I like people watching. Everyone is so different. But no matter what size they are, people generally have one of the four body shapes: ruler, hourglass, pear, or cone. Your body shape is pre-determined genetically and does not change whether you are taller, skinner, or fatter.
Your body shape depends on how your weight is distributed on your frame. You can be overweight and still considered a ruler. In my early 20s, I mistakenly believe that my body shape is a pear. I figured that since the bottom half of me is heavier than the top, I must be a pear since I was too big to be a ruler (little did I know that 10 years later I would roll my eyes at that comment while I sit here writing. Such naiveté is only cute on the young.).
The 4 body shapes and where the weight is distributed
One body shape is not better than the other. Your body shape only determines where your body distributes your weight. Your body shape is like the color of your eyes; it is determined by the genetic lottery pool in your genes. Sure some people might have a preference for blue eyes, but it does not mean there is something wrong if you happen to have hazel or brown eyes. You just need to make the best of what you are born with.
Ruler
- Little to no difference in the measurements between your chest, waist, and hips
- Tend to store excess weight in your midsection
- Very few curves
Hourglass
- Significant difference in the measurements between your chest and waist (and hips and waist)
- Tend to store excess weight in your upper and lower body, but more slender at the waist
- Curvy
Pear
- Significant difference in the measurements between your waist and hips (with the measurement on your hips considerably larger).
- Tend to store excess weight in your hips, thighs, and butt
- Eyes tend to zero in on the lower half of your body when looking in the mirror
Cone
- Significant difference in the measurements between your chest and waist (with the measurement on your chest considerably larger).
- Tend to store excess weight in your back, chest, arms, and stomach
- Eyes tend to zero in on the upper half of your body when looking in the mirror
Using your measurements to determine your body shape
It is more difficult to determine your body shape when you are overweight. If you are anything like me, you probably only see your trouble spots. Many women tend to think they are pears because they naturally have curves in the lower half of their bodies or are focused on the size of their thighs when they are overweight. Your body shape is not determined by your size or your weight. It is determined by how your weight is distributed throughout your body. You can be small breasted and still be considered a cone. It is the circumference around your chest that counts, not your cup size.
The three measurements you need to take are the circumference around your chest, waist, and hip:
Chest: Place the tape across the middle of your breast or chest and around your back. Exhale before taking your measurement
Waist: Place the tape around your waist, 1-inch above your belly button
Hips: Place the tape at the widest spot below your hips but still above your butt
Compare your measurements to the guidelines below to find your body shape (remember it is the proportion that determines your body shape, not the numbers itself):
Ruler
- All three measurements tend to be relatively close with no significant differences between your chest, waist, and hips
- Common measurements: 34-30-35, 36-33-37, or 40-36-42 (notice how there is less than a 5-inch difference between any of the measurements)
Hourglass
- The measurements between the chest and hips are relatively close
- There is at least a 6-inch difference between your chest /hips and waist.
- Common measurements: 33-26-33, 36-30,38, 34-28-35, 39-32-38, or 42-35-44 (notice how there is less than 3-inch difference between the chest and hips)
Pear
- The measurements between the chest and waist are relatively close
- There is at least a 6-inch difference between your waist and hips
- Common measurements: 34-30-38, 36-30-44, or 32-28-39
Cone
- The measurements between the waist and hips are relatively close
- There is at least a 6-inch difference between your chest and hips
- Common measurements: 36-32-30, 40-36-33, or 34-30-29
Final Thoughts on Determining Your Body Shape
I used to believe that I am a pear when in reality I am a ruler. No matter how hard I work my abs, I cannot get that hourglass nip at the waist like my sister. I need to work with my body shape instead of fighting it. I can work on my upper body muscles to make my waist look smaller.
Your body shape only defines how the weight is distributed on your body. You can be overweight and still considered a ruler. I know when you think of ruler, the automatic image is a thin person. If you look closely at the measurement guidelines above, an overweight person can be a ruler; their measurements are just proportionally bigger. How is this information going to help your weight loss goals? The first step to identifying weight loss exercises for your body is to find your body shape.
