Different Body Shapes for Women

by Ruchika Kalsi Kapil, published 31/03/2021

‘What shape is my body?’ – If that’s something, you have been trying to figure out then this piece is going to be a real help. Let’s get to know different body shapes (for women) and real people (like you) who have them.

We all love to look good and that is why, we spend oodles of money on fashion trends, brands, designer wear and custom stitching.

But have you ever wondered, why certain outfits feel like ‘Made just for you’ while others range from being Average to Just Okay?

Well, from among the many reasons, one could be related to your Body Shape.

We women, come in different body shapes and sizes. Some are tall and lanky while others are short and stout. Some might have heavier torsos while others might have thunder thighs. There could be those with longer arms, while there could be some with longer legs. And then there are those who are simply perfect.

So, what is a ‘Perfect’ Body Shape?

A body shape that’s well proportioned vertically as well as horizontally, can be called Perfect or ‘Ideal’. An ideal body shape has shoulders and hips of the same width and a defined waist.

Now, everybody cannot have an ideal body but the variations can be worked on to give an illusion of an ideal body. For that, let’s understand the different body shapes for women.

Apart from the ideal, there are seven basic body shapes and it’s great to know about them since this knowledge aids one in making better wardrobe choices and gives a clarity on what one should actually purchase, thus, saving valuable time and money. Well, one important thing to acknowledge is that your body shape might change due to weight loss, weight gain or due to a particular life phase like pregnancy.

Let’s look at the basic body shape categories with real people examples. And if you have been wondering ‘ What shape is my body’ then it’s time to get some answers. 😊

1. Triangle Body Shape

How to find your body shape: When you are narrower in the shoulders and wider in the hips.

Examples : Ileana D’cruz, Neha Dhupia, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce

Images: Neha Dhupia, Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2020 by Bollywood Hungama, licensed under CC BY 3.0 ; Jennifer Lopez at the FIFA World Cup 2014 opening ceremony by Danilo Borges/Portal da Copa, licensed under CC BY 2.0; Ileana D’Cruz graces the launch of the new Audi A5 by Bollywood Hungama, licensed under CC BY 3.0

2. Inverted Triangle Body shape

How to find your body shape: When you are wider in the shoulders and narrower in the hips.

Examples : Geeta Phogat, PV Sindhu, Mandira Bedi, Angelina Jolie, Michelle Rodriguez

Images: Geeta Phogat graces the launch of ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 8’ by Bollywood Hungama, licensed under CC BY 3.0 ; Mandira Bedi, Raj Kaushal at Esha Deol’s wedding reception by Bollywood Hungama, licensed under CC BY 3.0 ; Angelina Jolie at Unbroken World Premiere by Eva Rinaldi/ Flickr, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

3. Rectangle Body Shape

How to find your body shape: When the width of the shoulders and hips is same with no/ slight waist definition.

Examples : Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, Taylor Swift, Anushka Sharma, Deepika Padukone

Images: Anushka Sharma at trailer launch of Sultan by Bollywood Hungama, licensed under CC BY 3.0 ; Drew Barrymore 2 by David Shankbone, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 ; Taylor Swift 1989 Tour at Ford Field in Detroit, 5/30/15 by GabboT, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

4. Hourglass Body Shape

How to find your body shape: When the body is curvaceous and the width of the shoulders and hips is same with a small waist.

Examples : Malaika Arora, Priyanka Chopra, Salma Hayek, Kim Kardashian, Dita Von Teese

Images: Malaika Arora launches the Taiwan Excellence campaign by Bollywood Hungama, licensed under CC BY 3.0 ; 142624_9643 (Priyanka Chopra at Oscars) on Flickr, licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 ; Kim Kardashian West, Parramatta Westfield Sydney Australia by Eva Rinaldi/ Flickr, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

5. Diamond Body Shape

How to find your body shape: When the shoulders and the hips are narrow with a wide waist and slim legs.

Examples: Bharti Singh, Melissa McCarthy

Images: Bharti Singh in 2017 by Bollywood Hungama, licensed under CC BY 3.0 ; Melissa McCarthy at The Boss Red Carpet Premiere by Eva Rinaldi/ Flickr, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

6. Rounded Body Shape

How to find your body shape: When the body has full rounded curves with wide shoulders, waist and hips. The waist isn’t defined.

Examples: Rytasha rathore, Rebel Wilson, Delnaaz Irani

Images: Actress Chrissy Metz at the 2017 paleyfest to promote This is us by Chris Roth (extracted from), licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 ; Rebel Wilson at A Few Best Men Red Carpet Movie Premiere In Sydney, Australia by Eva Rinaldi/ Flickr, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

7. Tubular Body Shape

How to find your body shape: When the structure is very thin or slim, with equal width in shoulders, waist and hips. The waist isn’t defined.

Examples: Thandie Newton

Image: Thandie Newton by Sean Reynolds/ Flickr, licensed under CC BY 2.0

Most women fall in either of these body shape categories and then others are a combination.

Finally, what shape is your body !!

About the Author

Ruchika Kalsi Kapil , Founder – Editor @ FSH. She is an Image Coach and a Personal Branding Expert helping individuals to achieve inside out transformations through Appearance and Attitude Management. She is a fitness freak and a foodie too, who loves being healthy and hearty.

Different Body Shapes for Women – Answering, ‘What shape is my body?’