Body Shape Calculator
Enter your measurements to discover your body shape and get personalised clothing and styling suggestions. No weight, BMI, or diet content.
The 5 body shapes explained
Each shape is defined by the ratio between your bust, waist, and hip measurements.
Hourglass
Bust ≈ Hips · Waist significantly narrower
Well-defined waist with balanced upper and lower body. Fitted clothing highlights the waist-to-hip ratio naturally — the most versatile shape for a wide range of silhouettes.
- Wrap dresses and tops that emphasise the waist
- Belted outfits and peplum silhouettes
- High-waisted trousers and skirts
- Avoid boxy or shapeless cuts that conceal your proportions
Pear
Hips noticeably wider than bust · Defined waist
Lower body wider than the upper body with a defined waist. The goal is to balance the silhouette by drawing visual attention upward toward the shoulders.
- Statement tops, bold necklines, and bright upper-body colours
- A-line and fit-and-flare skirts
- Darker tones on the lower body
- Avoid bottom-heavy prints or pockets that add hip volume
Apple
Bust and waist wider · Slimmer hips
Weight carried in the upper body and midsection with slimmer legs and hips. The goal is to elongate the torso and draw the eye downward and outward.
- V-necks and wrap tops to elongate the neckline
- Empire waist dresses that flow from below the bust
- Straight-leg or wide-leg trousers to balance the upper body
- Avoid clingy fabrics across the midsection
Rectangle
Bust ≈ Waist ≈ Hips — minimal curve definition
Measurements are similar across bust, waist, and hips. A straight, athletic silhouette where the goal is to create the illusion of curves and a defined waist.
- Peplum tops and ruffled details at the hip to create width
- Belts to define the waist on dresses and tops
- High-waisted bottoms with tucks or pleats
- Layering and texture to add dimension to a sleek frame
Inverted Triangle
Bust and shoulders noticeably wider than hips
Upper body wider than the lower body, creating a strong shoulder line. The goal is to balance proportions by adding visual volume to the lower body.
- A-line, flared, or pleated skirts to widen the hip area
- Wide-leg and bootcut trousers
- Simple, minimal upper-body detail to avoid adding width
- Avoid boat necks and strong shoulder detailing
How to measure correctly
- BustMeasure around the fullest part of your chest, with the tape parallel to the floor. Do not compress the tape — keep it snug but not tight.
- WaistMeasure at the natural waist — the narrowest point of your torso, usually 2–3 cm above your navel. Exhale gently before measuring.
- HipsMeasure around the fullest part of your hips and seat, typically 20–23 cm below your waist. Stand with feet together.
Use a flexible fabric tape measure. Measure bare-skin or over thin clothing for the most accurate result.
Why body shape matters for styling
- Better off-the-rack fitKnowing where clothes are likely to pull or be loose lets you buy the right size for your widest point and alter accordingly.
- Proportion and balanceStyling is about visual proportion. Your shape tells you which silhouettes create the most balanced overall look.
- Targeted wardrobe buildingYou stop buying pieces that never look right and invest instead in the cuts that reliably work for your proportions.
- Confidence in getting dressedUnderstanding why something works — or doesn't — removes the guesswork and frustration from choosing outfits.
Body Shape Calculator — frequently asked questions
What measurements do I need for the body shape calculator?
The calculator uses bust (fullest point across the chest), waist (narrowest point of the torso, typically 2–3 cm above the navel), and hip (fullest point across the hips and seat, typically 20–23 cm below the waist). Measure around your bare body with a flexible tape measure held parallel to the floor.
Does body shape change with weight?
Yes — your body shape classification is based on your current measurements, which shift as your body changes. However, many people's underlying proportional tendencies (e.g., being naturally narrower or wider at the hip relative to shoulders) remain consistent even as overall size changes.
Can men use the body shape calculator?
The five-shape classification system was originally developed for female proportions. Men's body shapes are typically analysed differently (Oval, Rectangle, Trapezoid, Triangle, Inverted Triangle). The tool is best suited to proportions where hip, waist, and bust measurements are the relevant variables.
Is this tool giving health or medical advice?
No — body shape is strictly a proportional and styling classification. This tool contains no weight, BMI, calorie, or diet content. The classifications exist solely to help with clothing fit and styling direction.
What if I'm between two body shapes?
Many people are on the border between two shapes — for example, slightly more hip-dominant than a true Rectangle, or less defined at the waist than a classic Hourglass. In these cases, styling tips from both adjacent shapes tend to apply. The tool returns the closest classification based on your measurement ratios.
Why do some clothes never fit me off the rack?
Mass-market clothing is graded for a specific set of proportional assumptions that often do not match real body diversity. Understanding your shape helps you predict where clothes will need alterations — a Pear might buy a larger size for the hips and take in the waist; a Rectangle might add a belt to create a waist definition the garment doesn't provide.