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October 7, 2024

How To Dress for Your Body Type: Tips and Tricks

Source: Anton Vierietin/Shutterstock

If you’ve never taken your own measurements before, figuring out what your body type is might feel intimidating. But thankfully, it’s not an exact science, and you can even estimate your shape if you’d prefer. Once you understand your type, you can build your wardrobe around your frame and gain more fashion confidence.

Explore this guide to learn how to dress for your body type and complement your natural beauty.

How do you find your body type?

Illustration of five different body types on a white background: triangle, square, hourglass, circle, and inverted triangle.
Source: mexanichp/Shutterstock

Every body shape is different; most people will fall somewhere between two or three types. This helps you dress for your shape, but there are no concrete rules or standards.

If you don’t already know your body type, no worries—just measure the following:

  • Shoulders: Around your shoulders, underneath your collarbone
  • Bust: The fullest part of your chest, right in the center of your bust
  • Waist: The narrowest part of your waistline, typically halfway between your hip bones and the bottom of your ribcage
  • Hips: The widest section of your hips, which is usually right on top of the fullest part of your bum

After jotting down these numbers, use them to see which of the following categories suits you best.

Inverted triangle body shape

The inverted triangle body type, also known as heart-shaped, is characterized by broad shoulders and a fuller bust, which taper downward to a narrower waist and hips. You may also have a heart-shaped physique with a smaller bust or a thicker waist, as long as your shoulders are the widest part of your body.

Triangle body shape

The triangle body type, also called pear-shaped, is defined by wider hips and a fuller bum with a narrower upper body, especially the shoulders. Generally, the pear body shape has a smaller waist-to-bust ratio, but sometimes, the waist is equal to or larger than the chest.

Rectangle body shape

Rectangle body types are evenly proportioned, with shoulders, waist, and hips reaching nearly identical measurements. This shape is symmetrical and has minimal curves.

Hourglass body shape

The hourglass body shape has an evenly sized bust and hips, with a defined waist. This curvy shape typically has fuller hips and thighs, although some hourglass types are more petite. 

Oval body shape

The oval body type, also called apple-shaped, has shoulders and hips with similar measurements but is characterized by a broader waist. People with this shape typically have larger busts but can have smaller chests, too.

What’s the right style for my body type? Recommendations and tips

Now that you know your body type, let’s look at a few tips to find the perfect style for your shape. Remember that while these recommendations will help you flatter and accentuate certain features, ultimately, the best outfit for your body type is one that makes you feel great.

Tips for the inverted triangle body type

Inverted triangles should give some love to their lower body and waist, as their shoulders are already showstopping. Wide-leg jeans add volume to your legs and hips, and a colorful belt draws the eye toward your waistline.

Another unique way to add bulk is to wear shirts with flared sleeves. When your arms are idle at your sides, this cut adds elegant width to your lower body.

The inverted triangle body shape also looks excellent in one-shoulder dresses. A one-sleeve look shows off your most prominent feature while remaining subtle.

Tips for the triangle body type

Pear-shaped bodies look amazing when you highlight the waist and subtly drape bottoms over the hips. A-line skirts are perfect for this, as they cinch at the waist and naturally follow the curve of larger hips.

For the upper body, the pear body shape pairs well with wide boat and off-the-shoulder necklines, which elongate your frame. And if you want to provide extra volume to your narrower shoulders and chest, reach for cowl-neck shirts and turtlenecks.

Tips for the rectangle body type

Emphasizing the shoulders and hips benefits rectangle body shapes. Wide, colorful tops and pleated skirts add bulk and create an asymmetrical silhouette. Follow this theme and choose any clothing that flares outward, including bows, ruffles, and bell-bottom jeans.

Another option is a flowy oversized shirt with a belt cinched at the waist, which helps tuck in your waist and create curves on this angular frame.

Tips for the hourglass body type

People with hourglass body shapes should draw attention to their waists and avoid covering them with boxy shirts and dresses. We recommend one of our top fall fashion ideas: A peplum top to accentuate your midsection, paired with wide-legged jeans and heels.

You could also opt for fitted clothing that shows off your hourglass shape. Try a wrap shirt with a scoop or V-neck to pull eyes toward your waist. Complete this look with a pair of skinny jeans that flatter your curvy hips.

Tips for the oval body type

For apple body shapes with fuller chests, we recommend emphasizing the bust. A V-neck wrap dress or tunic will draw attention to your chest in a flattering way. Choose flowing, flared sleeves to add bulk to your shoulders.

Apple shapes with smaller chests benefit from empire-waist shirts and dresses. These pieces cinch right under your bust, making your torso appear narrower while accentuating your shoulders. 

Find the perfect clothes for your body style on ThredUp

Understanding your body helps you define your style and learn what to shop for. If you’re ready to start building your personalized wardrobe, check out ThredUp. We receive 6,000 new items daily, so you can find something for every body type.

Discover the perfect look with our AI-powered search features, like Image Search. Upload a picture of your ideal outfit into our search bar, and we’ll provide the pieces to assemble it. You can also bring your inspiration to our Style Chat, where you can request a specific look, browse suggested items, and view your creation on a person.

If you need to make a little room in your closet first, sell your preloved clothing to us in a Clean Out bag and earn thrifting credit.

Embrace your body shape and tailor your closet around you with ThredUp.

FAQs

How do I guess my body type?

If you don’t want to measure yourself (or don’t have a tape measure handy), it’s fine to guess your body type in the mirror. 

Study four main areas—your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips—and see which features are most prominent on you. If you have a dry-erase marker, draw on your mirror to help you visualize your shape. 

Once you determine your rough silhouette, compare it to the list of body types above to see which fits you best.

What type of dress is best for a curvy body?

While curvy is a general term that can refer to different body types, many curvaceous shapes look excellent in dresses with a cinched midsection. 

People with fuller torsos benefit from cinching right underneath the bust with an empire waist, and those with narrower waists look great with the waist pinched at the belly button. Shopping for dresses online will give you plenty of options to choose from.

How do I find outfits for my body type? 

Using the basic guidelines above, look for outfits that accentuate or balance your prominent features. For example, if you want to elongate your legs, choose high-waisted pants with a flare at the bottom. Adding a cute pair of heels to your outfit will give your legs even more length.