My dear, all body shapes are sexy!
Yes, it’s true. No matter what shape you are, there are styles out there that will make you look your best. It’s a matter of knowing your body type, then knowing what actually looks good on your body type that will give you the power to look your best.
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Do you know your body type? If not, this is for you.
Think you know but not really sure? Read on, my dear!
Want to know the correct way to take your measurements so that you always know what size to buy? See below!
We’re going to take you down to the studs, so to speak!
Knowing your body type is the start to finding those silhouettes that look great on you. Your body type depends not just on your bone structure but on the physical distribution of your weight. In my article, “How to find your style,” I discuss the importance of knowing your measurements, so let’s start by going over how to get good measurements.
Wondering why you need to know your measurements to begin with? Well, my dear, in my post “What size am I really?” I go into depth about what is called vanity sizing. It keeps you wondering “what size am I?!” every time you come across a new designer. It’s why you think you’re one size but then you buy that fabulous dress and can’t get the darn thing past your knees.
How to Take Your Measurements
Alright. First, you’ll need a soft measuring tape. You can get this type of measuring tape from a craft store or similar. You can also use a long piece of ribbon and then measure the length with a ruler.
Make sure you make note of your measurements.
It’s easier to have someone help you take these measurements, but you can do it yourself if you’re careful. If you are taking your measurements alone, make sure you can see yourself in a mirror so that you can keep the measuring tape straight. Or, if you have a piece of clothing that fits you perfectly, you can take measurements from this.
If an article of clothing is going to get in the way of your measurement, take it off. But if you are going to wear a specific bra, for example, keep this on so that you will get a bust measurement that will be more accurate.
Tip: It’s usually better to start your measurements along the tape, not from the very end. This prevents issues like distortions from stretching or cutting off the end because of a steel tab or something.
Just remember to deduct that part from your final numbers! For example, if you start at inch 2, just remember to subtract 2 inches from the number you get.
How to find your bust measurement
Place one end of the tape measure at the fullest part of your bust. Wrap under your armpits, around your shoulder blades, and back to the front. Make sure not to squeeze too tight! You should be able to slip a finger under the measuring tape.
How to find your waist measurement
This measurement should be taken at your natural waistline, which is the smallest part of your torso and is actually above your belly button and below your rib cage (don’t suck in!). If you stand straight up and then do a side bend, the place where your body creases is the natural waist. If you usually wear your clothes below your natural waistline, you may want to take this measurement down, too.
How to measure your hips
Take this measurement around the largest part of your butt. To make sure the tape is level, you may need to use a mirror. Take the circumference of your hips and take note of this.
Beauty comes in ALL sizes. Retailers like Nordstrom are taking note and doing something about it. So they’re bringing you more clothes in plus sizes.
How to measure your inseam
Your inseam is taken from the uppermost inner part of your thigh down to the bottom of your ankle. If you have help, your friend should take the measurement from your crotch to the bottom of your ankle. If you’re doing this yourself, it might be best to use a pair of pants that fit well and measure the inseam of these pants from the crotch to the hem. Also, take into account if you are going to be wearing heels with these pants.
Remember to double or triple-check your measurements before you go shopping!
What’s Your Body Type?
So, what’s your type? Not that type! Your body type. Let’s find out.
If you need a little help with the math, here’s a useful calculator. Just plug in the numbers, and it will tell you exactly what body shape you are!
We as humans like symmetry. Symmetry is most visually pleasing to us. So whatever your body type, in finding pieces that work for you, the idea is to balance your body out and optimize features so that you look as symmetrical as possible. By concealing any “flaws” and playing up your assets, you’ll then get attention and the places where you want attention!
TRIANGLE Body Type
Your hip measurement is more than 5% bigger than your bust measurement. In other words, your hips are wider than either your bust or your shoulder.
To balance out this body type, you have to draw the eye up from the hip. You do this by accentuating the bust with scoop neck tops or off-the-shoulder tops. With boat neck tops, the shoulders are widened, creating an hourglass visually. There’s your symmetry. If you like embellishments, opt for embellished tops that add more weight up top.
You can get away with shoulder pads. In fact, they look better on you compared to other body types. For a more in-depth discussion on dressing the triangle body type, and the types of clothing that compliment your body type, follow the link.
INVERTED TRIANGLE Body Shape
Your bust measurement is more than 5% bigger than your hip measurement.
V-neck tops and some tunics work with this body shape. They help elongate the body.
You will want to accentuate your waist, so if you wear blazers, they should be structured. Pockets are actually good for this shape, as it can highlight your waist more and work to make that visual hourglass.
Pleated or flared skirts are very flattering on this body type. Wrap tops also work well, because again they accentuate the waist.
For a more in-depth discussion on dressing your inverted triangle body shape and the best clothing to compliment your shape, follow the link.
RECTANGLE Body Shape
Your bust and hip measurements are within 5% of each other.
Your waist is less than 25% smaller than your bust measurement.
You want to give the illusion of more of a waist if you have this body type because you don’t have a big difference between your bust, waist, and hip. So avoid anything that does not have a defined waist unless there is a belt.
You also look good in boat neck, scoop neck and embellished tops that will give your shoulders the appearance of being wider and thus your waist smaller.
Skinny jeans look great on you. So do pleated and tulip skirts. Wrap dresses would also work!
For even more tips for the best clothing for the rectangle body type, click the link.
HOURGLASS Body Shape
Your bust and hip measurements are within 5% of each other.
Your waist is at least 25% smaller than your bust measurement.
This may be the most coveted body type, but there are still some things to remember. Heavy fabrics can add the appearance of weight to your frame, so be careful of those. Avoid clothing that is too loose, as it may diminish your curves.
The eye loves symmetry. So with these measurements and some careful shopping, you don’t have to be naturally shapely. You can find styles that look great on you, emphasize your best features and make you turn heads.
Final Thoughts on Finding Your Body Type
The eye loves symmetry. So with these measurements and some careful shopping, you don’t have to be naturally shapely. You can find styles that look great on you, emphasize your best features and make you turn heads.
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