Help in defining my bodytype?

Thyme

Hello! I'm new to the forum and the whole website. I find it very informative and interesting.

I've been reading about bodytypes and trying to figure out mine. I still can't seem to figure out which type I am. Would you perhaps like to help me out? I would appreciate it very much!

Here's a picture containing my full silhouette and body measurements: http://img.photobucket.com/alb.....tti_05.jpg

At first I thought I was a pear because my hips are significantly wider than my waist, and my chest is more narrow than my hips. But then again, it seems that my shoulders are too wide for a pear. Am I right? Which might lead me to consider the possibility I might be an hourglass (gasp!)... but isn't my chest too narrow for an hourglass shape? Then there's the 8-shape... Do you think I have the "shelf" or not? Because I just can't tell.

I would appreciate any comments!

12 years ago

Body Type

15 replies

Latest reply was from cobaltblue

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Are you sure your hips are wider than your shoulders, Thyme, because the drawing seems to indicate otherwise. To me it looks as if both are about as wide, and I see a waist too, so I would say hourglass (you don't need a full bust to be an hourglass at all).

12 years ago

Veteran

Looks like a very nice silhouette to me. :o)

And it does look like an hourglass to me too: well-defined, curvy waist and evenly proportioned shoulders and hips.

12 years ago

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

Definitely hourglass.

12 years ago

Thyme

Member

I might have been overthinking it. I measured the circumference of my hips and shoulders, and according to those measurements my hips are wider than the shoulders. But of course, the hip measurement is wide because of the butt, too, whereas the shoulder measurement is wide simply because of the width across the shoulders...

So yes, you're probably right, Inge, JR and milehighstyle. Thanks for pointing that out. I should've trusted what I can see in that silhouette instead of staring at the tape measure.

I do find many instructions on how to define your body type confusing, because many of them rely on chest, waist and hips measurements only and don't take shoulders into consideration. And if I only consider those measurements and not my shoulders, I really do seem like a pear. Some of the instructions I've read actually emphasize that shoulder width is irrelevant to defining your body type! Confusing.

Thanks for the comments!

12 years ago

Anonymous

Definitely hourglass. You have the same silouette I do. It's what your body looks like from the front that counts, and your butt does affect your hip measurement. I know mine does!

12 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Exactly! It's the shoulder/waist ratio that is often the determining factor. You have a very lovely figure, and I'm looking forward to learning more about your style

12 years ago

anne

Veteran

I see on hourglass too. I don't think you have the 8 shelf - more like an X shape.

12 years ago

Clarissa

Active Member

I think hourglass too.

12 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Hourglass, definitely. But not wasp-waisted. So, for example, you may or not find a fit-and-flare dress flattering on you. A dress where the skirt bells out immediately at the waist might, for example, strike you as off.

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hourglass! And welcome!!

12 years ago

Nilda T

Member

Hourglass

11 years ago

Lauren

(website)

Active Member

I definitely don't believe in the measurements that "define" body shape. According to those measurement charts I am half hourglass half pear with a little apple thrown in. I just focus on trying to dress my body in ways I think are most flattering, wide hips and all! It is all about trial and error and finding what works

Lauren
blogger @ Thepearshape.com

11 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Hourglass, X type hourglass that is, with secondary pear. This is the same body shape as I have. Welcome!

11 years ago

ManidipaM

Veteran

Agree with Rachylou and CocoLion. That helps personalize 'hourglass' a little more, doesn't it, in terms of finding clothing shapes that flatter?

11 years ago

cobaltblue

Veteran

I think that Rachylou is on to something - sometime dressing tips for your primary body type (lovely hourglass) won't seem to be working. When that happens, try to bring in some tips for the pear type. Remember to have fun, as the shape guidelines are just one of many possible starting points.

11 years ago

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