The concept of body shape types and dressing according to them has always been a focal point in the fashion world. The human body is not uniform and every body is unique, this is not surprising. Modern fashion is not just about keeping up with trends; it's also about making choices suitable for personal body types to achieve comfort and style.
In the fashion world, the concept of different female body shape types is often used as a guide to make more conscious clothing choices. These classifications are not meant to restrict the body, rather, the aim is to provide guidance on how to best accentuate its natural lines. With the right clothing, each body type can emphasise its strengths and express personal style in an authentic way.
The following sections provide details of various body shapes, practical dressing tips for each shape, and examples from the Collectif London collections. By learning how to take body measurements correctly, you will be able to answer the question of how to dress for your body type, and you will be able to see fashion as a form of self-expression and embrace your body. Because no body type is superior to another; what truly matters is bringing the natural lines of the body into balance with clothing.
Understanding Different Body Shapes
Fashion professionals often categorise women's figures into different body shapes to facilitate analysis and provide more practical styling advice. The most common categories are pear, hourglass, rectangle and inverted triangle. While no two bodies are identical, these categories can help individuals understand their unique body shape. Having identified with one of these categories makes it easier to understand your proportions and make better clothing choices.
It is important to remember that female body shapes are not defined by rigid classifications. Many women may have features of more than one category. For instance, someone with a curvy body type may also have shoulders characteristic of an inverted triangle body type. The real purpose here is therefore not to confine bodies within limits, but to help women dress in a way they feel looks best.
In the following sections, the different body shapes and the recommended clothing for each one are discussed in detail.
Pear Body Shape
The pear body shape is one of the most common female body shapes. Women with this body shape tend to have narrower shoulders and bust, a small or average bust, and wider hips, with a more defined waistline. For this reason, women with the pear body type are generally advised to choose clothing styles that shift the focus from the lower body to the upper body. For instance, a boat-neck top or a strapless blouse can make the shoulders appear broader, creating a more balanced look.
Women with a pear body shape usually have a slim waist, which is why it is recommended to avoid oversized pieces and instead wear well-fitting clothes for a flattering look. The pear body type typically has wider hips, trouser choices should focus on creating the appearance of slimmer, longer legs. For example, high-waisted slim-fit trousers or high-waisted flared trousers can help draw attention away from the hip area. The clothing recommendations for women with a pear body shape are generally as follows:
● Light colours on top and darker shades on the bottom,
● Styles which highlight the shoulders, such as boat neck or strapless designs,
● High-waisted slim-fit or flared trousers in darker tones,
● Accessories such as patterned scarves or necklaces.
In Collectif London’s vintage-inspired collection women with a pear female body shape can easily find suitable pieces. For example, a 1940s inspired A-line dress, a 1950s’ boat-neck blouse, or a pair of 1970s’ high-waisted flared trousers can create a balanced and stylish look for women with a pear-shaped body.
Hourglass Body Shape
The hourglass body type is perhaps the most balanced of all female body shapes. It is characterised by almost equal measurements of the shoulders and hips, with a noticeably narrower waist. Due to its natural proportions, fashion designers often recommend that clothing styles highlight the slim waist.
For women with a naturally curvy body type, it is important to emphasise the waist. Form-fitting dresses, well-tailored jackets and pencil skirts are particularly effective choices as they draw attention to the body's natural lines. Very loose garments or cuts which hide the waist are usually not recommended. In terms of colour, light and dark tones can both be used; the most important thing is that the waistline remains visible. For the hourglass body type, styling suggestions include:
● Dresses like pencil dresses that highlight the waist,
● High-waisted trousers and skirts,
● Fitted blouses,
● Pencil skirts,
● Jackets with belts.
Collectif London’s vintage-inspired collections also provide a wide range of options for those with an hourglass body shape. Signature pieces from the 1950s and '60s, like pencil dresses and skirts, blouses with sweetheart necklines, and mid- to high-rise trousers, can be excellent choices. With these pieces, women with an hourglass figure can achieve an elegant look while staying true to the timeless elegance of vintage fashion.
Spoon Body Shape
The spoon body shape is often confused with the pear body shape, but they are actually different. Both types have wide hips, narrow shoulders and a small or medium-sized bust. However, the curves of the spoon body type begin to flare out from the waistline, whereas the pear body shape's curves start directly from the hip area. For this reason, contours are more noticeable higher up on the spoon body shape.
The legs and calves are usually well-shaped, creating a strong advantage when the right clothes are chosen. Fashion stylists often advise women with a spoon body shape to choose clothes that add volume to the upper body. Shoulder and bust detailing helps to balance the upper and lower halves of the figure. Regarding colour, combining patterned and bright tones on top with darker, more neutral tones on the bottom helps draw the eye upwards. When combined correctly, these colours can create a graceful and well-balanced silhouette. Recommended clothing for spoon body shape includes:
● Strapless, boat-neck and off-the-shoulder blouses,
● Empire waist and peplum cuts,
● High-waisted and straight-leg jeans,
● A-line and baby doll dresses,
● Waist-defining trench coats and princess-cut jackets,
● Mini and high-waisted skirts.
Collectif London’s vintage inspired collections also provide excellent options for the spoon body shape. A-line dresses inspired by the 1950s, fitted blouses and high-waisted skirts are ideal for balancing this body type while enhancing its natural elegance
Apple Body Shape
The apple body shape is one of the most distinctive female body types. This shape is characterised by broader shoulders and bust, and a less defined waistline compared to the upper body. The hips and legs, on the other hand, create a slimmer, more elegant silhouette. If your shoulders appear wider than your lower body, you most likely have an apple body shape. With the right pieces, the apple body shape can look beautifully balanced and stylish. The trick is to elongate the upper body and draw attention to the legs.
