The 5 Body Shape Typology: The Complete Guide to the 5 Main Female Silhouettes

What Is 5 Body Shape Typology?

5 Body shape typology is a visual system based on proportions and distribution of weight. Unlike more abstract or personality-driven style systems, this method focuses only on the visible lines and curves of the body.

The 5 Body Shape Typology classifies bodies into five main shapes: Hourglass, Pear, Apple, Rectangle, and Inverted Triangle. Each type has unique characteristics and style needs based on where the body carries volume, how defined the waist is, and the balance between upper and lower halves.

This typology has one goal:

To help you dress in a way that brings your body closer to a visually balanced silhouette — usually the hourglass ideal, which is seen as the most “proportional.”

From the materials you shared, it’s clear:

“This system is based on how close we are to the idealized silhouette — not on the full identity or energy of a person.“

That makes this system practical and functional — but also a bit more limited in scope. Still, it’s a great starting point for learning to dress with awareness of your shape.

Apple Body Shape

The Apple body shape — also called oval or round — is characterized by weight around the midsection, slimmer legs, and a full bust. The silhouette is often curvy on top, with narrower hips and less waist definition.

Apple-shaped women typically have a strong presence and look great when attention is drawn to the legs and bust to help take attention away from the midsection.

The key styling goal is to elongate the torso, define the waist visually, and shift attention away from the midsection.

If you have an apple body shape, you may feel uncomfortable in blazers with shoulder pads or in blazers in general. In sweaters with a round neckline (unless they are tight).

Your Apple Body Shape can also be caused by larger breasts. The worst combination is loose knitwear and skinny jeans. The most optimal is to increase the waist and change the balance. A tighter top, in a darker color and a looser bottom in a lighter color. The colours help the optical illusion.

Women with an alple body shape may have a shorter upper body and a higher waist. In this case it is not best to wear high waisted trousers. The the upper body will look very small compared to the legs, especially if you have heels. Try mid-rise trousers.

You won’t look good in an A-line coat,

Apple Body Shape Key Characteristics

Full bust
Broad upper body or back
Undefined or wider waist
Slim legs
Flat or smaller bottom
Weight gathers in the stomach or upper body

Not all apples carry weight — some are naturally skinny but still follow this upper-body-heavy silhouette.

Body Proportion Insight

The apple shape has the most volume in the torso, so styling focuses on:

Creating visual curves at the waist
Elongating the upper body
Highlighting legs and neckline
Using structure and color to balance proportions

Many apple-shaped women have great legs — use that to your advantage.

Styling Goals

Draw attention upward or downward (neckline, legs)
Define the waist visually without clinging to it
Use vertical lines and layering to create length
Choose structured garments over loose draping

Best Clothing for Apple Body Shape

Tops

Focus on structured, tailored tops that add shape and pull the eye away from the midsection:

V-necks, scoop necks, or open collars
Wrap tops that create a waistline
Tops that end below the waist or at the hipbone

Avoid:

Cropped tops
High necklines and shapeless t-shirts

Apple Body Shape Outfit Ideas:

Wrap blouse + flared trousers
V-neck top + tailored skirt
Empire waist shirt + slim jeans

Bottoms

Since apple shapes often have great legs, emphasize them with well-fitted bottoms:

Straight or slim-cut jeans
Bootcut, flared, or wide-leg pants
Mid or high-rise trousers
Skirts with gentle flare or A-line shape
Dark solid colors for balance

Avoid:

Low-rise jeans
Tight skirts that emphasize the middle section

Outfit Ideas:

Wide-leg pants + fitted top
A-line skirt + belted wrap blouse
Straight jeans + structured blazer

Dresses

Choose dresses that emphasize the waist and add shape through cut and structure:

Empire waist dresses
Wrap dresses
A-line or fit-and-flare dresses
Shift dresses with vertical seams
V-neck or off-shoulder styles

Avoid:

A tight dress that hugs the middle of the body
Belts directly on the natural waist (use under the bust instead)

