What is my body type? - YouLookFab Forum

I could use a little help determining my body type. I had really never heard of all the different body types until a friend showed me this site. When I’m shopping I just try everything I like on and if it looks unflattering on me I don’t buy it. It would be nice to save some time when I shop and avoid things I know will look bad on my body type, but I have to know what that type is first.

In high school my measurements were 32-26-36, so I’m pretty sure I was a pear then. Now, four years later, I’m at 32-26-34 and still five foot two. My measurements change all the time, but that’s what they are today, and they stay pretty close to that. In high school I was a healthier weight for my height and build, about 108 pounds. Last March I was 92 pounds and decided that I needed to get back into the healthy range. I’m currently 102.5 pounds, going for somewhere between 105 and 108. When I gain weight it all goes to my stomach (giving me a pregnant look) and then gradually redistributes.

Anyway, along with my measurements, here are a few things about my build. I have small but square shoulders. My waist is defined, and I like the way I look from the front and back, but my profile is unsightly with a swayback, very a small chest, and a stomach at pouches out in front. I have a flat butt, shapely but rail thin legs, and bony arms that aren’t so shapely. Any ideas from the experts?

Sarah

17 years ago

mayapple

Active Member

OMG, your measurements and weight in high school are nearly identical to mine now (and your measurements/weight now are the same as me in high school).

It's funny that despite that, your actual build is so different from mine. Its hard to tell without seeing you. I assumed I was a pear as well looking strictly at measurements, but other factors (I call them "factors"...) make me an hourglass. It sounds like when you gain/lose weight it affects your hips since you say that's the only measurement that changed.

If your hips are only 34" now you are probably a rectangle, but like I said, so many factors will contribute that the best thing would be a picture.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Mayapple is right. It's very hard to determine the body types that you tend towards without your silhouette because we don’t know what your shoulders are like. And remember that you can tend towards a few body types. Also, "factors” are important, so don’t get too caught up with the category. Rereading this the blog entry might help.

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

You’re after an overall understanding of your proportions so that you can dress it in the best possible way.

Here's a picture from the front and from the side. Hope this helps. Thank you both. There are a lot of factors to consider. I guess that’s why I’m struggling to categorize myself.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albu.....008023.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albu.....008021.jpg

Sarah, from the pictures it looks like you have pretty strong shoulders that are slightly wider than your hips. From what I can see, you should look into tips for inverted triangles.

Also check out Angie's link above. That helped me out a lot. Body types are just a starting point for most people. My best friend has very full hips and a very small torso and narrow shoulders, so she is a pear through and through...but most of us fall in between shapes.

After studying all of Angie's blog entries on body types I've come to the conclusion that I tend toward inverted triangle or “cornet.” I'd always assumed body types were based solely on bust, waist, and hip measurements, and used to think I was a pear, because my hips are 2 inches bigger than my bust. But with my strong shoulders I'm actually the opposite body type. My shoulders at 38", so they are 4-5 inches bigger than my hips. I guess I always thought I'd have to have a large bust to be an inverted triangle, but that's not true. So now I'm trying to work on wearing fitted tops, softening my shoulders, and accentuating my waist. Thanks for the help!

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