Women with an apple body type often prefer flowing clothes, like long tunics, empire-line dresses and V-neck blouses, instead of tight-fitting clothes emphasising the upper body. When it comes to bottoms, skinny trousers, fitted skirts or short shorts are excellent choices for emphasising the legs. Women with an apple body shape may consider adding the following pieces to their wardrobe:
● V-neck blouses that elongate and slim the upper body,
● Skinny trousers, mini skirts, or shorts that showcase the legs,
● Dresses that emphasise the bust line,
● Single-breasted jackets without belts,
● Combinations pairing darker tops with lighter trousers or skirts.
Collectif London’s vintage-inspired collections also offer inspiring choices for the apple body shape. Elegant 1940s-style V-neck dresses, high-waisted skirts from the 1950s and draped blouses inspired by the 1960s are all ideal for creating a stylish and well-balanced look for this body type.
Rectangle Body Shape
The rectangle body shape is one of the most balanced and athletically proportioned female body shape types. This is mainly because the shoulders, waist and hips are all similar in size, with few defined curves. As the waistline is not very defined, it is important to choose the right clothing to create the impression of curves and accentuate the waist.
There are two main styling tips for this body shape. The first is to create the appearance of a slimmer waistline, while the second is to add volume to the shoulders and hips to create curves. Layered outfits, ruffles, pleats, prints and textured fabrics can effectively support this look. Ideally, flared skirts or wide-leg trousers should be chosen for the lower body. The greatest advantage of the rectangle body type is its versatility, as it can adapt well to a wide range of styles. Recommended pieces for the rectangle body shape clothing include:
● Waist-defining dresses with belts or wrap designs,
● Ruffled, pleated, or draped details that add volume to the shoulders and hips,
● A-line skirts and flared dresses,
● Bootcut or wide-leg trousers,
● Printed or brightly coloured tops paired with darker waist accents
● Layered looks with longline jackets
Collectif London’s vintage-inspired clothing is particularly flattering for those with a rectangular body shape. The fitted dresses of the 1950s, the A-line dresses of the 1940s, the iconic swing dresses of the 1960s all bring femininity and definition to the figure, creating the appearance of curves and enhancing the natural silhouette.
Inverted Triangle Body Shape
A person with an inverted triangle body shape has broader shoulders and a broader bust than hips. The upper body appears more dominant, while the lower body can appear narrower. For this body type, an important styling principle is to balance the proportions by drawing attention to the lower body.
A-line skirts, swing dresses, wide-leg trousers and patterned bottoms are particularly effective. For the upper body, simpler cuts and darker colours are recommended. V-neck blouses are also effective, as they soften the appearance of broad shoulders and create balance. Recommended clothing for inverted triangle body type include:
● Waist-defining dresses with belts or wrap designs,
● Ruffled, pleated, or draped details on shoulders and hips,
● A-line skirts and flared dresses,
● Bootcut trousers or wide-leg trousers,
● Printed or brightly coloured tops with darker waist accents,
● Layered looks with longline jackets.
Collectif London’s collections offer a variety of options for those with an inverted triangle body shape. Pairing A-line skirts and wide-leg trousers with statement bottoms creates balance, and vintage-inspired dresses with flared skirts further enhance harmony while adding a feminine touch.
How to Take Accurate Body Measurements?
Knowing your body type is a significant advantage for choosing the right clothes. This involves taking accurate measurements of your bust, waist, upper hips and hips. When measuring your bust, the tape measure should be placed around the fullest part of your breasts. When measuring the hips, the tape measure should be wrapped around the widest part, parallel to the ground.
Different body shapes have been idealised at different times. For instance, the hourglass body shape was considered ideal in the 1950s, whereas the rectangular body shape became more popular in the 1990s. Nowadays, however, fashion is more accepting of all body shapes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Body Types
Can You Change Your Body Type?
Answers to this question vary considerably among experts. Some believe that different body type is closely linked to hereditary factors. Therefore, even if someone achieves their ideal weight, their body type cannot change. However, other experts claim that body type can be changed through lifestyle, activity levels and dietary changes.
Are Body Types Real?
Different body types are categorised by taking measurements of body parts like the bust, waist and hips. However, this classification is not absolute. Some people may have more than one body type.
What is The Most Common Body Type?
Although it varies depending on factors like geography, the most common body shape is usually pear-shaped, characterised by narrow shoulders and wide hips.
How to Dress for Your Body Type?
Dressing according to your body shape doesn't mean following strict rules. Pear shapes could try wearing fitted tops to draw attention to the shoulders, while hourglass figures might prefer to emphasise the waist with fitted styles. Apple shapes, on the other hand, should consider flowing silhouettes and V-necks, which elongate the upper body. Those with a rectangular body shape, meanwhile, can use belted dresses, layering and A-line cuts to create curves.
What is the Kibbe Body Type System?
The Kibbe body type system, developed by David Kibbe in the 1980s, is an image theory based on the holistic analysis of an individual's physical characteristics and style essence. It identifies 13 archetypal body types, which are based on the balance of yin (feminine) and yang (masculine) energies. Each type is classified according to the harmony of bone structure, body fat, and facial features, offering personalised recommendations for clothing, hair, and make-up. Unlike the traditional "apple" or "pear" body types, the Kibbe system aims to emphasise natural lines and balance, providing an aesthetic and body-affirming approach.
Is it Important to Know Your Body Type?
Knowing your body type makes choosing clothes easier and helps you harmonise your outfits.
