What's Your Body Shape/Type?

 



When getting dressed the first thing that should be considered is -  what is your body type. The human body comes in a variation of five different body types/shapes.

 



 

Various body types/shapes

 

 

However, like finger prints or signatures, no two are exactly alike.  The types/shapes go by many names… a diamond is also referred to as an apple or round. Rectangle is also known as a banana or ruler. I personally don’t compare a body shape to fruit however, now that I think about it… a human body is just like fruit. While an apple is an apple; no two apples are the same size or shape. So with that analogy, yes… the body is like fruit. However, I’m more inclined to compare body types/shapes to geometric shapes… it is more mathematical and scientific and that is what dressing a body type/shape is about. Finding the balance in the human body shape to minimize and maximize the negatives and positives and creating a pleasing balance to a figure, regardless of weight, height, or age.

 

In order to find your body type you take the measurement of your chest, waist and hips and compare them in relationship to each other. However, I think to really get a truly accurate determination of a body's type/shape the shoulder measurement needs to be taken into consideration.

 

 



Now that you have your measurements it will be easier to determine your body type/shape. Again, remember that not everyone will fit into a perfect type/shape... most of us are a mixture or with characteristics of a another body type/shape.

 

 

Triangle Body Shape - Hips are 4” or more larger than waist and waist and bust do not differ significantly.

·        Larger lower body and smaller upper body.

·        Shoulders narrower than hips.

·        Typically a small chest and defined waistline (and might even have killer abs)

·        Buttocks and thighs are full and round.

·        Tend to gain weight below waist, especially in the thighs.

 

Inverted Triangle Body Shape  -  Shoulder measurement is greater by 3” or more than hip.

·        Prominent and broad straight shoulders – wider than waistline or hips.

·        Larger chest and fuller back.

·        Hips and derriere are smaller (tendency to have a rather flat buttocks.)

·        An athletic build.

·        Tend to gain weight through the torso and back area.

 

Rectangle Body Shape -  Waist measures from 1" to 8" smaller than the bust.

·        Shoulders and hips (almost) same size.

·        Very little indentation at waist.

·        An athletic build with a tendency for flat buttocks and a small bust line.

·        Tend to put on weight in stomach and bottom, while maintaining slender arms and legs.

 

Hourglass Body Shape  -  Waist is 8" to 12" smaller than the hip or shoulder measurement

·        Well-proportioned upper and lower body.

·        Shoulders and hips (almost) same size

·        Well defined dramatic indentation at waistline.

·        Buttocks and thighs are round

·        Tend to gain weight all over your body, especially hip and chest area.

 

Diamond Body Shape - Torso larger than the hip or shoulder measurement

·        Waistline is undefined or has little definition and rib cage and back appear somewhat wide.

·        Carry weight around mid-section and chest (eg. big bust, protruding tummy).

·        May have wide or/and fleshy shoulders however, limbs are slim (specifically arms).

·        Hips may be narrow (similar to Inverted Triangle, but midsection is fuller/wider)

·        Tendency to have fabulous legs and boobs (you may be well endowed).

·        Tend to gain weight above the waist or bottom.

 

 

Within the next week or so I will divulge how to make the most of each body type/shape. I will review what the body shapes strengths and weakness are and how to bring the body into proportion... thus having a more balanced shape.

I will start with the Rectangle. That is the shape that I work with on a daily basis… because it is mine! 

 

Thank you for stopping by.

Nan!

 



 

Looking Slimmer in An Instant

Want to instantly look slimmer, have your clothes fit you better and look more confident? “Stand up straight”. Yes, all of us have been told at one time or another to “Stand Up Straight”

Poor posture can affect how you are perceived. It can make you look angry, withdrawn and older than your age.

But how do you achieve the ideal posture?

It has been suggested that you think of your entire body being pulled up by strings or balloons. However, I find that the quickest way to get aligned is to pull my navel toward my spine, and tilt hips toward the ceiling. Now hunch shoulders forward, lift shoulders towards ears and roll your shoulders back while pinching your shoulder blades together.  

You may find that you have some figure issues that are contributing to your poor posture. According to physical therapist Bill Hartman the following issues can be corrected via exercise.

Pintrest

Prior to doing these or any exercises it is best to consult your physician to determine that your posture is just poor habit and not a medical issue.

 

***Note I do not have a degree in physical therapy or medicine.

 

Topping It Off With A Hat!

