Female body shape

Female body shape is a complex concept in human physical appearance and fashion, where a woman's body is categorized into one of several types, including but not limited to hourglass, pear, apple, and rectangle shapes. These shapes are often associated with certain health risks and aesthetic preferences.

Overview

The female body shape is generally categorized based on the measurements of the bust, waist, and hips. The bust measurement is the circumference around the chest at the fullest point, the waist measurement is the circumference around the narrowest part of the torso, and the hip measurement is the circumference around the widest part of the hips and buttocks.

Body shapes

Hourglass

The hourglass shape is characterized by a bust and hip measurement that are roughly equal, with a significantly narrower waist. This shape is often associated with femininity and fertility.

Pear

The pear shape, also known as the triangle shape, is characterized by hips that are wider than the bust. This shape is often associated with a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Apple

The apple shape, also known as the inverted triangle shape, is characterized by a wider bust than hips. This shape is often associated with a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Rectangle

The rectangle shape, also known as the banana shape, is characterized by a bust, waist, and hip measurement that are roughly equal. This shape is often associated with a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Health implications

The distribution of fat on a woman's body has implications for her health. Women with an apple shape, where fat is distributed around the waist, are at a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes than women with a pear shape, where fat is distributed around the hips and thighs.

Fashion implications

Different body shapes are suited to different styles of clothing. For example, women with an hourglass shape often look best in fitted clothing that emphasizes their waist, while women with a rectangle shape often look best in clothing that adds volume to their bust and hips.

See also

• Body shape
• Human physical appearance
• Fashion
• Health