Fabrics & Structure

Choose medium-weight, structured fabrics
Avoid tight-fitting or too-stretchy materials around the torso
Prefer matte over shiny for the upper half

Apple Body Shape Styling Tricks & Layering

Use layers to elongate and slim the torso (e.g., open cardigans or blazers)
Color block strategically – darker tops, lighter bottoms
Avoid tucking tops in – leave them untucked or half-tucked
Try asymmetric hems or diagonal lines for flow

Accessories

Statement earrings or necklaces to draw the eye up
Scarves that create vertical lines
Medium-to-large structured bags
Belts under the bust (empire placement), not at the waist

What to Avoid

Tight tops with no shaping: Emphasize the midsection
High-necklines: Make bust look heavier and shorten torso
Tight-fitting dresses: Highlight the waist without structure
Shapeless clothes: Hide the body instead of flattering it
Low-rise jeans: Cut into the stomach and break proportions

Celebrities with Apple Body Shape

(For inspiration, not classification)

Drew Barrymore
Oprah Winfrey
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Rebel Wilson
Queen Latifah
Amy Schumer

These women often wear wrap styles, structured blazers, and outfits that emphasize the legs and neckline.

Pear Body Shape

The Pear body shape is defined by a narrow upper body and wider lower body. It features slimmer shoulders and bust, a well-defined waist, and full hips or thighs. This creates a soft, curvy silhouette that is bottom-heavy.

Also known as triangle shape, the pear body type is one of the most common among women — and one of the most stylish when balanced correctly.

The goal of styling a pear-shaped figure is to enhance the upper body, draw attention upward, and balance the proportions between top and bottom.

Key Characteristics

Hips are significantly wider than shoulders
Small or medium bust
Defined waist
Full hips, thighs, and bottom
Narrow or sloping shoulders
Weight tends to accumulate in the lower body

Body Proportion Insight

The pear shape is bottom-heavy and feminine. The upper half is often petite or slender, while the lower half is curvier. That means the styling focus should be on:

Visually widening the shoulders or bust
Drawing attention upward toward the face and neckline
Minimizing bulk on the hips and thighs
Accentuating the waist

When dressed well, pear-shaped figures have an elegant, natural flow.

Styling Goals

Balance out the proportions between top and bottom
Emphasize shoulders and neckline
Keep the lower body simple and clean
Highlight the waist

Best Clothing for Pear Shapes

Tops

Choose tops that bring volume, detail, or structure to the upper half:

Boat neck, square neck, or off-the-shoulder tops
Ruffle, puff-sleeve, or cap-sleeve styles
Patterns, embellishments, or bright colors on top
Structured shoulders or light shoulder pads
Cropped or waist-length tops

Avoid:

Very long tops that end at the widest part of the hips
Tight, plain tops with no visual interest

Outfit Ideas:

Puff-sleeve blouse + slim high-rise jeans
Striped boat neck top + flowy midi skirt
Bright ruffled top + dark trousers

Bottoms

Keep it simple and avoid adding volume to the lower half:

Dark-colored pants and skirts
Straight-leg or bootcut jeans
A-line or bias-cut skirts
Mid or high-rise pants
Minimal detailing (flat pockets, clean seams)

Avoid:

Bold patterns, embellishments, or large back pockets
Skinny jeans without balancing top
Tapered trousers that narrow at the ankle

Outfit Ideas:

Dark flared jeans + tucked-in blouse
Midi A-line skirt + square-neck top
Tailored trousers + statement blouse

Dresses

Pick dresses that emphasize the waist and upper body:

Fit-and-flare dresses
Wrap dresses
Empire waist dresses
Off-the-shoulder or one-shoulder styles
Dresses with structured bodices and soft skirts

Avoid:

Dresses that cling to the hips without structure on top
Bodycon dresses with no upper detail

Fabrics & Structure

Soft, flowing fabrics for skirts and pants (to avoid stiffness)
Structured or textured tops (to add volume where needed)
Avoid clingy fabrics on the lower half unless well-fitted

