Home > Appearance > Figure

Improve Your Figure with Body Shape Analysis

A person's body type, or body shape, is simply the shape of his or her body. This shape describes how a person's body carries weight, which, in turn, dictates what styles of clothing will look best on the person.

The body shape you have depends a lot on your genes. If your mom is shaped like a pear, there's a good chance that you will be too. However, genetics aren't the only thing that determines your body type. Exercise and diet play a major role in body shape too.

What Body Shape Are You?
Although there are three main body types, most people have a combination of two body types. What body type are you?

• Ectomorphs: Ectomorphs have bodies that are lean, lanky and long. They tend to have small hips and waists as well as small bones and long legs. People in this category might have problems gaining weight but should not be considered anorexic.
  
  
• Endomorphs: Endomorphs have bodies that are heavy boned with less muscle than fat. People in this category tend to carry their weight around their stomachs and have short legs. Endomorphs may have trouble losing weight.
  
  
• Mesomorphs: Mesomorphs distribute their weight evenly across their bodies. People in this category have wide shoulders, smaller waists and broad hips. Mesomorphs tend to gain weight in the thighs and hips.
  

Once you know your body type, you will know how your body carries weight. From there, you can decide what diet and exercise plans are appropriate for you. The main thing to focus on is not your shape but your health. People come in all shapes and sizes, and being thin does not mean you are healthy. Remember, there is no wrong or right body type, and there are no perfect figures.

Body Shape and Fashion
Different fashions will look better on different body types. Here are some tips for dressing your body type:

Ectomorphs:

• Avoid high heels if your height bothers you.
• If you want to add weight to your frame, avoid clingy fabrics. Look for pieces that use soft, fluffy fabrics instead. Another way to add weight to your frame is to wear pieces with horizontal strips, but avoid pieces with large prints on the fabric.
• Layer pieces to add bulk.
  

Endomorphs:

• Avoid miniskirts and focus on A-line skirts that hit just at or below your knees.
• Avoid tight, clingy fabrics but also avoid clothes that are too baggy.
• Jackets should never hit at the widest point of your hips.
• Look for dresses that cinch the waist and flare at the hips and thighs.
• The waist of your pants should fall just below your natural waist for the best fit.
  

Mesomorphs:

• If your shoulders are wide, avoid clothing with shoulder pads.
• Wear belts to accentuate a small waist.
• Wear tailored pieces to show off a small waist.
• Wear V-neck and scoop-neck shirts to make shoulders appear narrower.
• Wear wide-legged pants to balance your frame.