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Once in your lifetime, you might have stumbled upon a women’s magazine article about the topic of body types. In it, your body was compared to a fruit, and you were given tips on how to hide your body. You won’t find tips to hide here. I will help you find your body type so that you can choose the best patterns and clothes for you.
The thing about body types…
Last year, I delved into studies about the female body type to make sewing patterns that fit better. I learned a lot, and classifying bodies isn’t a 100% possible because we all have so many different beautiful features. My learning: I never will be able to produce the perfect pattern that needs no adaptations, but I’ll be able to create patterns that might need fewer adjustments.
Personally, I am a bottom-heavy hourglass; I didn’t know that even existed before researching.
9 different body types
There are nine different body types. You can see these types as a base where features can vary. You can have a bigger or smaller chest, a larger or flat bottom, longer or shorter legs... To determine the bodytype we are basically looking at your shoulders, the waist/tummy and your hips.
Over your lifetime you’ll likely switch body types and if you don't fit into just one body type category; no worries - that's normal. Each one of us has different features.
The 3 different hourglass figures
A balanced hourglass has been iconic for decades and is still a desired figure. An hourglass figure has a defined waist while shoulder and hip circumference are similar. If you have a bit bigger shoulder circumference then you are most likely a top (heavy) hourglass. If your bottom is a tiny bit bigger than your shoulder circumference you are a bottom (heavy) hourglass.
The spoon body type
The spoon body type is very popular in 50ies fashion illustrations. You have a defined waist, a flat tummy and the widest part of your body is directly at your high hip area which reminds of a curved spoon.
The triangle or pear body type
Classic triangle characteristics are small shoulders, no defined waist, and the widest part is the bottom area. It's worth saying: Most bottom hourglasses mistake themselves for a triangle body type because they tend to have weight around their bottom area.
The inverted triangle body type
Many athletes have an inverted triangle as their body type. Their shoulders are the widest part of their body, and their hips are the smallest part. The waistline isn’t defined; and if you have a defined waist, you should check if you’re not a top-heavy hourglass.
The rectangular body type
The rectangle has no defined waist while shoulders and hips have a similar circumference. Many trousers brands focus on this body type, because they can use fabrics more economically.
Thr diamond body type
The diamond body type has the widest section of the body around the tummy, wider hips, and a smaller bust. Whereas their arms and legs are thin.
The oval body type
The oval body type has a fuller appearance around the midsection, with narrower shoulders and hips which creates the oval shape.
