Determine your body type: Which of the 5 body types are you?

Knowing your body type lays the foundation for a wardrobe that optimally accentuates your body and harmoniously emphasizes natural proportions. Knowing your individual lines and choosing the right cuts can help you avoid future mistakes and create a truly unique wardrobe.

How do I find my body type?

To determine your body type, all you need is a tape measure and a mirror. Measure the width of your shoulders, waist, and hips and compare the proportions:

If your hips are wider than your shoulders, you probably have an A-shape figure.
Are your shoulders wider than your hips? A V-shaped figure is likely.
If your shoulders, waist, and hips are roughly the same width, you have an H-shaped silhouette.
Do you have a narrow waist with proportionally balanced shoulders and hips? This indicates an X-shaped figure type.
If your waist and hips are rather rounded without a clear line, then you're more likely to be an O-shaped figure type.

Another tip: Look at photos of yourself in tight clothing to better understand your natural proportions. A professional style consultant can also help you optimally assess your body shape.

The five classic body types and their characteristics

Every body is unique, but there are five main body types. This classification helps you find the right silhouette for you without chasing trends.

The A-type (pear-shaped)

People with an A-shaped body type have narrower shoulders and wider hips. The waist is often well-defined, creating a feminine silhouette. The goal when styling is to visually balance the upper body and create harmonious proportions. This can be achieved with structured tops, statement sleeves, or accentuated shoulders that add volume to the upper body. A-line skirts and flowing fabrics flatter the hips and create soft lines.

A tried and tested styling rule is to design the lower area with darker colors and draw attention to the upper body with lighter tones or eye-catching details.

The best clothes for the A-figure type:

For this body type, tops that emphasize the shoulders, such as blouses with puff sleeves, flounces, or gathers, are particularly flattering. V-necks or boat necks make the shoulders appear broader. Blazers or tailored jackets define the upper body and emphasize the waist.

For bottoms, darker colors are preferred, as they visually slim the lower body. Flowing fabrics like silk or viscose gently wrap around the hips, while A-line skirts help balance the proportions between the upper and lower body. Slightly flared trousers, such as bootcut or Marlene trousers, further elongate the legs and create a balanced overall look.

Wrap dresses or empire lines perfectly accentuate the waist and draw attention to the narrowest part of the body. Dresses with a voluminous top balance wider hips and ensure a harmonious style. Statement necklaces or eye-catching earrings can complement these dresses to draw the eye upwards. Pointed pumps or heeled sandals are ideal shoes, as they visually lengthen the legs and harmoniously round off the overall look.

The V-type (inverted triangle)

The V-shape is characterized by broad shoulders and narrower hips. People with this silhouette often have an athletic build. The goal of styling is to visually lengthen the upper body and balance the hips. Flowing fabrics and V-necks draw the eye downward, creating a vertical line that makes the upper body appear slimmer. Flared skirts or voluminous trousers are perfect for creating balance between the upper and lower body. Subtle shoulder lines and soft fabrics prevent the upper body from appearing too dominant.

The best clothes for the V-figure type:

Tops made of flowing fabrics like silk or satin are ideal, as they soften the shoulders. Plain, simple tops without overly padded shoulders or large patterns help balance proportions. V-necks or wrap tops are particularly flattering, as they visually narrow the shoulders. Loose, slightly tailored blouses look more flattering than tight-fitting tops, as they drape gently over the midsection.

To balance the volume in the lower half of the body, hip-hugging skirts such as pleated or pleated skirts are particularly suitable. High-waisted or paperbag trousers highlight the waist and add shape. Boyfriend or mom jeans are also a good choice, as their cut creates volume at the hips. Wide Marlene trousers or palazzo trousers also help to create a balancing effect and slightly accentuate the hips.

For dresses, wrap dresses or A-line styles are ideal, as they soften the hips and balance the overall silhouette. Dresses with ruffles or pockets at the hips further enhance this effect. Wide belts or bows emphasize the waist and draw the eye to the midsection. Shoes in bright colors or with striking designs help draw the eye downward and create a harmonious overall look.

The H-type (straight silhouette)

For the H-type, the shoulders, waist, and hips are roughly the same width, creating a rather straight body line. The goal when styling is to create soft curves and define the waist. Tailored blazers or belts add targeted accents and shape to the look. Wrap dresses or figure-hugging cuts add dynamism and break up the straight silhouette. Asymmetric cuts and layering techniques are also ideal for this body type to create more structure and depth.

The best clothes for the H-body type:

Fitted tops or wrap blouses are particularly advantageous, as they create a flattering silhouette for this body type. Asymmetric cuts add movement to the look, while peplum blouses or peplum tops visually add shape. Draping or gathering in the midsection also creates a defined waist and makes the look appear more feminine. High-waisted trousers with belts are perfect for defining the waist. Wide Marlene trousers or paperbag trousers create a dynamic overall look and add volume in all the right places.

Skirts with ruffles or asymmetric cuts add movement and break up the straight lines of the figure. Flared trousers or bootcut jeans complement the look and create a feminine silhouette. Wrap dresses or flared dresses with a belt are ideal for this body type, as they create the illusion of a defined waist. Sheath dresses with strategically placed seams or color contrasts further enhance this effect. Accessories such as wide belts at the waist add accents and emphasize the midsection. Heeled shoes visually lengthen the legs and contribute to a harmonious overall look.

Recognize different body types and style them correctly

The X-type (hourglass figure)

The X-type is considered the classic hourglass figure, with balanced proportions between shoulders and hips and a narrow waist. The goal here is to optimally emphasize the natural curves without overdoing them. Tailored clothing is ideal for harmoniously accentuating the figure. High-waisted trousers or pencil skirts highlight the narrow waist and create a feminine silhouette. Close-fitting, but not too tight, cuts emphasize elegance and create a stylish balance between structure and softness.

The best clothes for the X-figure type:

Wrap blouses and fitted tops are ideal for highlighting a narrow waist. High-quality fabrics that conform to the body shape create an elegant silhouette. V-necks or deep round necklines flatter the figure and add accents where needed. High-waisted, figure-hugging trousers enhance the natural hourglass shape. Pencil skirts or flared skirts are also excellent choices, as they accentuate the waist and balance the silhouette. Bootcut jeans or slim-fitting trousers skillfully showcase the feminine shape.

Dresses should accentuate the waist and highlight the feminine silhouette. Wrap dresses or figure-hugging styles with a tailored cut are particularly flattering. Narrow belts at the waist add additional accents. Classic pumps or elegant ankle boots complete the outfit.

The O-type (round silhouette)

The O-type has a rounder body shape, often with a less pronounced waist. The goal of styling is to create a lengthening effect and balanced proportions. Flowing fabrics, monochrome looks, and subtle patterns are perfect for visually lengthening the silhouette. V-necks and long necklaces draw the eye downward, creating a vertical line that visually slimmers the body. Structured blazers or open cardigans give the look a clear shape and emphasize the elegance of a minimalist style.

The best clothes for the O-figure type:

Flowing, loose-fitting tops made of lightweight fabrics flatter the figure and make it appear more elongated. Longer blouses or tunics with a V-neck are particularly flattering, as they gently wrap around the upper body and create a vertical line. Subtle patterns and monochrome colors enhance this effect. Straight-cut trousers or bootcut styles create a balanced silhouette. A-line skirts wrap around the hips and visually lengthen the lower body. Dresses with vertical seams or draping are ideal, as they have a elongating effect. Empire-length dresses or wrap dresses add flattering accents and gently emphasize the figure. Longer necklaces support the elongating effect, while pointed shoes add an elegant touch.