Most Common Body Shapes
1. Apple (Triangle Downward)
Apple-shaped women have broader shoulders and bust, and narrower hips.
2. Banana, Or Straight (Rectangular)
Banana-shaped women’s waist measurement is less than 9 inches smaller than the hip or bust measurement.
3. Pear, Spoon, or Bell (Triangle Upward)
Pear-shaped women’s hip measurements are greater than their bust measurements.
4. Hourglass Shape (Triangles Opposing, Facing In)
Here, the hip and bust are almost of equal size, with a narrow waist.
A study of more than 6,000 women conducted at North Carolina State University in 2005 revealed that 46% of women were banana-shaped; just over 20% were pear-shaped; just under 14% were apple-shaped; and only 8% were hourglass-shaped. The hourglass is normally accepted as the “ideal” female shape in Western countries.
