How To Dress According To Your Body Shape And Type

How to dress according to your body shape and type.

We have perhaps often heard of 'the ideal body shape' or type.

The truth is, there is no such thing as an ideal body shape beyond what society has decided to make of it.

Standards exist however in relation to healthy body weight, and this is measured using the body mass index (BMI).

Other than that, we are all shaped in our own unique ways and as they say, variety is the spice of life.

It is important though to be aware of your body type so that you can dress accordingly to achieve the most flattering effects.

What are the different body types and what sort of dressing suit them most?

1. Mesomorph​

This body type comes with the figure of the athlete - strong, compact, and naturally trim.
They usually have an hourglass figure, and find it easy to increase and maintain muscle mass as well as burn fat.

How to dress​

• Fitted dresses and pencil skirts serve this body type best, highlighting the hourglass figure.
• Loose-fitting tops may not be the best choice for this body type.
• Crop tops and waist skirts and pants visually stretch the legs and emphasize the narrow waist.
• Use accessories to draw attention to your center.
• Avoid bulky clothing as it will add pounds to your body.
• Heels add a delicate feminine touch to a strong and muscular body.

2. Ectomorph​

This is the slim-built body type.

They have a linear shape, long slim limbs, low body fat and little muscle mass.

They have a much harder time gaining weight and adding muscle mass and are generally described as "model-built".

How to dress​

• Try to draw attention to your middle (belts, high waist trousers / skirts, narrow waist dresses) to visually create an hourglass figure.
• Wear more of crocheted dresses with folds and ruffles to give the body more volume and femininity.
• Skinny jeans sit perfectly on your long slim legs.
• Shorts and mini skirts highlight your sleek legs.
• Colorful and exciting stockings create form.
• Sneakers and low-cut shoes fit perfectly with everything.

3. Endomorph​

This is the soft, curvy, full and round body shape, in contrast with the ectomorphs.

Their metabolism is not the fastest, so they gain weight quickly and find it difficult to lose weight.

They have broad hips and medium or narrow shoulders.

Endomorphs have short and wider limbs and are generally described as having a "larger build".

How to dress?​

• Wear V-neck dresses to make your shoulders appear wider and narrower.
• Apply stripes and patterns to direct focus.
• Wear 3/4 or full length sleeves to add visual length to your arms.
• Wear clothes that bring attention to your butt and bust.
• Dark colored clothing fits better.
• Heels add to your height, making you appear taller and thinner.

These features aren't fixed in stone.

It is quite possible to see persons who fall into more than one category, with some combined features.

The goal is not to obsess over what you aren't or don't have but to focus and highlight what you do possess and ultimately find different ways to dress and bring that to the fore.