Type of female figures according to body proportions, metabolism

Why does the same dress look different on you and your friend, even if the weight and height are the same? It turns out that you just have different types of female figures. The specific body type will depend on the development/structure of various body tissues (muscle, fat, bone), which is largely determined by genetics, although it can be corrected through physical exercise and diet.

Once you determine your body type, you can choose the right clothes.

All women are beautiful and individual. Each body has its own pros and cons. Therefore, in order to train more effectively, choose the right outfits and look more attractive, you need to know your body type. How to determine it? Today we will find out.

Understanding female body types

The figure is the original physique that was given by your parents (“inheritance,” so to speak), because it is more predetermined by genetics than by lifestyle. Exercise and proper nutrition can only help you maintain your figure, while metabolism, fat distribution and muscle structure are extremely difficult to change without aggressive measures.

There are no ideal body types, but you can get closer to the ideal using various methods - sports and, again, proper nutrition. Although the correct selection of clothing also plays an important role.

Rectangle ("column")

Women with a rectangle figure are usually tall and slender. They have long arms and legs. The silhouette is almost without curves.

Pros:

Clothes fit best on this figure
Difficulty gaining excess weight

Minuses:

Very small breasts

Wardrobe

The main task when choosing a wardrobe for a rectangle figure is to highlight beautiful arms and legs and hide angularity.

Fits:

Low Rise Skinny Jeans
Straight-leg trousers
Deep V-Necks
A-line skirts and dresses
Tops with spaghetti straps

Not suitable:

Tight-fitting clothing
Short tops
Baggy clothes
Pencil skirt
Leggings
Crewneck Tops and Tank Tops

Workout.

Cardio exercises are the easiest to do. It is difficult to perform exercises with weights, because... the muscles are weak.

What to do:

Riding a bicycle will perfectly pump up your buttocks and hips, which will emphasize your waist.
Lunges with lifting dumbbells weighing 2 kg from the shoulders - this will help pump up your shoulders and butt at the same time
Pilates
Hoop torsion

What not to do:

Excess aerobics, because there is no excess fat to burn.

How to determine your body type?

Based on the characteristics mentioned above, there are 5 main types of female figures:

"apple";
"hourglass";
"triangle";
"rectangle";
"inverted triangle"

Main types of female figures

If you want to find out which type you belong to, you must prepare a measuring tape and take only 3 measurements.

Hips . Determine the volume of your hips at their widest part, making sure that the measuring tape is parallel to the floor.
Waist . Determine its volume by the narrowest part (slightly above the navel), while the stomach cannot be protruded or retracted.
Breast . Determine the volume over a regular bra without a push-up, focusing on the most protruding point. Keep the tape parallel to the floor.

Personal body measurements

After this, you can begin to evaluate the results obtained.

If the volume of your hips and chest is approximately the same, and your waist is 20-30 cm smaller, then you have an hourglass figure.
If your legs are slender and your stomach, waist and chest stand out the most, then you have an “apple” shape (“circle”).
If the volume of your hips and chest is approximately the same, and your waist does not stand out very much against their background, then you are a real “rectangle”.
If your shoulders look wider than your hips and your chest is larger than your lower body, then you have a T-shaped figure (i.e., an “inverted triangle”).
Finally, if your waist is visible and your chest volume is less than your hip volume, then you are a “pear” (“triangle”).

No. 1. “Hourglass” (other names: “guitar”, “figure X”, “figure eight”)

The classic body type, the notorious “90/60/90” - this is just about him. Such women are distinguished by equal volume of shoulders and hips, and a clearly defined waist. In a word, the parameters are proportional . Excess fat, if it appears, is distributed over the hips and chest, although this has its drawbacks. Thus, overweight “guitars” may suffer from “ears” (this is also called “full hourglasses”). However, even in this case, the woman does not lose her thin waist.

Hourglass figure

On a note! The X-shaped figure was considered an ideal during Antiquity. And if you belong to the group of “eights,” then we hasten to please you: the main thing in your case is not to disturb the harmonious proportions of your hips, waist and chest.

Wardrobe selection

The main task is to maintain the harmony of the bottom and top, emphasizing the curves. The good thing about an X-shaped figure is that almost any clothing is suitable for it , but in order to emphasize the curves of the body as advantageously as possible, we recommend giving preference to:

fitted silhouettes;
a belt at the waist as an additional accessory;
coats, blouses and raincoats with belts and wraps;
high-waisted trousers/jeans;
dresses and sweaters with a round or V-neck;
pencil skirt.

