Are you an "A", "T", "H" or "X"?
How to determine your body shape and what types of fashions that will help you make the most of that body type!
Contents at a Glance
The "A"
This is otherwise known as a pear or triangle and weight is carried in the hip area.
How to determine if you are an "A"The hip measurement will be the largest, with narrow shoulders and defined waist. If in doubt, take the shoulder measurement and add 5%. This will give you the minimum hip measurement to be considered an A.
If you are an A
-Jackets with strong shoulders or large lapels help to balance out hips
-Boot cut pants will slenderize hips
-Dark on the bottom always diminishes
-Jackets should end above or below the widest part of hip
-Use your accessories to give some flash to your upper body
-Horizontal lines on a vest add width to shoulders
-Flare leg balances out hips
-A-line skirt will balance out hips
-Graphic details on a top keep the attention on the upper half
-Light on top, dark on the bottom is a quick and easy way to divert attention to the upper half. The eye will always go to the lighter colour.
-Add an accessory at the neck as a double whammy to keep focus on top
The photo
This is an example of applying the light on top/dark on bottom approach, and adding a colourful accessory near the neck (the scarf). These garments are part of the Optionelle spring/summer 2009 fashion collection, further information on which you can find in my Optionelle lens.
The "T"
Broad and sometimes busty, this wedge shaped (or inverted triangle) woman carries their weight in their upper body
How to Determine if you are a "T"The shoulder or bust measurement will be the largest. If in doubt, take the hip measurement and add 5%. This will give you the minimum shoulder measurement to be considered a T.
If you are a T
-Create the V-neckline by unbuttoning the top two buttons of shirt - it will slim
down shoulders
-Stripes will hold your attention at the lower part of body
-Double whammy by adding longer necklace to slim upper half
-Light on the bottom, dark on top will keep attention southward
-V-necklines, turtlenecks or a deep scoop slim down broad shoulders
-Halters or straps that are closer to the neck will slim shoulders. Halter draws eye to
focus on collar bone rather than shoulders
-Head to toe colour always creates a streamline silhouette
-Choose pants that flare at the bottom to balance hips
-Bottoms that have a detail like buttons, a print or embellishment divert attention to
lower half
-Jackets that cinch in at the waist and then flare at hips create the illusion of needed
volume in the hips
-Slim skirt makes hips look wider to balance shoulders
The photo
This is an example of creating a V neckline, using stripes or other detail on the bottom to divert attention, and adding a longer necklace to slim the upper half. These garments are part of the Optionelle spring/summer 2009 fashion collection, further information on which you can find in my Optionelle lens.
The "H"
Anyone who craves a waistline is considered an H. They may have been diagnosed as an I, an O or a rectangle in the past. They carry their weight in their middle.
How to Determine if you are an "H"Hip and shoulder measurements will be the same (or very close) and the waist will be very similar or larger than the hip or shoulder measurement. Take the hip or the shoulder measurement (remember that these will practically be the same) and subtract 25%. This will give you the minimum waist measurement to be considered an H.
If you are an H
-Swirly print instantly creates curves and adds softness to silhouette
-Empire cut and roomy fit hides tummy
-Flare pant leg creates curves
-Loose fit top hides sins
-Create shape with a tailored jacket - a nip and flare at waist fakes a curvy figure. Pair with a flare cut pant and voila! Instant va voom!
The photo
This is an example of an empire cut top with a print to add softness and hide the tummy, and the use of flare pants to create curves. These garments are part of the Optionelle spring/summer 2009 fashion collection, further information on which you can find in my Optionelle lens.
The "X"
The curvy gal! Their shoulders and hips are balanced and they have a small defined waist. Also known as the hourglass, they are well proportioned.
How to Determine if you are an "X"Shoulder and hips should be within 5% of each other. Take the hip (or shoulder) measurement and subtract 10 (assuming that you're working in inches). This will give you the approximate waist measurement for this person to be considered an X (within a couple of inches).
If you are an X
-Fitted tee hugs in the right places. Horizontal pattern emphasizes curvy shape
-Pencil skirt shows off curves
-Large collar and shiny shoes keep the upper and lower body in check. Belt
highlights waist
-Criss-cross under bust emphasizes shape
-Accent your curves with a well fitted jacket and pant
-Balance neckline with glossy shoes
-Head to toe dressing will accent your silhouette
The photo
This is an example of a fitted tee with horizontal patterning (in this case, writing) to emphasize upper body curves, and a pencil skirt to emphasize the lower body ones. These garments are part of the Optionelle spring/summer 2009 fashion collection, further information on which you can find in my Optionelle lens.
