Ladies! Hold onto your woman's girdle and buckle up your compression shorts because we're about to dive into the body types and shapewear world!
Get ready for some belly laughs (and maybe some belly-flattening) as we explore the most suitable types of shapewear for different body types of a crazy classification.
Musical instruments, kitchen utensils, fruits, geometric figures, and other things give names to the vast different female shapes.
Whether you're an apple, a teardrop, or something in between, we've got you covered (literally). So grab a glass of wine (or a kale smoothie, if that's your thing) and let's get shaping whatever your body type is!
Why is it important to understand your body type?
Understanding your female body type is crucial to finding clothes and shaper underwear that fit you well and flatter your figure to enhance your overall appearance and make you feel more confident and comfortable in your skin.
And knowing how to dress for your body type is essential when it comes to dressing for success.
There are several body shapes for women, including the Apple, Pear, Hourglass, Spoon, Rectangle, and Inverted Triangle shapes, among many others. Understanding your shape will help you choose the best clothing styles that complement your unique features.
For example, suppose you have a Curvy body type (like Cello or Full-figured shapes in the below classification).
In that case, you should look for clothing that accentuates your curves without making you uncomfortable or self-conscious.
You can achieve this by wearing clothing that highlights your waistline, such as a belted dress or high-waisted pants.
Another example. If you have an Apple body shape, which means you carry weight in your midsection, you should choose clothing that creates a balanced silhouette. This can be achieved by wearing clothing with a V-neckline or wrap dresses that cinch at the waist.
Take the time to learn more about the different women’s body types and how to dress for them. Your wardrobe and confidence will thank you for it!
Why is it important to know your body type before choosing shapewear?
Now it's time for you to answer some fundamental questions:
- Are you looking for a slimmer, more stylized or curvier body?
- Do you really know what type of woman’s body you have?
- Did you know that depending on your body type there are different girdles for woman to achieve your body goals?
Whether wearing a form-fitting dress or a casual outfit, shapewear can help enhance your natural curves and give you a better overall look and well-being.
However, not all girdles for women are created equal, and choosing the best shapewear for your body type and needs is crucial. Knowing your body shape will help you select the right shapewear to achieve YOUR OWN perfect female body.
For example, if you have a pear-shaped body, you may focus on finding shapewear shorts or tummy control underwear to help slim and sculpt your lower body. On the other hand, if you have an hourglass figure, opt for a waist shaper that will help enhance your curves.
Another example. For women with an apple-shaped body, a shapewear dress or a dress with built-in shapewear can be excellent choices. It will smooth out any bumps and lumps while sculpting the midsection, creating a more flattering silhouette.
For those who have a plus-sized body, a plus size shapewear can help to achieve a smoother look. These types of shapewear are designed to provide extra support and control, especially around the midsection and thighs.
Low back shapewear is another option for women who want to achieve a more sculpted look while still being able to wear low-cut tops or dresses. This shapewear is designed to support the lower back while slimming and sculpting the waistline.
Knowing your body type will help you find the right kind of shapewear that will work best for your body and help you achieve the desired results.
From body wrap shapewear to high waist shapewear, there is a shapewear option for every body type.
The body types and suggested shapewear
There are many different women body shapes. And we show you some of the most common body shapes, their characteristics, and the shapewear you can use to shape your body as you want.
Shapewear can be an excellent tool for women who want to enhance their body shape and feel more confident.
Here are some recommendations for the most suitable types of shapewear for each body type we mentioned. Look for your body type and discover your best shapewear girdle.
Apple body type
Apple-shaped women carry weight around their midsections. They typically have a larger bust and shoulder, a fuller tummy, and a less defined waist. They may also have thinner legs and arms in comparison.
High-waisted briefs or shorts can help smooth and shape the tummy area. A bodysuit with built-in compression around the waist and tummy can also be effective.
Athletic body type
Athletic-shaped women tend to have a more toned and muscular build with broad shoulders and a smaller waist. Their hips and bust may be less defined, and they may have a flatter butt.
Shaping shorts or leggings with built-in compression can help create a more stylized look.
Athletic hourglass body type
Women with this kind of body type have a muscular build but a defined waist and a proportional bust and hips. They may have broader shoulders and a smaller waist in proportion to their athletic build.
A waist cincher or corset-style shapewear can help accentuate the waist and create an hourglass figure.
Bell hourglass body type
Women with this body shape have a smaller upper body and a fuller lower body. They have wider hips and thighs and a rounder bottom.
Shaping shorts or leggings with built-in compression can help create a smoother figure while supporting the thighs and hips.
Bottom Hourglass body type
Bottom hourglass figures have a defined waist with hips proportionally larger than their bust. Their shoulders may be narrower, and they may have fuller thighs and butt.
Shaping shorts or leggings with built-in compression can help create a smoother silhouette while supporting the thighs and hips. A bodysuit with a thong back can also help accentuate the curves of the bottom half.
Cello body type
Women with cello-shaped bodies have a curvy and full figure with larger bust, hips, and thighs. They may have a smaller waist in proportion to their curvier lower body, similar to a Full-figured body type.
A bodysuit with built-in compression around the waist and tummy can help create a smoother figure.
Diamond body type
Diamond-shaped women have broader shoulders and a larger bust compared to a smaller lower body. They may have a slimmer, less defined or straighter waist and narrower hips and thighs. They also tend to have thinner legs and arms.
This body shape is also known as Upper Triangle or Inverted Triangle body type.
A shaping camisole or bodysuit with built-in compression can help create a more balanced figure while providing support for the bust
Full-figured body type
This body type has a curvy and voluptuous figure with a larger bust, hips, and thighs. They may have a smaller waist in proportion to their curvier lower body.
