Body shape is an important part of overall physical health and well-being. Different body shapes have different needs when it comes to diet, exercise, and lifestyle.
Knowing what body shape you possess can help you tailor your approach to achieving optimal health.
But what is the most common body shape? In this article, we’ll explore the different types of body shapes and discuss which one is the most common.
Which Body Shape Is The Most Common?
The pear shape is the most common body type in the world. This type of body is characterized by a larger hip and bottom area compared to the bust and a more subtle waist definition.
People with this body type often have an athletic build, and the hips tend to take up more space than the shoulders.
This type of body structure is common among women due to its versatility.
People with pear-shaped bodies tend to find that they can easily wear different clothing styles like slim-fit jeans or tailored shirts that accentuate a curve for a flattering look.
What Are The Main Body Shapes?
Pear Shape
The pear/triangle body shape is one of the most common body shapes among women.
Women with this unique shape boast wider hips and a defined waist and have delicate shoulders and slender arms in comparison.
The extra weight typically associated with this shape tends to be distributed more on the bottom half of the body, like the butt, thighs, and legs.
Women who possess this figure tend to find that outerwear clothing fits well, while blouses may require special attention when it comes to fitting correctly on the shoulder area.
Those looking for bottoms that are slimming need look no further than flattering options such as pants and skinnies that offer an A-line design or feature discreet pockets or details that help accentuate curves perfectly.
These days, there is a plethora of clothing designed for those with this particular body type, making it easy for them to show off their beautiful silhouettes with confidence.
Rectangular Shape
The rectangle body shape, often referred to as the straight or ruler body type, is characterized by its lack of curvaceous features.
People with this body shape often have waist measurements that are less than 9 inches smaller than their bust or hip measurements.
This means that those who have a rectangular figure usually find that their weight is distributed evenly throughout the body and their waist does not have a well-defined shape.
Rectangular-shaped figures can be very diverse when it comes to dressing them up.
While there are certain characteristics that help identify individuals who might be classified as having a rectangular figure, like minimal curves and even weight distribution, one of the greatest benefits of dressing this type of body frame is that almost any style can work on it.
Rather than looking exclusively for clothing pieces specifically designed for rectangular frames, those with such shapes can look at all types of clothes to flatter their figure, regardless of what category they may fall into otherwise.
Inverted Triangle Shape
The inverted triangle shape is one of the most common body shapes out there. It is characterized by having broader upper body parts such as a wider chest or shoulders and narrower hips in comparison.
This particular body shape may not necessarily have a well-defined waistline, adding to its unusual yet attractive silhouette.
People with inverted triangle bodies usually have proportionally longer legs, which helps them find clothing options that flatter their figure.
This type of body can easily carry off clothes that draw attention to the top half while minimizing the bottom half accordingly – such as high-waist trousers, fitted T-shirts, and tops with wider sleeves.
Clothing items in A-line shapes like skirts, fitted coats, and peplums are also a great way for those with an inverted triangle figure to create curves and emphasize different areas of their body in order to achieve a more flattering look.
Hourglass Shape
The hourglass body shape is one of the most desirable and appealing among women.
It features a sizeable bust and hips that are nearly equal in size, with a much smaller waist measurement to create a defined curve between the top and bottom half.
To further complete the classic shape, the shoulders are round, and the leg length is in proportion with the upper body.
This proportion between the bust and waistline gives an overall impression of symmetry, which is why it has been so sought after for many centuries.
This body type often requires custom-made clothing to achieve a flattering fit, as regular pieces may not follow or fit the curves of the wearer in all the right places.
Whether you prefer feminine dresses or tailored ensembles, looking your best can easily be achieved if you know how to dress an hourglass figure by focusing on balance while creating definition through strategic lines and color choices.
With some well-planned wardrobe purchases and dressing techniques, any woman can confidently show off her gorgeous hourglass proportions and look amazing no matter what she’s wearing.
How Do You Find Out Your Body Shape?
When it comes to finding out your body shape, the first step is to get a measuring tape and mirror, so you can accurately measure yourself.
- To start, wrap the measuring tape around the tip of one shoulder and secure it in place. The tape should be parallel to the floor and not cut into your skin.
- After you have your shoulder measurement taken, move on to your bust. Wrap the measuring tape around your back and across the fullest part of your breasts while standing completely straight.
- Once both measurements are taken, look for the smallest part of your natural waist and wrap a measuring tape around that area for an accurate waist measurement.
By taking all these measurements at once, you can easily determine what body shape category you fall under – pear, rectangle, inverted triangle, or hourglass – by taking those measurements and comparing them against common body shape categories.
This can help create a better understanding of how clothes will fit, or choose styles that will accentuate parts of your figure that you want to showcase more prominently.
Final Thoughts
The most sought-after body shape among women is the hourglass shape.
It is considered the ideal form due to its even proportions between the bust and hips, with a much smaller waist measurement to create a defined curve between the top and bottom half.
Women with an hourglass figures often require custom-made clothing to achieve a flattering fit, as regular pieces may not follow or fit the curves of their bodies in all the right places.
However, with some well-planned wardrobe purchases and dressing techniques, any woman can confidently show off her gorgeous hourglass proportions and look amazing no matter what she’s wearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Women’s bodies naturally change shape as they age due to fluctuating levels of hormones. It is clear that changes in hormone levels have an effect on a woman’s body shape over time.
Throughout adolescence and early adulthood, these changes are seen mainly through increased breast size and fat deposition around certain parts of the body.
As menopause approaches, these same hormones cause different results, with decreased breast size being one of them.
My whole life, I have always been a little bigger than my friends. I was always a bit taller, wider and just bigger built. From my late teens, I would say that I was curvy. I really struggled to find clothes that fitted me, as my hips went out, but my chest didn’t really.
I created WarningCurvesAhead.com because I wanted other women to feel the sense of empowerment I have felt since changing up my wardrobe and finding out what clothes suit my body shape, skin tone and style.
I hope that you too can join me on this journey, and start making some amazing fashion choices that celebrate your beautiful body- instead of hiding it!
- What Is A Figure 8 Body Shape? - June 7, 2023
- How To Dress For Your Body Shape When You’re Plus Size - June 7, 2023
- What Not To Wear With Leggings - June 7, 2023