Clothes that are not suitable for this body type:

low-rise trousers/jeans;
baggy outfits that hide the silhouette;
blouses/dresses with low/high waist;
straight cut outerwear.

Blouses, T-shirts and sweaters for an hourglass figure Pants and jeans for an hourglass figure Outerwear for an hourglass figure Dresses for an hourglass figure Shoes for an hourglass figure Skirts for an hourglass figure

Proper training

To maintain your figure, strength training should be interspersed with cardio training. You can resort to any type of cardiovascular activity (two half-hour sessions per week will be enough).

On a note! The most famous representatives of the “eight” include Monica Bellucci, Marilyn Monroe, Jessica Simpson, Sophia Loren, Halle Berry, Scarlett Johansson, Kim Kardashian.

Famous women with an hourglass figure

Classification of types of female figures according to geometric shapes, letters and fruits ↑

Female figure type ↑ pear or “A-shaped” or “triangle/trapezoid”

This is the most feminine silhouette of the figure. A characteristic feature is rounded, lush hips, which are much wider than the shoulders. However, the waist remains quite narrow, and the stomach is usually flat.

Ladies with a pear-shaped figure often do not have large breasts of their own; more often they have flat ones. But all problems can be solved by a plastic surgeon. Often, those with an A-type figure face a problem such as cellulite.

Since with such a physique, fat is deposited mainly in the lower part, physical exercise in such women should be aimed at the leg muscle groups.

If such a lady gains weight, then fat is deposited on the legs and hips, which makes the butt even heavier and heavier, although the face and upper shoulder girdle remain the same. Then you get a figure type - a full pear, as in the picture below. Now I present photos of women with pear-shaped figures. Among them there are both plump pears and thin ones (click to enlarge the photo).

The big advantage of a triangular body type is the waist and the absence of a hanging belly. Therefore, when choosing clothes, you need to emphasize this particular area, specifically highlighting it. You also need to create volume on the upper shoulder girdle in order to visually create harmonious proportions and transfer excess volume from the hips to the shoulders. Make sure there are no straight lines in your clothes. Smooth curves and lines are encouraged, for example, if the collar is rounded, rounded shoulders, the use of hangers.

Choose fitted items, as well as ones that taper at the bottom, such as trousers or skirts that are tapered at the bottom. Frills, bows on the chest, and large accessories in the form of flowers look great. Use wide belts and corsets in your look to draw the attention of others to the winning part of your body. And here are more photos of stars and famous women with a pear body type.

Body type ↑ hourglass or “X-shaped” or “eight” or “guitar”

A female figure in the form of a figure 8 is characterized by equal volume of hips and shoulders, but with a clearly defined waist, in other words, the parameters are proportional to each other. It is believed that with an hourglass all the proportions of a beautiful female body are met and such a figure is ideal.

If there is excess fat, it is located in the chest and hips. However, this also has its drawbacks. A woman who is overweight may suffer from so-called “ears”, then we are talking about a full hourglass figure.

But even with this silhouette, the girl or woman does not lose her thin waist. Physical activity for women with this type should be aimed equally at both legs and shoulders.

How can you tell if you have an hourglass figure? If you measure the volume of your hips and the volume of your shoulders, they will be approximately equal, and the difference between the circumference of the waist and hips will be pronounced. Usually the OT/OB proportion is calculated and the result should be less than 0.7

Next in the photo you will see the figures of girls and women with an hourglass figure (click to enlarge the photo).

To create a wardrobe, a girl with a figure eight shape can choose any clothes. Absolutely any styles and models will suit her. The smooth curves of the body, especially the waist, should be emphasized with some elegant strap. Try to buy clothes made from flowing fabrics, knitwear or silk. Avoid heavy and dense fabrics. Such a figure does not need to hide anything, the only task is to emphasize the dignity and innate femininity of the form.

Among actresses, models and just celebrities, there are many women with a seductive and beautiful figure in the shape of a guitar or the number eight. Here are bright representatives with beautiful shapes.

H-shaped body type ↑ or “rectangle or square” or “banana or pod” or “slender column”

This type of figure is characterized by the same dimensions of the hips, waist and shoulders. As a result, the figure has a somewhat rectangular appearance. Often models with such shapes appear on the catwalk. The chest is often quite wide. Most women with this silhouette tend to be overweight, but when they lose weight they become close to ideal.