Full-figured women may benefit from a full-body shaping suit that smooths and contours the entire body. A high-waisted shaping brief or shorts can also help smooth and shape the tummy area.
Hourglass body type
Women with an Hourglass body shape have a balanced appearance with a defined waist. Their waist is narrower with wider hips and thighs. Their bust and hips are typically in proportion.
Shaping shorts or leggings with built-in compression can help create an even smoother silhouette while supporting the thighs and hips. A waist cincher or corset-style shapewear can also help accentuate the waist.
Lean Column body type
Lean Column figures have a straighter and less curvy shape with similar measurements for their bust, waist, and hips. They may have a more athletic build and longer limbs.
Shaping shorts or leggings with built-in compression can help create a curvier silhouette while supporting the thighs and hips.
Long Torso body type
Women with this body type have a torso that appears longer than their legs. They may have a defined waist or a less pronounced waistline.
They may benefit from a full-body shaping suit that smooths and contours the entire body. A high-waisted shaping brief or shorts can also help smooth and shape the tummy area.
Oval body type
Women with an Oval body shape carry weight around their abdomen. They may have a rounder tummy and a larger bust with slimmer arms and legs.
A bodysuit with built-in compression around the waist and tummy can help create a smoother figure.
Pear body type
Pear-shaped women tend to carry weight in their hips, thighs, and butt. Their upper body is typically smaller than their lower one. They have a smaller bust, narrower shoulders and waist, wider hips and thighs, and a rounded butt.
This body shape is also known as the Triangle body type.
Shaping shorts or leggings with built-in compression can help create a smoother lower body while providing support for the thighs and hips.
Petite body type
Women with Petite bodies are generally shorter in height with a smaller frame. They may have a smaller bust, narrower shoulders, and shorter limbs.
Petite women may benefit from shaping shorts or leggings that help elongate the legs and create a more streamlined look.
Plus Size body type
Plus Size women have a larger frame and carry weight in various parts of their bodies.
They may have a larger bust, hips, thighs, and tummy.
They may benefit from a full-body shaping suit that smooths and contours the entire body. High-waisted shaping briefs or shorts can also help smooth and shape the tummy area.
Pregnant body type
Pregnant women have a changing body shape due to pregnancy. They may have a larger tummy, breasts, hips, and thighs as their body prepares for childbirth.
Maternity shapewear can support the growing belly, hips, and thighs. A maternity support belt or belly band can also help alleviate back pain and provide extra support during pregnancy.
Rectangle body type
Women with this kind of body tend to have a straight up-and-down look with little to no waist definition. Their bust, waist and hip measurements are usually similar, giving the body a rectangular or linear shape.
This body shape is also known as the Youthful body type.
Shaping shorts or leggings with built-in compression can help create a shapelier silhouette while supporting the thighs and hips.
Short legs body type
Women with this body type have shorter legs in proportion to their torsos. They may have a smaller waist, larger hips, and thighs that appear fuller.
Women with shorter legs may benefit from shaping shorts or leggings that help elongate the legs and create a more streamlined look.
Spoon body type
Spoon-shaped women have a smaller upper body than the lower. They have a defined waist, their thighs are fuller, and their shoulders are sloping and rounded. Their hips and thighs are wider than their bust.
Shaping shorts or leggings with built-in compression can help create a smoother silhouette while providing support for the thighs and hips.
Straight body type
Women with a Straight body shape have similar or slightly different bust, waist, and hip measurements. They may have a less pronounced waist and a rectangular appearance.
This body shape lacks curves and is also known as Ruler or Banana body type.
Shaping shorts or leggings with built-in compression can help create a smoother figure while supporting the thighs and hips.
The Straight body shape is similar to the Rectangular above-mentioned but slightly different.
While both body types are relatively straight, the main difference is in the measurements. The Rectangular body type may have slightly more defined curves or a more athletic build. In contrast, the Straight body type has very few curves and a more linear shape.
Tall body type
Women with a Tall body type are generally taller than usual with a longer frame. They tend to have longer limbs and narrower frames. They may have a larger bust and broader shoulders.
The type of shapewear that would work best for a tall body type would depend on the specific areas of the body that the person wants to target.
For example, if someone with a Tall body type wants to smooth out their midsection and create a more defined waistline, a high-waisted shaping brief or waist cincher may be a good option. Shaping shorts or leggings may be more appropriate if wants to create a streamlined look for their legs.
Teardrop body type
Teardrop-shaped women have smaller waists with wider hips and thighs in comparison to their shoulders and bust. They may have a defined waistline and a fuller lower body.
Shaping shorts or leggings with built-in compression can help create a more stylized figure while providing support for the thighs and hips.
Top Hourglass body type
Women with this body shape have a smaller waist with a bust proportionally larger than their hips. Their shoulders may be broader, and their thighs and hips may be slimmer.
A shaping camisole or bodysuit with built-in compression can help create a more balanced shape while supporting the bust.
The key point: Matching body types with shapewear types
This body type’s categorization is helpful in identifying the different shapes and proportions in a woman's body. But it's important to note that this is a general guideline and is not meant to be a strict rule or limitation.
Every woman's body is unique, has its own features and proportions, and may not fit perfectly into a specific category.
There are many variations and overlaps among the body types here-in-above listed. It's also common for women to have a combination of different body shapes.
Additionally, women's body shapes usually change over time due to factors such as age, weight gain or loss, and pregnancy.
In general, it's crucial to choose shapewear that fits well and feels comfortable. Too tight shapewear can be uncomfortable and create bulges or lumps in unwanted areas.
It's also important to choose shapewear that is appropriate for the occasion and clothing style. For example, a shaping bodysuit may not be suitable for a strapless dress or top, while shaping shorts or leggings may not work well with a shorter hemline.