Styling Tricks & Layering

Add necklaces, scarves, or embellishments to the top
Use jackets or blazers with strong shoulders
Keep hemlines above or below the widest point of the hips
Tuck in tops or wear waist belts to show the waist
Choose monochrome bottom halves to lengthen legs

Accessories

Statement earrings or bold necklaces
Structured bags carried at the shoulder or underarm
Avoid crossbody bags that sit at the hip
Belts to highlight the waist

What to Avoid

Skinny jeans with tight top: Emphasizes lower body imbalance
Low-rise pants: Cuts the torso and widens hips
Large back pockets: Add bulk to the widest area
Long tops without shape: Hide the waist and elongate hips
Bold patterns on bottom: Draw too much attention to hips

Celebrities with Pear Body Shape

(Use for outfit inspiration)

Jennifer Lopez
Beyoncé
Shakira
Rihanna
Alicia Keys
Tracee Ellis Ross

They often balance their curves with structured tops, bright colors, and simple bottoms.

Hourglass Body Shape

The Hourglass body shape is one of the most proportionally balanced silhouettes. It’s defined by a clearly defined waist, and bust and hips that are nearly the same width. The result is a naturally curvy, feminine appearance.

This shape is often seen as the classic “ideal” in fashion, but every body is beautiful — and the real power is in learning how to dress your own version of this shape with confidence.

Key Characteristics

Bust and hips are about the same width
Well-defined waist that curves inward
Full bust and full hips
Evenly distributed weight
Often rounded shoulders and hips

Variations of hourglass body types:

Petite Hourglass: same proportions but smaller frame
Tall Hourglass: same silhouette with longer limbs or torso
Soft Hourglass: more rounded curves, softer lines
Athletic Hourglass: slightly straighter but still has waist definition

Body Proportion Insight

The hourglass shape is naturally balanced, which means you don’t need to add or remove volume — just highlight the waist and let your proportions shine.

Many hourglasses gain weight in the bust, hips, or thighs, but the waist usually remains visible. The goal is to follow the body’s lines without hiding or overemphasizing any part.

Styling Goals

Define the waist
Maintain balance between bust and hips
Highlight natural curves
Avoid hiding the figure in oversized pieces

Best Clothing for Hourglass Shapes

Tops

Choose tops that are fitted or can be tucked in:

Wrap tops
Peplum styles
Fitted blouses and button-downs
V-necks, sweetheart, or scoop necklines
Cropped tops ending at waistline

Avoid:

Boxy or shapeless tops
High necks that hide curves

Outfit Ideas:

Wrap top + pencil skirt
Fitted V-neck tee + flared trousers
Crop top + high-waisted wide-leg jeans

Bottoms

Look for pieces that follow the curve of your hips:

High-waisted pants or skirts
Bootcut, straight-leg, or wide-leg pants
Pencil skirts, A-line skirts, or bias-cut skirts
Jeans with stretch for comfortable fit

Avoid:

Low-rise jeans
Bulky cargo or stiff fabrics without shaping

Outfit Ideas:

High-rise jeans + tucked-in blouse
A-line midi skirt + fitted turtleneck
Slim trousers + peplum top

Dresses

Hourglasses look great in anything that emphasizes the waist:

Wrap dresses
Bodycon dresses
Sheath dresses with shaping
Fit-and-flare or belted dresses
Mermaid silhouettes

Avoid:

Straight shift dresses
Tent-style or empire-waist dresses

Fabrics & Structure

Stretchy materials that follow curves (jersey, viscose blends)
Structured fabrics like cotton-satin or crepe
Avoid stiff, unshaped fabrics unless tailored

Use tailoring to bring out the waist and ensure that clothes follow the body’s natural lines.