Therefore, physical activity for women with this type should be aimed at the abs, but running or swimming are also suitable. But in addition to exercise, you also need a low-calorie diet containing a lot of protein.

The waist-to-hip ratio is greater than 0.7. The seductive curves of the hips are often missing. The figure is closer to that of a teenager or even a man. However, such women have slender legs, which is their advantage. The big problem is a wide waist, which can be emphasized with clothing. Women with a straight body type are also very beautiful when they take care of their body.

When a girl with an H-shape gains weight, she gradually turns into a full rectangle or even an O-shape. I will talk about this type of figure further. Because most often fat is deposited on the stomach, creating a “lifeline.” Below you see examples of photos of such ladies (click on the picture to make it larger).

For women with a rectangular body type, classic pieces are best suited. It is better to wear flared skirts (sun, half-sun, tulip). Jackets or cardigans look ideal only when shortened. The trousers are classic or tapered. You need to try to draw more attention to the chest and hips in order to take your eyes away from the wide waist. I showed the clothing options in great detail and with photo examples in the article “What to wear for a woman with a rectangular figure?”

This can be achieved with original draperies, flounces, and ruffles. Use expressive accessories, shoes, handbags that give your image greater femininity.

Among the stars and prominent celebrities, there are also representatives with a rectangular body type. For example, here are these examples of photos of rectangular women.

Body type ↑ inverted triangle or “V- or T-shaped” or “carrot or strawberry”

The peculiarity of this type of female figure is the following paradox: this figure could be ideal (thin waist, narrow hips, slender long legs, small breasts), but if it were not for such disproportionately wide shoulders. Because of this, a woman begins to look quite massive, like a man.

This is the type of figure that most female athletes have; this is the most athletic type among all the others. If there is excess fat, it is deposited mainly in the upper part: in the areas of the neck, shoulders and arms. The waist volume is almost the same as the hip volume, the OT/OB ratio is more than 0.7.

Women with this type, in order to get closer to the desired parameters, need to balance the lower and upper body. To achieve this goal, strength exercises are needed so that the load is maximum, but the number of approaches should be small.

In the photo below you can see ladies with an inverted triangle body type. Agree that they are also no worse than women with an hourglass, you just need to present yourself favorably (click on the photo to enlarge).

Women with a V-shaped figure need to visually narrow their shoulders and widen their bottoms when choosing their wardrobe. In addition, they have a very cool trump card - these are slender legs that need to be emphasized. This can be achieved with skirts and trousers of unusual colors and patterns. Such clothes with a beautiful print will look very original. This maneuver will take the eye away from the massive shoulders.

The top should not be voluminous; avoid additional shoulders and puff sleeves. Try to choose dark colors for the top and bright colors for the bottom and then you will get a visually very harmonious silhouette and image. You can see celebrities with a carrot body type in the photo below.

Female figure type apple or “O-shaped” or “circle or oval or diamond” ↑

A characteristic feature of this type of figure is the absence of a waist. This type combines an aristocratic posture, slender legs, hips, arms and shoulders, but there is no waist at all. Such women are naturally very prone to being overweight. Their excess fat is deposited in the back and abdomen. Therefore, for women with this type of figure, the necessary exercises should be aimed primarily at the abdominal area.

Quite recently, I wrote another article dedicated to the figure, but in it I talked about the body types that are used in fitness in order to choose the right training and nutrition. Read the article “Female Body Types in Sports” .

The emphasis in clothing should be on the legs and décolleté. It was this type of figure that the great Rubens valued very much. Typically, such women are short, with slender legs and a massive chest. As you gain weight, fat is distributed evenly throughout your body. The belly protrudes forward.

When creating a wardrobe for apple-shaped women, you should try to lengthen the silhouette, since these women are often short. This can be achieved with long V-neck sweaters, blouses and high-collar shirts. The ideal length for skirts is just below the knee or to mid-calf. You should not use bright prints; it is better to use neutral and calm colors. You can use vertical lines in clothing; they will visually lengthen the silhouette.

However, in any case, ladies with an apple figure should avoid tight clothes, short skirts and horizontal lines, it is better to choose multi-layered models, and they should also avoid belts and waistbands. Particular importance in the image should be given to beautiful makeup and hairstyle. Below you can see stars and celebrities with an apple body type.

