as they healed and was very strict about no sun on the scar for that first summer so that they would not darken.</p> <p>As for body shape, I didn't read all the comments yet, but my first glance was an hourglass with a little pear tendency.&nbsp; I'm surprised you would want to be taller, I thought you were rather tall in person (but then again I'm only 5'3" so most people are tall to me) and liked your current height.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro#post-1116261 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 14:27:04 +0000 Parsley 1116261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tanya, I forgot to respond to your question about your scar. Actually, I would prefer to call it a healing incision line- scar sounds more negative. (Can you tell I'm a doctor? )<br /> By all means let it show! It's an outward sign of what you're going through, and of your healing process, and I for one would be fine with that! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro#post-1116260 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 14:23:44 +0000 MuseumGal 1116260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Tanya.&nbsp; I agree with everyone else - you have an enviable hourglass.&nbsp; Also, I can't imagine anyone here would be upset by a scar.&nbsp; I have a huge one on my elbow, complete with crosshatches from stitches and I used to tell people it was A) a shark bite, B) a tatoo, or C) what happened when I got annoyed that people asked me about my scars.</p> <p>Anyway, I wanted to say, I don't think you're long waisted as much as you are long <i>hipped</i>, if that makes any sense.&nbsp; Your bust to waist looks shorter than your waist to crotch line.&nbsp; Wearing clothing at your natural waist, (instead of lower on the hips) would be the easiest and quickest way to lengthen your legs, I think. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro#post-1116246 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 13:56:04 +0000 Sarah A 1116246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! Tanya, I dont have anything to add to the wisdom here but you look great and I look forward to reading your further analysis posts ... i am trying to figure out my best necklines right now too so your analysis on that will thought provoking I am sure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro#post-1116244 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 13:49:54 +0000 Alexandra 1116244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh, this is very interesting to me because I just recently did something similar using the exercises in The Triumph of Individual Style. So I'm pulling up a chair and can hardly wait for the sequels. And I really want to see what you do with the Kibbe stuff.</p> <p>About scars: I'm comfortable looking at them. No need to hide.</p> <p>About your shape: I agree with your hourglass/X assessment. Your legs don't strike me as obviously short, the 2" don't make that much of a difference even in these pictures (and in well-proportioned clothing the difference disappears altogether). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro#post-1116240 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 13:40:56 +0000 Anonymous 1116240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First, seeing your scar wouldn't bother me. I'd just notice and think, hmmm, she's got a story to tell, and has been through some stuff--which you have.</p> <p>For your beautiful bod, I never realized your legs are a bit short! I also have the long torso but not necessarily long waist thing going on. I'm a little long in the rise. I need to get some wrapping paper to lie down on and have someone mark me properly, but I think my legs are shortest from the knee to the floor, like Suz. I have a long neck and I'm really long from my chin to my bust peak.<br />You look more proportional than I do.<br />&nbsp;<br />Looking at you from the side, I'll hazard a guess that you're more elliptical than round. Your hips look wider from the front than they do in the side shot, but I have no scientific way of determining this. It's possible that E is just&nbsp;<i>more</i> elliptical than you are.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm curious about head size too. I've recently read that a large head makes your body look smaller in comparison. I have a pinhead, and I'm always trying to fluff my hair up to make it look bigger, lol!&nbsp;</p> <p>I can't see how long your arms are from these pictures. I think if your fingertips hit mid-thigh, that's considered average. If yours are longer, it's supposed to be an asset in ball-room dancing (said someone on Dancing With the Stars anyway!) since they can look very graceful. You win either way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro#post-1116238 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 13:38:32 +0000 Eliza 1116238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tanya- can't weigh in on all the talk of proportions now, but wanted to respond to your scar comment. &nbsp;Like others here, I don't see any problem with you posting what you are comfortable doing. &nbsp;In some ways, our bodies tell our stories. &nbsp;I think of Padma Lakschmi who is direct about&nbsp;a 7 inch scar from a car accident when she was 14. &nbsp;I respect those in the public eye who use their visibility to both sensitize others to specific challenges and de-sensitize us so that we more comfortably inhabit the real world, rather than the air-brushed one only.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro#post-1116237 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 13:37:46 +0000 Jaime 1116237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not sure what I can add to the wisdom here, but I definitely agree that although&nbsp;you look long (and slim!) waisted I don't see the short legs. And, if and when you are comfortable doing it, posting pictures where your scar can be seen might be therapeutic and help you put it in proportion as a very small piece of your overall image. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/body-type-analysis-1---intro#post-1116232 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 13:18:40 +0000 Elizabeth P 1116232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am absolutely no expert on body proportions, but you have a lovely<br /> shape.&nbsp; But I get the impression you aren't complaining, just<br /> understanding :).&nbsp; I must do Imogens' measurement test sometime, for<br /> interest.</p> <p>I wanted to chime in and say that I hope you learn to<br /> accept and even love your scar.&nbsp; I suspect it bothers you far more than<br /> anyone else.&nbsp; And it will fade.&nbsp; While it may influence your change in<br /> style, don't let it dictate.&nbsp; </p>