If you want to find out more information about dressing for your body shape, you might want to read The Pocket Stylist. Please note that the book offers a good discussion about body shape and dressing, but does not offer as much photos as I would have liked.
Until next time and thanks for stopping by Small Steps to Health.
Photo by: 416style.
- Weight Loss Exercises for Your Body Shape
- I Broke the Hourglass with Bulking Thighs!
- Weight and Early Puberty in Girls
- Wedding Dresses Sizing – A Quick Way to Deflate Your Self-Esteem
- Acknowledge the Impossible and Accept the Reality of Your Body Image
- How is the Last Day in the Office Related to Weight?
Like what you are reading? How about subscribing? It's free!
{ 45 comments }
I was once told that cognitive therapy doesn’t work because no one can change. I don”t know, but I choose not to believe that because then why even try.
I feel the same about this also. I think you can change your body shape. Genetics is only 10-20% of the equation. Rolfing, weight training, fat loss and gain (which are not the same in the same area), and so forth are variables. I could be wrong about all this, however
.-= Dr. J´s last blog ..The Drastic But Proven “50 Cent” Weight Loss Programs =-.
Gosh maybe this has been my problem all along! I am a ruler and I too thought I was pear shaped. How cool. Great read
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Baby Nightlight And Soother Activated By Sound =-.
Interesting post! I honestly thought I was a ruler, but I’m definitely an hourglass at 33-24-33. I figured since I wasn’t “gifted” in my upper body I couldn’t be an “hourglass”… lol!! Just found your blog and I’m
enjoying reading! Found you through an “eczema” google search!
@Dr. J – I also think genetics is a small part of the equation. Diet and exercise go a long way into getting us the body we want. Thanks for the comment.
@Kelly & Carla – it is interesting how many of us are rulers, but think we are pears. Thanks for the comment.
I am a cone shape and measure in at 38-29 30
I am still not sure what I am. Although, I think I may be ruler by me measureming 36-33-38. However, I am not sure if I am hour glass?? Help
Mandy – Sounds like you are a bottom heavy ruler to me. To be an hourglass, you need about 5-6 inches difference between your waist and chest/hip. I am also a bottom heavy ruler. Your measurements are almost identical to mine.
I have no clue what I am. For one thing I’m never the same size on any two consecutive days. Another thing is I bloat if I eat anything my body dislikes.
In the morning I could wake up 44-35-40 and by the evening be 44-40-40.
At a 35 inch waist I have a six-pack. However I am very rarely there, only if I have not eaten anything that would cause me to bloat, and have maintained that for two or so months. Then it lasts a week and poof it’s gone.
Most typically I’m about 44-38-40.
Revenwyn – Wow that is some bloating! But if you are typically a 44-38-40, then you are probably a cone shape. Are you sure there is nothing else going on in your digestive tract that might be causing this bloating? IBS? I am not a doctor, but have you tried taking a daily probiotic supplement for a month to see if it might help if the bloating is a digestive problem?
Hey, I am going to be a braidsmaid for my sister in October and when i was measured I was slightly diffrent from what i thought. I think i am more slightly bottom heavy. My measurements are 36-33-40, explains bigger thighs and calves. I have also been told by my doctor that i have several fiborids which have enlarged my stomach/ womb so without the fiborids my waist would be smaller, I am estrogen dominant!
I am I still a ruler or a pear?
Mandy – Your measurements changed drastically since the last time you wrote. I still think you are a bottom heavy ruler like me. However, your fibroids is making you appear more like you are a pear for the time being since there is more than 6 inches between your waist and hip. But once those fibroids shrink or you remove them surgically, your body should return to being a bottom heavy ruler.
hi i have no clue what shape i am im 37 32 40 help?????????
Rachlou2 – I would consider you a bottom heavy hourglass.
Am 34- 33-40 wfich body type iam i
Chinedu – you are definitely a pear body shape since your hips are more than 6 inches larger than your waist and your chest is approximately the same as your waist.
38-31-39. I’m guessing I’m an hour glass. i definitely feel like a ruler though. Great post.
