Body Shape? - YouLookFab Forum

Hey guys! I hope you don't mind another "what's my body shape" post. I've lost about 35 pounds over the last year or so (probably back at 30 after all the holiday food), and everything in my closet it too big for me. I decided to take my measurements and figure out my body type before I did any big shopping. My measurements are 36-31-38 and I wear a 36C bra size. I put my measurements in every body shape calculator I could find and got results for every body shape.

I decided to say "screw numbers" and focus on my silhouette. So, I took a couple of photos in a swimsuit and traced the outline of my body, which is what's attached here. I still can't tell what I am, though. And after staring at it for too long, I started to think I didn't look like I'd lost weight at all. I like to think I look better than those outlines make me seem.

I already did a little bit of shopping and just picked out clothes that looked good on me. At this point, I'd like to know what body type I appear to be just so I can stop trying to figure it out. It's one of those things that irks me because I can't figure it out, you know?

So what do you guys think? Would an actual photo help?

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

9 years ago

rute

Veteran

I would say you are an adorable apple

Suz

(website)

Going with Rute here. You look like an adorable apple but if you are still losing weight, you may end up as a rectangular body type.

And welcome!

gesturepoke

Active Member

Yep, I still want to lose another 15 pounds before I'm done. So, I'll see what body shape I end up with in a few more months.

And thank you, guys!

I think with 15 pounds down you will be a racy rectangle for sure, maybe with apple tendencies. It's fun to dress for either shape and you should have many options!

I think one of the reasons I was so confused about my body shape is that the clothes that are usually suggested for apple-shaped bodies are things that make me look pregnant, like long, flowing clothes and empire tops. Aside from pencil skirts, I like all the styles suggested for hourglass figures more. There seems to be a lot of crossover when in comes to clothing and body types.

Firecracker (Sharan)

I agree: adorable apple, with racy rectangle as a secondary type. Maybe the reason you find some of the recommendations (like empire waists) unflattering is the fabrications you've tried. Angie has an important couple of caveats about empire waists on her post about dressing the adorable apple: any gathers should lie flat with no "poof," and un-gathered empire waists will work better with more structured fabrics, as opposed to clingy ones.

CocoLion

My first call was a rectangle.

You could also try dressing as a rectangle and see if that feels better. You might need to modify a bit for your bust if it is larger. And for the apple tendencies.

It looks as if you are also short-waisted. That can sometimes complicate dressing a bit, too.

Love your silhouettes, by the way!

Thank you!

My next question was going to be if I had a short or long waist, so that saves me time from asking. I always enjoy trying on tops, but yeah, my waist can make things difficult. It doesn't help that I have big boobs either. I can't count how many times I've gotten a top that had more cleavage than I wanted and had creepy middle-aged men hit on me.

That link to the Angie's post on apple shapes helps a lot!! Although, there are some clothing terms I'm not familiar. I'm still not sure what welts in shirts are or the difference between a pencil skirt and a structured pencil skirt. But I might give empire tops a try, again. I was heavier the last few times I wore one and had a big belly.

On a side note, I started reading up on apple shapes in more detail and it lead me to stuff on Kate Upton (apparently, she's considered an apple to a lot of people). There are so many women out there who are angry she's a swimsuit model with big boobs and a less defined waist.

A welt in a knit top is the section of ribbing at the bottom. Like Angie's sweater in her blog post today. That one is quite wide and exaggerated, but other knit tops have smaller ones, and the top might be "drapier" (her sweater is quite chunky and relatively structured). In a fluid fabrication, a welted top will give a "blouson" effect, thus disguising the tummy area.

A structured pencil skirt is a tailored one that shows your shape without being too body con. It will typically be in a heavier weight fabric vs. a lightweight, clingy knit.

harmonica

I vote apple/rectangle too. You could also have a look at Goldenpigs posts for inspiration. She's an adorable apple and really knows how to do magic with clothes for her body type. Her pregnancy outfits where true magic.

Traci

My vote was going to be in the apple/rectangle family too.

I'm a bonafide apple, but sometimes find that hourglass silhouettes work better for me as well. There are dozens of other factors to take into account, like shoulder line, waist height, bust, hip line, etc. Even if empire waists are flattering on me, they always get me asked if I'm expecting. My ego can't take it.

I have a huge piece of advice that you didn't ask for, but might really mix things up for you. Go and have yourself professionally fitted for a bra. I suspect based on your pic and description of a large bust that you may not be a 36c. You probably should be in a smaller band size and a larger cup size. Google around in your area for a highly rated bra shop that specialized in measuring, don't just go with the sales associate at VS. You may just find that you have more of a waist than you knew, it was just hiding so close to your bust that you couldn't see it.

I've been scrolling through Goldenpig's site for a while now. Seeing the outfits on an apple shaped person is a lot better than just looking at clothing pics on Pinterest.

Traci, it's funny you mention getting measured at someplace other than VS since that's were I went most recently. I was wearing a 36D before one of the associates told me differently. I'll have to look around for another shop before I buy more bras.

Quick update. I stopped by a lingerie shop earlier today and ask to be fitted. The women was honest and said they carried several brands that were all cut differently from one another. She measure me and come up with one size, but then I could wear a different size in another brand. She had me try on 36C and 36D bras to see which ones fit better.

I ended up getting 2 bras - 1 a 36C and the other a 36D. I'm still not sure what size I am, but I have cute bras, so I'm happy.

Category