Understanding your body type is crucial for dressing well and feeling confident in your clothes. But with so many different body types out there, it can be challenging to figure out what your specific body type is.

Not to worry, though – we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to discover your body type in seconds!.

Step 1: Take Your Measurements

The first step in determining your body type is to take your measurements. You’ll need a measuring tape and a few minutes of your time.

Here are the measurements you’ll need:.

Bust: measure around the fullest part of your bust
Waist: measure around the smallest part of your waist, usually just above your belly button
Hips: measure around the fullest part of your hips
Shoulders: measure across the back from shoulder bone to shoulder bone
Inseam: measure from the top of your inner thigh down to your ankle

Step 2: Calculate Your Body Ratios

Once you have your measurements, it’s time to calculate your body ratios. There are three ratios you’ll need to calculate:.

Shoulder-to-hip ratio: divide your shoulder measurement by your hip measurement
Waist-to-hip ratio: divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement
Inseam-to-height ratio: divide your inseam measurement by your height in inches

Step 3: Determine Your Body Type

Now it’s time to use your ratios to determine your body type. Here are the different body types and their corresponding ratios:.

Hourglass

Ratios:.

Shoulder-to-hip ratio: 0.75 or less
Waist-to-hip ratio: 0.75 or less

Characteristics:.

Curvy figure with a defined waist
Full bust and hips
Equal shoulder and hip width

Pear

Ratios:.

Shoulder-to-hip ratio: greater than 0.75
Waist-to-hip ratio: less than 0.75

Characteristics:.

Full hips and thighs
Narrower shoulders and smaller bust
Defined waist

Inverted Triangle

Ratios:.

Shoulder-to-hip ratio: less than 0.75
Waist-to-hip ratio: greater than 0.75

Characteristics:.

Broad shoulders
Narrow hips and smaller, flatter bottom
May or may not have a defined waist

Rectangle

Ratios:.

Shoulder-to-hip ratio: equal to waist-to-hip ratio
Waist-to-hip ratio: less than 0.75

Characteristics:.

Straight, no defined waist
Shoulder and hip measurements are equal or similar
Small bust

Apple

Ratios:.

Waist-to-hip ratio: greater than 0.75

Characteristics:.

Round, full midsection
Larger bust and smaller hips
Not defined waist

Final Thoughts

Knowing your body type can help you make better decisions about which clothing styles flatter you the most. Keep in mind that everyone’s body is different, and these ratios aren’t set in stone.

They’re simply a starting point to help you determine your body type.

Use your body type as a guide when shopping for clothes, but remember to always choose items that you feel confident and comfortable in, regardless of whether or not they’re “flattering” for your body type.