Cherelle – yup definitely an hourglass. Thanks for the comment.
with measurements of 35-29-25 im guessing im an hourglass. Always thought i was more of a pear shaped figure. But just as you say as soon as I look into the mirror the first thing my eyes scrutinize are the thighs. Thanks alot for this.
sorry 35-29-35 i meant
What am I? 34 33 39 my friends said I am a pear and when I work out my upper body gets very muscular so I feel like a triangle ;(
DJ – You are a pear. The reason why your upper body gets very muscular is because there is less fat to cover your muscles in your upper body. You could be working it real hard for the same duration in both your upper and lower body, but you would not see the muscle definition quite as clearly in your lower body because your body shape tends to store fat in your lower body. And since your upper body can look spectacular without as much effort as your lower body, be sure to show them off.
my measurements are 35-29-40 what body type am i???
Beth – You are a bottom heavy hourglass. Notice that your chest and hip are both +6 inches larger than your waist. This means your waistline is your best asset. But since you are bottom heavy, you might want to wear clothing that draws the eyes upward like tops with a cowl tops that helps balance out your portions.
i’m 34-26.5-34. what does that make me?
My measurements are 31-26-32is that and hourglass? I always though I was a pear as I find it hard to lose weight on the bottom half of my body and my arms are really skinny.
Siofra – you have a pear body shape. But with your measurements you can probably get away with looking hourglass with some strategic clothing that draws the eyes upward like v necks.
Karamia – you have an hourglass body type.
Does it make a difference that I’m 14? I forgot to add that, sorry. Yeah I guessed that as I have a small bust. Thanks you.
Siofra – your age certainly makes a huge difference. Your body will continue to keep changing until you are about 18-20 years old. So your body shape is doing to be different than when you become an adult. Between 14 and 20, my bra size went up two cup sizes. Even between my sisters and me, we have a pear, hourglass, and ruler (me) in the same family. You just do not know how your body is doing to deposit the padding.
But the most important thing to do in your teens is to establish healthy habits (exercise and healthy eating). You can read my hormones in your teens to see what kind of healthy habits I recommend for teens. How you live your teens and your 20s is going to be reflected on your body in your 30s and later. Keep moving your body and become friends with fruits and veggies.
Thank you so much for this post! I’ve been uncertain as to where to measure ( specifically if I measure around the breasts or just the circumframce like for a bra [36D so there is a significant difference between the two for me]) and had been debating if I was an hourglass or a pear, which turned into an argument after a relative said in complete certainty that I was a pear because I “had a big butt”, which isn’t even a necessary part to being pear if you are in shape. It’s a bubble butt–it’s the shape, not the proportion. Ive gained significant weight recently and thus have become hyper concious of trying to dress so that I hide the fact as best I can. Anyway, with an 11 inch difference between my chest and waist (45-34-47) I am fairly confident that I am an hourglass. Right?
38D, not 36, D. That’s the measurement under the chest I’m 43.5 above breast and under arms Sorry for the double post but I thought that would make a significant difference in case I’m wrong about the body type.
Jeka – The chest measurement is pretty much te middle of your breast (not the top or below). It sounds like you are a bottom heavy hourglass. At this means is that you store a little more fat in your bottom half compared to your top. But because of the obviously nip in your waist, you can hide a 5-10 pounds weight better than someone who is purely a pear or a cone.
I was wondering if you could tell me what shape I am because people keep saying “pear” or “hourglass” and I don’t know which one. I’m in my early 20s.
The tape measure said 37-31-41. Is this a weird size? I feel very top heavy because I’m a D or DD(having trouble knowing because every bra is so different) but my hips look wide and ugly in jeans. I’ve been hiding in puffy dresses and don’t know how to dress my body at all.
Thank you for any help.
I’m a little confused about a few things…
I see a lot of people’s measurments who are very tiny are for example 32-23-33. And they are most certainly not a hour glass figure they look more proportional completely throughout their body so would that make them ruler? It says if there is only a few inches of difference between all 3 measurements..but this very tiny person has a 10inch difference between the 2…don’t get it.