Styling Tricks & Layering

Use belts (at the waist!) — even over outerwear
Choose jackets and blazers that are nipped in or have waist darts
Avoid layering that hides the waist (e.g., boxy cardigans)
Go for clean, fitted sleeves over puff or bulk
Embrace color blocking that emphasizes your middle

Accessories

Waist belts — thin or wide, both work well
Necklaces to draw attention to the bust or neckline
Fitted bags — avoid oversized slouchy ones
Shoes with a bit of heel to elongate posture

What to Avoid

Boxy tops or oversized cuts: Hide your natural waist
Drop-waist dresses: Disrupt your body’s proportions
Straight-cut jackets: Eliminate your natural curves
Tent or empire-line dresses: Swallow your silhouette
Baggy jeans: Add unnecessary bulk on the bottom

Celebrities with Hourglass Body Shape

(For inspiration)

Marilyn Monroe
Sofía Vergara
Salma Hayek
Beyoncé
Kim Kardashian
Christina Hendricks

They often wear fitted, structured outfits that hug the waist and highlight the hourglass shape.

Rectangle Body Shape

The Rectangle body shape — also called straight, athletic, or banana — is defined by a balanced silhouette with minimal waist definition. The shoulders, bust, waist, and hips have almost the same width, forming a straight, long line from top to bottom.

This shape often appears more androgynous or sporty. The main goal when dressing a rectangle body is to create the illusion of curves, define the waist, and break up the straight vertical line.

Rectangle Body Shape Key Characteristics

Bust, waist, and hips are nearly equal in width
Little to no waist definition
Straight silhouette
Shoulders and hips are aligned
Flat chest or flat bottom is common
Weight tends to distribute evenly

Some rectangles are naturally slim; others may gain weight around the waist or upper thighs but still maintain their balanced proportions.

Body Proportion Insight

The rectangle shape is considered proportional — it doesn’t have strong contrast between the upper and lower body. The main styling strategy is to:

Add curves where there are none (hips and bust)
Visually define the waist
Create movement and volume
Avoid styles that emphasize the flatness of the shape

This body shape is incredibly flexible and can wear a wide range of styles — the magic is in the detail.

Styling Goals

Break up the straight vertical line
Create the illusion of an hourglass shape
Draw attention to the waist, shoulders, and hips
Add volume to top or bottom — not both at once

Best Clothing for Rectangle Shapes

Tops

Focus on tops that add structure, detail, or volume:

Wrap tops and peplum blouses
V-necks or sweetheart necklines to create shape
Puff sleeves, cap sleeves, and shoulder details
Cropped tops that hit at the waist
Layered or ruffled tops
Color blocking or patterns near the bust

Example Combinations:

Cropped wrap top + high-waisted jeans
Ruffled blouse + A-line skirt
Fitted tank + blazer with shoulder padding

Bottoms

You want to add shape to the lower body without overwhelming it:

High-rise pants to elongate the legs
Paperbag waist trousers to fake a waist
Wide-leg, flared, or bootcut jeans
A-line skirts and bias-cut skirts
Pants with pleats or details at hips/back

Example Combinations:

Paperbag trousers + fitted top tucked in
Bias-cut midi skirt + off-shoulder top
Dark flared jeans + peplum blouse

Dresses

The best dresses add a waist or follow the body line gently:

Fit-and-flare dresses
Wrap dresses
Belted shirt dresses
Sheath dresses with waist darts
Ruched or gathered dresses near hips or bust

Fabrics & Structure

Medium-weight fabrics like cotton blends, tweed, denim
Use texture (like ribbing or lace) to add volume
Avoid overly stiff or clingy fabrics unless well tailored

Styling Tricks & Layering

Belts at the natural waist help shape the body
Use layers to break the line — e.g., short jacket over long top
Add volume to either shoulders or hips (but not both)
Try asymmetric hems or diagonal lines to add movement

Accessories

Medium-width belts (not too slim, not too wide)
Layered necklaces to draw the eye up and down
Scarves for added shoulder interest
Structured handbags (avoid slouchy ones that follow the straight line)

What to Avoid

Boxy tops with no shaping
Drop-waist dresses
Straight shift dresses with no waistline
Low-rise jeans
Overly loose or baggy layers without structure

Celebrities with Rectangle Body Shape

(Style inspiration — not exact science)

Natalie Portman
Gwyneth Paltrow
Cameron Diaz
Cara Delevingne
Kate Hudson
Karlie Kloss

These women often wear looks that add shape through strategic tailoring, draping, and waist focus.

