Identifying your body shape...the plus size edition

Did you ever try to figure out your body type using the "normal" diagrams?  Me too.  Hard to figure out what body type you are when you don't look like any of them.  Enter the plus size body shape diagram.

From shopyourshape.com:

**  Diamond:  As a Diamond body type, your hips are broader than you bust and shoulders and you have a full midsection. You have a tendency to gain weight in you stomach, back, hips and buttocks. Your waist is undefined and the widest part of your frame. You carry some weight in your upper legs, but your lower legs are shapely and one of your most attractive features. You also have proportionately slender, shapely arms.

**  Hourglass:  Lucky you! You have the Hourglass body type that most women strive for. Your bust and hips are well balanced and you have a beautifully defined waist. Your have gently rounded shoulders that align nicely with your hips. Your waist is obvious and gracefully curves out to your hips. You most likely have a rounded bottom and beautiful side as well as front profile. Your upper body is proportionate in length to your legs which are shapely. From top to bottom, you are a picture of harmony and balance.

**  Figure-eight:  As a Spoon Body type (sometimes called figure 8), your hips are larger than your bust and you have a defined waist. Your hips have a “shelf” appearance, you are prone to gaining weight in your tummy and have a tendency towards love-handles. While you may gain weight in your upper thighs and upper arms, your lower legs and arms are shapely and your best assets.

**  Rectangle:  You have the most common body type. Over 45% of American women have a Straight body shape (sometimes called rectangle or ruler). This means that your hips and bust are balanced and your waist is not very defined. You probably have a bottom that is more flat than round. You tend to gain weight in your torso first and then your upper thighs and arms. Your lower legs are always shapely and one of your best assets.

**  Triangle:  As a Pear Body type (sometimes called triangle), your hips are larger than your bust and you have a nicely defined waist. You have an elegant neck and proportionately slim arms and shoulders. You first gain weight in your bottom and legs flowed by your tummy and upper body. Your waist is your best asset so don’t be afraid to show it off.

**  Oval:  As an Oval body type, you have a large bust, narrow hips, and a full midsection. You have a tendency to gain weight in your stomach, back and upper body. Your waist is undefined and the widest part of your frame. You also have a full, shorter neck and full face. Your buttocks are somewhat flat and your legs are slender. Your shapely legs are your best asset.

**  Inverted triangle:  As an Inverted Triangle body type, you have a proportionally larger upper body. You have broad shoulders, and ample bust and a wide back. Your hips are slim and your bottom may have a tendency towards the flat side. Your waist is subtle and you have a tendency to gain weight in your belly and upper body. Your beautiful, shapely legs are your best asset.


Confused?  Let's look at a few things to help lessen the confusion.  First, you need to take a good look at yourself in the mirror.  This time, instead of looking at the imperfections that may be there, look at your body as a whole.  What parts are larger and what parts are smaller?  Are your arms and/or legs toned?  Is your waist smaller than your hips?  These are all important things to acknowledge before trying to identify your body type.  

Another thing to do is to look at the definitions of each body type.  Several of them have similarities.  For instance, the Triangle and Oval both have shapely legs.  That is a great jumping off point if you are unsure of which type you are.

Last thing....no matter what plus size body type you are, OWN it.  Not everyone can be a size 00.  It's not humanly possible.  Walk with your head held high and be confident!!