No. 2. “Rectangle” (other names: “square”, “banana”, “slender column”, H-shaped figure)

In “rectangles,” as noted earlier, the hips and chest are equal in volume, and the waist is either not expressed at all, or is expressed but weakly (for example, 70 cm with a chest volume of 94 cm). Obviously, this is a more sporty and athletic physique (compared to the same “figure eight”), in addition, it is possible to visually increase the insufficient curve of the waist. Emphasizing the features of the figure in this case is to maintain harmony of the hips and shoulders, visually narrowing the waist. This can be achieved by creating additional volume elsewhere.

When a woman with such a figure gains weight, her silhouette becomes rectangular or O-shaped. Fat is deposited on the abdomen, forming a kind of “life preserver”.

Female figure "rectangle"

Wardrobe selection

Attention is focused on beautiful legs and waist, while balance is maintained between the lower and upper parts of the body. The best “rectangles” are:

capris or classic straight trousers;
coat with a belt, fitted outerwear;
spaghetti strap tops;
jeans or tight-fitting trousers with a low/medium rise;
outerwear (including jackets) with a straight shoulder line;
A-line skirt;
dresses with a wrap or without straps.

Cutout

This is an important detail in clothing that can positively change the perception of the silhouette. A U-shaped and V-shaped neckline will help to visually hide broad shoulders. If the neck of the garment is made in the shape of a boat and a square, this only widens its upper part. Remember that the narrower the neckline of your dress or blouse, the more it will narrow your shoulders. Don't forget about the neckline: this is a win-win way to divert attention from any flaw, including hiding large shoulders.

In the summer, take a closer look at blouses and dresses with a loop around the neck. They will break up the shoulder line and make them visually smaller. On vacation, this version of a summer outfit can successfully replace sundresses with thin straps. Today's popular models with cut-out shoulders were invented as if specifically at the request of broad-shouldered beauties.

No. 3. “Pear” (other names: “triangle”, “spoon”, “trapezoid”, A-shape)

It is rightfully considered the most feminine. Characterized by rounded, lush hips, slightly larger than the shoulders. The stomach is usually flat, and the waist is quite thin.

Often, “pear” women cannot boast of large breasts - they are often flat, but a plastic surgeon is known to easily solve such problems. We also note that with such a figure, it makes no sense to torture yourself with diets to make your buttocks smaller. The A-shaped figure is preserved both with excess weight and with model weight. Therefore, it is better to attract attention to beautiful hands, collarbones or neck, for which you just need to use suitable clothes.

Signs of a pear-shaped figure

Wardrobe selection

The main goal is to balance the hips by focusing on the upper body. For this you can use:

trapeze coat, fitted outerwear;
jeans/trousers that widen at the bottom;
any fitted outfits with padded shoulders (jackets, blazers, etc.);
dark straight-leg trousers/jeans;
tops, blouses and T-shirts (sleeveless, open-shouldered or wide neckline);
pencil skirt or a-line skirt.

It is recommended to avoid:

long straight coats, baggy outfits;
skirts/trousers with numerous weighting elements (lace, folds, ruffles);
turtlenecks, blouses and turtleneck tops;
full skirts (including flared ones), trousers with decorative elements on the belt/pockets;
massive and bright belts on the hips;
tight-fitting trousers (especially light-colored ones).

Wardrobe for those with a pear shape

Proper training

To correct the lower part, you can perform squats (the pace should be moderate), lunges and leg extensions on the machine. Moreover, to achieve better results, squats can be combined in long series (10-15 repetitions).

On a note! Among the celebrities who have this figure are: Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé.

Hourglass (“Eight”)

Features of this type: clearly defined waist, chest and hips are approximately equal in width.

Pros:

proportionality of the figure even when gaining weight
considered the sexiest type

Minuses:

If you have this type of figure, then you are lucky - it has no obvious flaws

Wardrobe.

The main goal when choosing clothes for the hourglass is to emphasize the proportionality and femininity of the figure.

Fits:

Low-waist trousers and jeans
Fitted tops, blouses, dresses, jackets, etc.
Intricate details on straps and waistbands
Pencil skirt
Sheath dress
Round and V-necks

Not suitable:

Loose clothing that hides the waist
Straight cut outerwear

Workout

Thanks to the proportionality of the figure, exercises aimed at toning muscles are easy. However, cardio training can be difficult.