Inverted Triangle Body Shape

The Inverted Triangle body shape is defined by broad shoulders or a large bust, a narrow waist, and narrow hips. The upper half of the body appears heavier or more dominant than the lower half.

This shape is also called “V-shape” or “athletic build”, and it’s often seen in swimmers or women with strong upper bodies.

The styling goal is to balance the figure by drawing attention downward — creating curves on the hips and defining the waist.

Inverted Triangle Key Characteristics

Shoulders are noticeably wider than hips
May have a larger bust
Little waist definition
Narrow hips and small bottom
Weight tends to accumulate in the upper body
Often slim legs

This shape is the reverse of the pear. The upper body dominates the silhouette.

Body Proportion Insight

The inverted triangle body shape is top-heavy, so the key to styling is to:

Soften the shoulders
Add volume or width to the hips
Draw attention away from the upper half
Create the illusion of a defined waist

You don’t need to hide your broad shoulders — just balance them out with the right cuts and combinations.

Styling Goals

Minimize visual width in the shoulders or bust
Add shape and volume to the hips and lower half
Create a defined waist
Guide the eye downward

Best Clothing for Inverted Triangle Shapes

Tops

Choose tops that are minimal, soft, and not bulky around the shoulders:

V-necks, deep scoop necks, or narrow necklines
Simple sleeves (no puff, no shoulder detail)
Raglan or dolman sleeves to reduce shoulder width
Wrap tops or fitted styles that end at the hips
Dark, solid colors and matte fabrics

Example Combinations:

Fitted V-neck tee + wide-leg trousers
Simple blouse + A-line midi skirt
Wrap top + flared jeans

Bottoms

Add volume and shape to your lower body:

A-line skirts, pleated skirts
Wide-leg pants, bootcut, or flared jeans
Paperbag waist trousers
Pants with back pockets, pleats, or prints
Light or bright colors

Example Combinations:

Pleated midi skirt + tucked-in top
Wide-leg trousers + cropped top
Flowy printed pants + neutral tank

Dresses

Look for dresses that emphasize the waist and build shape in the lower body:

Fit-and-flare or A-line dresses
Bias-cut or wrap dresses
Empire waist styles
Dresses with detailed skirts (gathers, ruffles, patterns)
Avoid shoulder pads or embellishments on the bust

Fabrics & Structure

Soft, drapey fabrics on top to avoid stiffness
Textured or structured fabrics on the bottom to add body
Avoid stiff fabrics on top (e.g., denim jackets with sharp shoulders)

Styling Tricks & Layering

Balance the silhouette by layering on the bottom
Add horizontal lines or volume on the hips
Avoid layering or detailing near shoulders
Use belts to define the waist
Go for asymmetry or diagonal cuts in tops to soften the upper half

Accessories

Long necklaces to draw the eye down
Bold bracelets to shift focus from shoulders
Hip belts to add shape to the lower half
Avoid chunky shoulder bags — go for crossbody or clutch

What to Avoid

Off-the-shoulder or boat neck tops
Shoulder pads or puff sleeves
Bold patterns or ruffles around bust or shoulders
Cropped jackets that stop at the widest part of the shoulders
Pencil skirts (unless paired very carefully)

Celebrities with Inverted Triangle Body Shape

(Use for inspiration, not as a rule)

Angelina Jolie
Reneé Zellweger
Charlize Theron
Naomi Campbell
Demi Moore
Tilda Swinton

These women often wear clean, structured silhouettes, highlight their waist, and balance with volume on the bottom.