What Body Type Am I? – Fit Guide for Women
Do you know women who look great no matter what they wear? For some, no doubt, it’s genetic. For others, the real secret may be that they’ve learned – through trial & error – what types of fabrics and styles tend to flatter their figure.
StyleChicago’s Fit Guide will provide you with a shortcut to the most figure-flattering outfits specifically for your body type. Though many women are actually a combination of two body types, there are still practical steps you can take to make the most of your shape.
While this is a lifelong (and ever changing) endeavor, we hope you’ll find these tips useful – even as your own body continues to change.
Here are some general guidelines and tell-tale signs that indicate the shape of your figure.
“H” or “Ruler” Body Types 
Shapely Signs
- Your upper and lower bodies are proportionate to each other, balancing your shoulders and hips.
- Measurement of chest, waist and hips are fairly equal, creating a straight torso with little curves.
- People frequently say you are slim.
- You have a smaller bust.
- When you gain weight, you usually gain it in your stomach & bottom while your arms & legs stay slim.
And the clincher…
- When you announce the fact that you don’t diet or exercise, other women give you dirty looks.
The good thing about H/Ruler shapes is that you have well-balanced hips as thighs, as do many models.
The challenge for H/Ruler shapes is to add curves and definition to the naturally straight shape.
Celebrity Ruler: Gwyneth Paltrow
Do’s and Don’t for Body Type “Ruler” or “H”
“A” or “Pear” Body Types
Shapely Signs
- You have longer legs and lower body than upper.
- You have a smaller bust.
- Your hips are slightly wider than your shoulders.
- Your upper body is weaker than your lower body.
- You experience lower back pain and less flexibility in your legs.
- You tend to put on weight in your thighs and legs.
The good thing about A/Pear shapes is that your flat stomach is envied by all.
The challenge for A/Pear shapes is to create a balance between the upper and lower body.
Celebrity Pear: Kelly Clarkson
Do’s and Don’t for Body Type “Pear” or “A”
“8” or “Hourglass” Body Types
Shapely Signs
- Your bust and hips are about the same size, with the waist being around 10 in. smaller.
- You may be full-figured.
- Your upper arms are average is size, but fleshy.
- You have a medium- to larger-sized bust.
- Your upper and lower bodies are proportionate and curvy.
- When you gain weight, you gain it all over – not just in one target spot.
The good thing about 8/Hourglass shapes is that you have feminine, voluptuous curves.
The challenge for 8/Hourglass shapes is finding garment lines that won’t make you look dowdy.
Celebrity Hourglass: Halle Berry
Do’s and Don’t for Body Type “Hourglass” or “8”
“V” or “Funnel” Body Types
Shapely Signs
- Your shoulders are typically two or more inches wider than your hips.
- You have a strong upper body.
- You have a fuller bust.
- Your legs are thin and you have narrow hips.
- Tops never seem to fit you just right.
- When you gain weight, you gain it above the waist.
The good thing about A/Funnel shapes is that you have killer lean legs.
The challenge for A/Funnel shapes is avoiding that top-heavy look.
Celebrity Funnel: Tyra Banks
See StyleChicago.com’s Denim Fit Guide.
Do’s and Don’t for Body Type “Funnel” or “V”