What to do:

Exercises for the cardiovascular system – 3-4 times a week for 30 minutes
Yoga – tones the entire body, maintaining the proportions of the figure
Step aerobics or stair climbing

What not to do:

strengthening exercises with weights, because they will add unnecessary volume to the body

No. 4. “Inverted triangle” (other names: T-shape, “carrot”, Y-shape)

Women with this body type have narrow hips and broad shoulders. Legs are often slimmer and longer than others. Various stylistic techniques can visually enlarge the hips, reduce the shoulders and emphasize the waist. The best option for this is a straight cut, maximum detail on the hips and minimum in the chest area.

Inverted Triangle Shape

Wardrobe selection

The main goal is to balance the top and bottom, while you should not forget about the waist. The most suitable clothing for this:

trapeze coat;
A-line skirts with large pockets or pleats;
blouses, tops and dresses with square or U-shaped necklines;
large thigh straps;
low-rise jeans/trousers;
tops/dresses with frills below the waist.

At the same time, it is advisable to refuse:

long skirts and pencil skirts;
straight long coats;
straight dark trousers;
baggy outerwear;
blouses and tops with a wide boat neckline;
jackets and blouses with voluminous sleeves;
voluminous bright jumpers/sweaters;
dresses with false shoulders.

Dresses for those with an inverted triangle figure

Note! Famous owners of a T-shaped figure are: Angelina Jolie, Katharine McPhee, Demi Moore.

"Inverted Triangle"

Triangle (“pear”)

This type is characterized by small or medium shoulders and chest and voluminous hips.

Pros:

graceful shoulders
feminine curves
slim waist

Minuses:

diet and exercise will not help make your hips smaller

Wardrobe

The main goal when choosing clothes is to balance wide hips, visually enlarging the upper body.

Fits:

Fitted Tops and Blouses
Clothes with bare shoulders or wide necklines
Sleeveless T-shirts
A-line skirts and dresses
A-line coat
Light top and dark bottom
Straight or flared trousers and jeans

Not suitable:

Tapered trousers and jeans
High-waisted trousers and jeans
Bright bottom
Tops and dresses that hug the hips
Outerwear with length at the hip line

Workout

Trying to stubbornly lose weight in the lower part of the body by doing exercises using weights, there is a risk of getting the opposite result - the butt may become more voluminous. Instead, it is better to pump up narrow shoulders to balance out the hips.

What to do:

Cardio exercises 3 times a week
Swimming
Arm, chest and shoulder workouts with weights

What not to do:

Use weights to train your lower body

Metabolic typification of female forms

As already noted, the classification presented above is not the only one. Below is another one - by metabolic types. Let's take a closer look at it.

Table. Metabolic body types.

Name, photo	Short description
Lymphatic	The dominant gland in such women is the pituitary gland. Metabolism in this case is slow and sluggish, fat accumulates well, and fluid is also retained well. Such ladies tend to be overweight since childhood. The type has something in common with the previously described “apple”.
Thyroid	The dominant gland is the thyroid. These women usually have normal weight, and often even have a thin build. This type has something in common with the “rectangle”. Women look “boyish”, have narrow shoulders, small breasts and sharp limbs.
Ovarian	The most feminine type. The dominant activity is of female hormones and ovaries. Somewhat reminiscent of an “hourglass” and a “pear”. Fat tissue is distributed mainly on the buttocks and thighs.
Adrenal	The figure of such women is very similar to a man’s – the shoulders are wide, the hips are narrow. Echoes the “inverted triangle”. The predominant gland is the adrenal gland, which produces androgens.

How to determine your body type based on your wrist?

This is really possible - body type is determined by the wrist in medicine (especially in obstetrics). The size of the wrist indicates the thickness of the woman’s bones in that part of the body. In this regard, the type of figure can be:

asthenic;
hypersthenic;
normosthenic.

Wrist circumference is an indicator also known as the Solovyov index. In the first case it is less than 15, in the second – over 17, and in the third – from 15 to 17, respectively.

About new types of female figures

Few people know, but recently the female figure has changed so much that scientists had to supplement the usual classification with several new “vegetables.” This is, first of all, “nutmeg pumpkin” . Something similar to an hourglass, but with a wider waist (over 25 cm - about 20-25 cm).

There is also an “eggplant” – essentially the same “pear”, but the waist is not so pronounced. And finally, “broccoli” is a body type that resembles a “carrot”, but with more voluminous breasts. By the way, thanks to plastic surgery, any “carrot” can quickly turn into “broccoli.”