Hey gorgeous! Ever found yourself staring at your outfit options, wondering, "What body type am I?" Don’t stress—we’re here to break down body shapes and help you discover the styles that’ll make you look and feel your absolute best.
What Are the Three Body Types?
Alright, let's get real for a sec. Bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and that's what makes us unique and beautiful! But to help us understand our fabulous figures better, let’s break them down into three main types: endomorph, mesomorph, and ectomorph. This concept of body types—also known as somatotypes—was introduced by Dr. W.H. Sheldon way back in the 1940s.
Endomorph: Curvy and Fabulous
Here are some common features of the endomorph body type:
- You've got those killer curves that turn heads
- Endomorphic bodies love to hold onto fat throughout the body
- You have bigger hips and midsection and a stocky bone structure
- You tend to gain weight fast but find it a bit tricky to shed those extra kilos, but who cares? You're stunning!
- You have a slow metabolism
Mesomorph: Athletic and Awesome
These are the standout traits of the mesomorph body type:
- You're naturally muscular and athletic looking (werk it!)
- You have broad shoulders compared to hips
- You have a quick metabolism and can gain or lose weight without much fuss (lucky you!)
- You have a medium bone structure
Ectomorph: Lean and Lovely
What sets the ectomorph body type apart? Let’s break it down.
- You're naturally slim
- You have narrow shoulders and hips compared to height
- Your muscles are small in proportion to bone length
- You have an efficient metabolism, which also makes it hard to gain weight
Finding Your Body Type
Now, you might be thinking, "How do I figure out my body type?" It's easy peasy! Just take a good look in the mirror and see which description fits you best.
Remember, most of us are a mix of types, so don't stress if you don't fit perfectly into one category. If you're still unsure, try taking a body type quiz online or using a body type calculator. These tools can give you a general idea, but remember, they're just guides!
The Body Type Spectrum
Here's the tea: no one fits perfectly into just one category! We're all unique snowflakes, darling. Your body type is influenced by a cocktail of factors, including your genes (thanks, Mum and Dad!), your gender, age, eating habits, and how often you're hitting the gym. Your body type can also change over time based on various factors like diet, lifestyle, and fitness habits. So don't stress if you don't fit neatly into one box—embrace your unique shape!
Dress to Impress: Styling Tips for Every Body
No matter your shape, we've got the lowdown on how to dress to kill:
Endomorph Styling
- Rock those A-line dresses that show off your waist
- Vertical stripes are your BFF – they elongate your figure
- Monochrome looks? Yes, please! They create a sleek silhouette
- Wrap dresses are your secret weapon – they hug in all the right places
Mesomorph Styling
- Fitted clothing is your jam – show off that muscle definition!
- Experiment with bold colours and patterns
- Structured pieces like blazers? You were born to wear them!
- High-waisted bottoms paired with crop tops? Absolutely!
Ectomorph Styling
- Layer up, baby! It adds dimension to your look
- Fitted clothing gives you shape without overwhelming you
- Don't be afraid of prints – they add visual interest to your outfit
- Ruffles and voluminous pieces can create the illusion of curves
Accessorise Like a Boss
Accessories can make or break an outfit, so listen up:
- Endomorphs: Long necklaces are your secret weapon – they create a vertical line. Statement earrings can draw attention to your gorgeous face!
- Mesomorphs: Go big or go home! Statement pieces were made for you. Try chunky bracelets or bold belts to accentuate your waist.
- Ectomorphs: Delicate jewellery complements your frame perfectly. Layer dainty necklaces for a chic look.
Remember, these are just guidelines, not rules. The most important thing is to wear what makes you feel like a million bucks!
Female Body Types: More Than Meets the Eye
Before diving into female body types, let’s set things straight—body types and body shapes are distinct concepts. Body types (like endomorph, mesomorph, and ectomorph) refer to physiological classifications based on how our bodies process fat and muscle. On the other hand, body shapes focus on aesthetic proportions, like curves and silhouettes.
While body types aren’t gender-specific, the way they manifest can differ between men and women. For example, women have a higher fat mass than men and often display curvier figures due to larger boobs, wider hips, a fuller bum, and bigger thighs. This diversity in body shapes is what makes every gal unique and beautiful.
Now, let’s go a bit deeper into the common female body shapes!
Pear or Triangle
We aren’t talking about fruits or pastries here! Check out the common characteristics of a pear or triangle body shape:
- Narrower shoulders than hips
- Weight tends to distribute in the lower body e.g. butt, lower hips, and thighs.
- Styling tip: Balance your proportions with statement tops and A-line skirts
Inverted Triangle
Here's what you can expect from an inverted triangle body type:
- Lower body is smaller than the top
- Broader shoulders than hips
- Tends to gain weight in the upper body and tummy
- Styling tip: Draw attention to your lower half with bold bottoms and simple tops
Rectangle
Wondering if you have a rectangular body shape? Look out for these signs:
- Lack of definition at the hip and waist
- Similar width at shoulders, waist, and hips
- Body at relatively equal proportions
- Styling tip: Create curves with belted dresses and corset tops
Hourglass
Here are common features of the hourglass female body shape:
- Equally broad top and bottom
- A defined, smaller waist compared to the chest and hips
- Styling tip: Wondering how to dress for an hourglass shape? Show off that waist with fitted dresses and skirts or high-waisted bottoms.
Oval or Apple
Trying to figure out if you have an oval or apple body shape? Check out these tell-tale signs:
- Both the top and bottom half of your body are narrow
- Carries weight in the midsection e.g. chest and stomach
- Lean legs
- Styling tip: Empire waist dresses and V-necks are your best friends
Remember, Your Body Type Can Change
In other words: your body type isn't set in stone! So if you're not happy with your current shape, you've got the power to change it! For example, if you're an ectomorph looking to gain some curves, a combination of strength training and a lean protein-rich diet could help you build muscle mass. On the flip side, if you're an endomorph wanting to lean out, focusing on cardio and a balanced diet could help you shed some body fat. But remember, the goal isn't to change your body type completely – it's to be the healthiest, happiest version of yourself!
So, What Body Type Am I?
Whether you're curvy, athletic, or lean, everybody is beautiful and deserves to be celebrated. Understanding your body type can help you choose outfits that make you feel confident and gorgeous. But don’t forget, these are just guidelines. The most important thing is to wear what makes you feel amazing!
At Runaway The Label, we believe that fashion should be fun, accessible, and empowering. Our collections are designed to help you express your unique style, no matter your body type. So why not check out our latest pieces and find something that makes you feel like the queen you are?
Remember, fashion is about expressing yourself and having fun. So go ahead, break the rules, mix it up, and most importantly, wear what makes you feel fabulous! Because at Runaway, we believe every body is a runway body!