Body Type Guide
Different Body Types for Women
Body type and body shape are two related but different concepts. This guide explains the difference, covers the main body type categories for women, and shows how to find your body shape using measurements.
Body Type Calculator
Use our free body type calculator to get a result based on your measurements rather than visual estimation.
Body Type vs Body Shape
What Is the Difference?
The terms body type and body shape are often used interchangeably, but they can refer to different classification systems.
Body Shape
Body shape refers to the visual outline or silhouette of your body based on your measurements. It compares your bust, waist, and hip proportions. Examples include hourglass, pear, apple, and rectangle. Body shape tools like ours use measurements to give a result.
Body Type (Somatotype)
Body type, or somatotype, is a classification based on natural build, metabolism, and muscle-to-fat distribution. The three somatotypes are ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph. Most people are a blend of two or more types.
Somatotypes
The Three Body Types
The somatotype system describes three general body types based on build and natural tendency toward muscle or fat storage.
Ectomorph
Ectomorphs tend to have a lean, slender build with a faster metabolism. They may find it harder to gain weight or muscle. Shoulders, hips, and waist are often narrow and similar in measurement. This can result in a rectangle or straight body shape.
Mesomorph
Mesomorphs tend to have a naturally athletic build with broader shoulders, a well-defined waist, and proportionate hips. They tend to build muscle more easily. This build often corresponds with an hourglass or inverted triangle body shape.
Endomorph
Endomorphs tend to carry more body fat and may have a rounder, softer build. Weight may be distributed more around the hips, thighs, and waist. This often corresponds with pear, apple, or spoon body shapes depending on where weight is carried.
Measurement-Based Body Shapes
Body Shapes by Proportion
Measurement-based body shape categories focus on the relationship between your bust, waist, and hip numbers. These are the most practical for clothing fit and style guides.
Hourglass and Spoon
Bust and hips are roughly equal. Waist is noticeably narrower. Spoon shapes have a more pronounced hip shelf or curve at the high hip compared to the classic hourglass.
Pear and Triangle
Hips are noticeably wider than bust. Waist may be relatively defined. Most weight sits in the lower body. This is one of the most common body shape types for women.
Apple
Waist and midsection are wider, sometimes wider than the hips. Shoulders and hips may be narrower or similar in width. Weight sits around the middle of the body.
Rectangle and Inverted Triangle
Rectangle shapes have similar bust, waist, and hip measurements with little curve definition. Inverted triangles have broader shoulders or bust compared to the hips, creating a wider upper body silhouette.
Find Your Body Type
How to Find Your Body Shape and Type
The most reliable way to find your body shape is to take your measurements and use a calculator.
Measure First
Take your bust, waist, high hip, and hip measurements with a flexible tape measure. Use our guides for accurate measurements.
Measurement Guides →Use the Calculator
Enter your measurements into our free body shape calculator for an instant result based on your proportions.
Body Shape Calculator →Read the Guide
Once you have your shape, read our detailed guide for that shape to understand its characteristics and proportion rules.
Body Shapes Guide →