 

I love hats because they just add an extra pop to an outfit. Wearing a hat should be an easy accessory to slip on and go. However, some people are self-conscience or unsure what hat would look stylish on them. There are just a couple of key points to keep in mind when trying on hats. Does it compliment your face size and shape of your face? And, does the color of the material compliment the skin tone?

 

 

 

My guy's hat (2011)

 

Anyone can look stylish in a hat by following a couple of tips/guidelines.

Choose your hat based on your face size and face shape. Stay true to your proportions and choose a hat proportionate to your face size. If you have a small face, avoid hats with large brims and crowns. Fedoras, cloches, beanie and pillbox hats are some styles that will work for a small face.  If you have a large face, don’t wear face-hugging or tiny hats. You will need a large hat that will be proportionate to your face size.

A couple of tips regarding your features - Wear a hat that sits forward on your head and has a distinct brim if you have a large nose. A swept-up or angled-brim hat is the most flattering if you wear glasses.

The next step is to determine your face shape.  There are six common face shapes however, some people fall into more than one category.

  

 

I have a heart shape face with a bit of a length (long face).

 





H&M hat from the men's department $7.99 (2011)



 

If you have a round face you can create length by choosing hats with high brims and sharp angles, such as a fedora or a bucket hat. You will want to avoid rounded crowns because it will repeat the shape of your face. If you have a long faces you will look best in hats with a low crown (hats without height), such as a newsboy cap, or hats with large brims, such as sun hats or panama hats. Oval faces look good in just about any hat. For every face shape, the hat’s crown should never be wider than your cheekbones. Play with angling so the hat looks its best on you.

The picture below shows the different components of a hat that you will need to take into consideration when looking for the perfect hat to compliment the size and shape of your face.

 



Components of a hat

Here are some guidelines and recommendations for face shapes and hat styles.

An oval face is considered the perfect face shape and can wear most styles of hats.

If you have a long face then you are going to want to balance out the length by adding some width by choosing a wide brim, especially ones that are turned downwards. Look for hats with rounded crowns to add softness to the angles of the face. In addition you should look for hats with deep crown to cover an ample portion of the forehead which will help to balance out the length of your face. Optimal Hat Style: Wide Brim Straw Hat without any fancy details, Sun Hat, Beret, Panama, Fedora, Newsboy and beanies for winter

A round face looks best in hats that have sharp lines and height in the crown. Look for hats with decorative crowns that are at least as wide as the face. An asymmetrical brim will create angle to a round face as will slanting a straight brim. The key to looking good in your hat is to contrast your round face shape by adding angles and height to your face. Optimal Hat Style: Newsboy, Fedora, Bucket.

Those who have a square face will need to soften the edges and minimizes your strong jaw. Start with a large brim and a rounded crown to lengthen and soften the face. Soft designs or curvy lines are especially flattering to a square face. Choose a style that sits high on your forehead to elongate the bottom half of your face. And don't be afraid to wear your hat at an angle. Optimal Hat Style: Floppy Hats, Bowler, Center Dent Fedora.

A heart shape face looks best with a medium sized brim. Look for hats that will balance out a wide forehead. If the brim is too large, the forehead will have an even wider appearance than normal. Optimal Hat Style: Medium Brim Fedora, Cloche, Pillbox.

If your face is diamond shape face with lots of sharp angles you are going to want a hat with sweeping lines and asymmetrical shapes. Avoid any shape that is too wide at the forehead, which will only make the jaw and chin look narrower than it already is. Instead, choose a style that has a narrower brim and sits closer to the head. Look for hats with prominent trimming, folding, or curving to complement your face. Optimal Hat Style: Fedora

Now that you have determined your face size and shape and understand the general guideline of what type of hat looks best for you, it is time to have fun.

Try on hats in a variety of colors and note which ones flatter your skin tone. Pale complexions look best in warm tones, such as pink. If you’re dark-skinned, avoid black hats. Make sure the hat fits your head and doesn’t fall over your ears or squeeze your forehead.

Once you have found the perfect hat be sure that you are wearing it properly. Most people wear their hats too far back. Position the hat so that it sits in the center of your head, covering half of your forehead. That is not to say you can’t wear it at a jaunty angle just be sure it fits properly and most importantly… Wear your hat with confidence. A hat definitely draws attention, so make sure you feel comfortable in it and let it show.

Now that you know what can work for you... take the time to enjoy your life.

Nan!