What body shape are you?

By Tessa W. Adachi

Contrary to what many clothing manufacturers seem to believe, not all women are the same shape. Knowing your shape and dressing for it is one of the keys to looking and feeling great. Anyone can look good, no matter what their shape, if they know how to dress for it. Fortunately, some manufacturers have begun to recognize this fact and are making clothes to suit more than one shape. Here are the four basic shapes, and how to tell which group you belong to.

The Straight Body (also known as the banana shape)

This shape sees little difference between the bust, hips and waist measurements. Clothing tends to fit perfectly in one area of the body but the other areas will either be too loosely or tightly clad. To draw attention to the upper half of your body Empire Gowns are good and can be extremely flattering. To prevent a rectangular or boxy look, use patterns and detailing to break up your body shape.

The Pear, Bell or Spoon Shaped Body

Pear, bell or spoon shaped bodies are usually larger on the bottom half and have a smaller bust. Slim shaped skirts and tight fitting jeans are not the best type of clothing for this kind of body. Dresses with fitted bodices and full skirts look good and draw attention away from the lower areas of the body and embellishments on the top half will emphasize the bust line. To make the best of this body shape hip and thigh hugging garments really should be avoided.

Apple

Apple shaped women tend to have thick waists and large rib cages. They may be small or large busted, but they generally have narrower hips and accumulate weight in the chest, shoulders, arms and abdomen first. They may have relatively slender legs. Women who are apple shaped may wish to avoid wide necklines and garments with a lot of trim around the neck and shoulders, since these can accentuate a broad upper body. If wearing a skirt, look for a fuller style to help provide balance.

Hourglass

Although admired by many, women with hourglass shaped bodies can sometimes have just as many problems selecting off the peg clothing as any other shaped woman. This is due to their broad hips and chests. When clothes are found which fit perfectly in the bust and hip regions, the waist measurement of the clothing is usually too large. By the same token, if the clothing fits perfectly on the waist, it is likely to be too tight over the bust and hips. Clothes accentuating your waist are your best bet here, but you may need to be prepared to have alterations carried out in other areas. Even something as simple as having a button moved can make an item fit so much better. Heavy decoration should be avoided for this particular body shape as it will make you look bigger.

Dressing to suit your body shape is an important part of looking good. It'll also help you feel better, and give you more confidence. If shopping has been a nightmare so far, it doesn't have to be.

Carry out an on line search and you will find many national and international retailers with items of clothing to fit all body shapes. See just what they have on offer and say goodbye to buying and wearing clothes which do not fit you properly for good.

About the Author:

Author: Tessa W. Adachi shares her recommendations for women's mail order and retail fashion on the homepage where you can check out a wide range of clothing designed in New Zealand.