I’m also confused as to what the difference is between the bust measurement in all these ratios (32-23-33 for example) and your actual bra size. For example if you are a c cup..and you measure around the fullest part of your bust and it is 32inches does that make you a 32C. I thought they were 2 completely different measurements but then I read different celebs stats and it’ll say (32C-23-33)
Cheyenne – Your body type is based on how weight is distributed on your frame. You can be a size 2 or 16 and still be considered an hourglass. I think you are confusing your chest measure with your bra size. It has nothing to do with your bra size. To get your chest measurement for your body type, you measure the MIDDLE (FULLEST) of your breast.
To get the band width of your bra size, you measure UNDER your breast, add 5 inches to the measurement, and then round to the nearest even number.
For example, to get a 32 inch band width, the measurement you get under the breast is either 26 inches or 27 inches.
26 inches + 5 inches = 31 inches, round to nearest even number is 32 band width.
27 inches + 5 inches = 32 inches, round to nearest even number is 32 band width.
This is why, depending on the material of the bra, a 32 band width might be too tight for a 27 inch measurement.
To get your cup size you measure, the middle of your chest and subtract that number by your band width. 1 inch difference is A cup, 2 inch difference is B cup, etc.
So a 32C bra size is equal to a chest measurement of 29 inches or 30 inches for your body shape (add 3 inches to either 26 or 27 inches to the measurement taken under the breast).
This makes your example of 32C-23-33 actually 29-23-33 or 30-23-33. This still makes your celebs an hourglass, just a bottom heavy hourglass. Ha! So these celebs also have problems with their lower body being slightly heavier than their top half! But it looks better in print to use 32C-23-33 because it makes when them look more proportional. And since they are celebs, what makes you think the 32C is actually natural?
I hope this explanation clears up your confusion. Thanks for leaving a comment.
Dear – Please read my response to Cheyenne’s comment above. Your bra size has nothing to do with how your body shape distributes weight. You measure the middle of your breast for your chest measurement.
At 37-31-41, you are still considered an hourglass, but a bottom heavy hourglass. Your best feature is still that waistline, but you need to dress to draw the eyes up. A V neck A-line dress with flutter sleeves should do the trick. The V neck pulls the eyes up, an A-line is forgiving to the bottom half, and flutter sleeves adds balance (making the top visually take up more space).
Since this is not a fashion blog, I cannot give you advice on how to find the right jeans. But the right top on a pair of jeans can make a huge difference for your measurements. If your jeans look that bad, check to make sure your top is not too tight in the wrong places.
I took about 3 quizzes.
I’m 36-30-36.5
I thought I was an hourglass shape..But the quizzes so far I took told me that I need to be 9 inches difference between the waist and bust/hips in order to be an hourglass shape. I get the results of a ruler. Which is right? the 9 inches or 6 inches difference? I’m very confused.
Mona – I believe you are an hourglass. 6 inches is a significant difference. For a ruler, the waist is only a few inches smaller than the chest or hip measurement.
Thankyou very much for your *fast* response. I can finally know what shape I am.
I thought I was pear-shaped but someone just told me that I have an hour-glass shape. My measurements are 41-34-43 so where does that place me? Thanks!
I loved your post! While I’m trying to lose weight it definitely boosted my confidence, which I needed dearly. I’m 39-32-39, obviously a hourglass, which I didn’t realize till now :] In your exercising for your shape you cleared up a lot of questions [ that I think would have answered things for previous posters]
I definitely was thinking yes! I do have trouble with the back of my arms! yes I’m super heavy but people never realize just how heavy! And all that jazz.
Anyways, thanks for the boost and the dedication to creating a positive body image!
Help Help i don’t know what body shape i am ….. well im quite big anyway 52-40-50
Megan – I thought maybe my writing was confusing so people end up asking very similar questions. But from your response, maybe people are skimming through the entire post. Thanks for letting me know the body shape post is clear and not confusing.
Hi I am 38-34-40, idk what i am… you said measure the widest part of ur waisit
(below your waist) but not bellow your backside. But I went on another website it said measure the widest part of my waist and i got a 42
what kind of body i do have HELP PLZ
i wear a 36 bra, waist is 31 and if i suck in my belly my waist would be 28,5, my hips are 39
{ 5 trackbacks }
Comments on this entry are closed.