As individuals, we all come in different shapes and sizes (thanks God!).
Our bodies have unique characteristics that distinguish us from one another. Understanding and recognising our body types can provide valuable insights into our overall health, fitness, and fashion choices.
In this article, we will delve into the importance of recognising your body type and explore various body types and their characteristics.
Importance of Recognising Your Body Type
Recognising your body type is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it allows you to understand your body’s natural tendencies and limitations. By recognising your body type, you can make more informed decisions about your diet and exercise routine. For instance, an ectomorph, who naturally has a lean and slender frame, may require a different approach to building muscle compared to an endomorph, who tends to carry more body fat.
Furthermore, recognising your body type can help you make better fashion choices. Different body types have unique proportions and features that can be accentuated or balanced out by choosing the right clothing styles. By dressing for your body type, you can enhance your overall appearance and boost your confidence.
Different Body Types and Their Characteristics
Although we all hold weight in a different way, there are generally three main body types: ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph. Each body type has its own unique set of characteristics. We may often find more body types described in charts when we look for this topic on the web, but those represent basically plus-size bodies that have the same basic proportions as the three main body types listed below:
- Ectomorph: Ectomorphs are typically slim with long limbs and a fast metabolism. They tend to have a difficult time gaining weight or muscle mass. Ectomorphs often excel in endurance activities such as long-distance running or cycling.
- Mesomorph: Mesomorphs have a naturally athletic physique with well-defined muscles. They tend to gain muscle and lose fat easily. Mesomorphs excel in activities that require strength and power, such as weightlifting or sprinting.
- Endomorph: Endomorphs have a rounder and softer body shape with a slower metabolism. They tend to gain weight easily, especially in the form of body fat. Endomorphs may struggle with losing weight and may need to focus on a combination of cardio and strength training exercises.
How to Identify Your Body Type
Identifying your body type can be done by observing certain physical characteristics and tendencies. Start by looking at your body’s overall shape and proportions. Take note of your height, weight, and how your body distributes fat and muscle. Consider whether you tend to gain or lose weight easily.
You can also take measurements of specific body parts such as your waist, hips, and shoulders. These measurements can give you a better understanding of your body’s proportions and help determine your body type.
When taking your measurements, always hold two fingers under your tape measure to build in the right amount of ease, with exception of your shoulders and your rise.
– shoulder to shoulder: from the edge of one shoulder to the edge of the other one.
– Bust: under your arms, around the fullest part of your chest.
– Natural waist: at your navel.
– Low waist: one inch down from your natural waist (approx.).
– High hip: 4-5 inches from your natural waist.
– Low hip: 8-9 inches from your natural waist.
– Thigh: at its widest point.
– Rise: measure from natural waist down to crotch, holding the tape a little loose, through the legs up to waistband in back.
Understanding the Implications of Your Body Type
Once you have identified your body type, it’s important to understand the implications it may have on your overall health and fitness goals. Each body type has its own strengths and weaknesses, and being aware of them can help you tailor your lifestyle choices accordingly.
For example, ectomorphs may need to focus on consuming a higher calorie intake to support muscle growth. Mesomorphs may need to balance their exercise routine to maintain their athletic physique. Endomorphs may need to pay closer attention to their diet and incorporate regular cardiovascular exercise to manage their body fat levels.
By understanding the implications of your body type, you can make more informed decisions not only about your nutrition, exercise, and overall wellness but also when it comes to shopping, for more conscious and satisfying purchases!
Dressing for Your Body Type
Knowing your body type can also empower you to make better fashion choices. Different body types have varying proportions and features that can be accentuated or balanced out through clothing.
For instance, if you have an hourglass figure, you may want to highlight your waistline by wearing fitted dresses or tops that cinch at the waist. If you have a rectangular body shape, you can create the illusion of curves by opting for clothing with ruffles or peplum details. Understanding your body type allows you to choose clothing styles that flatter your figure and make you feel confident.
Here the link to a funny quiz, by the lovely Laurie Loo (www.laurieloo.com): 100% Positive body shape quiz
Famous ectomorph
(= rectangular) body types:
Natalie Portman,
Cameron Diaz,
Cara Delevigne;
Celebrities with mesomorph (= triangular) body type:
Jennifer Lopez,
Kim Kardashian,
Rihanna;
Stars with endomorph
(= apple) body type:
Drew Berrymore,
Oprah Winfrey,
Melissa McCarthy.
Common Misconceptions About Body Types
There are several common misconceptions surrounding body types that can lead to unrealistic expectations or unnecessary comparisons. It’s important to debunk these misconceptions and embrace the diversity of body types.
One common misconception is that certain body types are superior to others. In reality, each body type has its own unique strengths and beauty. It’s essential to appreciate and celebrate our individuality rather than striving for an unrealistic ideal.
Another misconception is that our body type is solely determined by genetics and cannot be changed. While genetics do play a role, lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise can influence our body composition and overall shape. Embracing a healthy lifestyle can help us make the most of our natural body type.
Resources for Further Exploration of Body Types
If you’re interested in delving deeper into the topic of body types, there are numerous resources available to expand your knowledge. Here are my recommendations for three interesting books: “The Body Shape Bible” by Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine (I follow Trinny Woodall on her YouTube Channel and I swear she’s great!), “The Ultimate Style Bible : The Comprehensive Guide To Dressing For Your Body Shape” by Joy Gregory, Matthew Bramford, and “The Petite Style Bible” by Chi Li.
All details below:
“The Body Shape Bible: Forget Your Size Discover Your Shape Transform Yourself”
The key to looking fabulous lies in your shape, not your size. Join style gurus Trinny & Susannah as they reveal their revolutionary new concept in dressing for your body shape. Discover the 12 definitive female forms and the principles of dressing for each one.
Get the book here
“The Ultimate Style Bible : The Comprehensive Guide To Dressing For Your Body Shape”
A complete guide on how to dress the 5 female body shapes. It covers each body shape, how to balance it’s vertical and horizontal proportions, and how to disguise your problem areas using clever visual tricks. Complete with a glossary and a handy retailer directory specific to your size and shape.
Get the book here
“The Petite Style Bible: A detailed wardrobe solution for short women”
a timeless guide that provides you with a systematic approach to petite style. Being petite (5’2″) herself, Chi Li has been writing about fashion tips for short women since 2016 and her website petitedressing.com has touched the lives of millions.
Get the book here
In conclusion…
…it really doesn’t matter whether you have a rectangular, triangular or whatever body shape. What matters here is becoming aware of our body’s unicity and finding our way to style our body best! Remember what Coco Chanel said: ” Fashion is architecture: it’s a matter of proportions!”. In this perspective, we need to learn how to highlight our frame as its whole, instead of shopping with a focus on just one part of our body, which might lead us to a completely disappointing purchase.
I hope this article was useful and inspiring! If so, or if you have suggestions, please send me your comment/s using the comment section below!
Thank you for reading and I’ll catch you in my next post!
Yours B&TG