Some Style book recommendations
Some books with sensible advice on how to dress your best
The Pocket Stylist: Behind-the-Scenes Expertise from a Fashion Pro on Creating Your Own Look
Amazon Price: $13.00 (as of 12/11/2009) 
Style Evolution: How to Create Ageless Personal Style in Your 40s and Beyond
Amazon Price: $15.30 (as of 12/11/2009)
Dress Your Best: The Complete Guide to Finding the Style That's Right for Your Body
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 12/11/2009)
What about Men's Body Types?
I've had a few questions about that...
As I jokingly replied in the feedback section, men are mostly "H"s and a few lucky ones are "T"s. And the "T" is basically what men want to strive for (like the "X" type for women). So here's a quick summary for men... I'm still searching for photos, so this is a work in progress...
The "H":
As in the women's types, this type carries their weight in their middle.
How to Determine if you are an "H"
This is essentially the same as the women's determination. Hip and shoulder measurements will be the same or very close (shoulder measures are often the larger of the two) and the waist will be very similar or larger than the hip or shoulder measurement.
If you are an H
What to do: Distract from waist. Divert attention to upper body
What to wear: Belts - as with women, a low slung belt can add volume to the hips and make waist smaller by comparison
What to avoid: Boxy cuts - why be a rectangle?
Some suggestions:
-Try to emphasize your upper body (shoulders). This is why most men's jackets have shoulder pads
-Choose shirts/tops that are fitted but that don't excessively hug the body, especially if you are more of an "O" (larger in the waist)
Photo coming
The "T"
This inverted triangle or wedge shape is the "desired" men's body type.
How to Determine if you are a "T"
Like for women types, the shoulder measurement will be the largest. If in doubt, take the hip measurement and add 5%. This will give you the minimum shoulder measurement to be considered a T.
If you are a T
What to do: By all means, attract attention to the shoulders and to the hips/legs
What to wear: What women want to avoid, you want to emphasize: larger lapels, shoulder pads or sleeve gathers in reasonable proportion will emphasize your broad upper half, but don't overdo it. Horizontal lines across the the shoulders or pectoral area will also highlight this area.
What to avoid: Not too much, most men's fashions will do justice to your body type
Some suggestions:
- None yet... most men's fashions are made for this type
Photo coming
The "H":
As in the women's types, this type carries their weight in their middle.
How to Determine if you are an "H"
This is essentially the same as the women's determination. Hip and shoulder measurements will be the same or very close (shoulder measures are often the larger of the two) and the waist will be very similar or larger than the hip or shoulder measurement.
If you are an H
-Try to emphasize your upper body (shoulders). This is why most men's jackets have shoulder pads
-Choose shirts/tops that are fitted but that don't excessively hug the body, especially if you are more of an "O" (larger in the waist)
Photo coming
The "T"
This inverted triangle or wedge shape is the "desired" men's body type.
How to Determine if you are a "T"
Like for women types, the shoulder measurement will be the largest. If in doubt, take the hip measurement and add 5%. This will give you the minimum shoulder measurement to be considered a T.
If you are a T
- None yet... most men's fashions are made for this type
Photo coming
Like some of the styles in the photos here?
As I said in the modules above, the styles are Optionelle
They are usually sold through fashion consultant via home shows - send me an email if you want to find a consultant or ask on the Optionelle website. The website also has some online shopping - past season fashions at great prices!
(If you register there and don't have consultant, here are the last names of some great consultants I know - Groll, Makar, or Hickson. Just enter one of those names as your consultant!)
(If you register there and don't have consultant, here are the last names of some great consultants I know - Groll, Makar, or Hickson. Just enter one of those names as your consultant!)
Optionelle on eBay
Here's some of the auctions, etc on eBay featuring Optionelle fashions:
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
What did you think?
I'd love your feedback on this lens, and welcome your questions on the subject matter!
submit
-
Reply
- Princessa Princessa Jul 17, 2009 @ 4:48 pm
- Excellent lense. The secret to looking great, confident and sexy is to know your body shape and dress accordingly.
-
Reply
- falasharegina falasharegina Jul 16, 2009 @ 4:27 pm
- thanks for the info.
-
Reply
- ClassyGals ClassyGals May 23, 2009 @ 9:19 am
- Very informative fashion lens! Five stars and lensrolled to my fashion lenses. Also I'd love to have you join my fashion groups: Fashion Guru's and Discount Family Fashions.
-
Reply
- cjsysreform cjsysreform May 22, 2009 @ 11:58 am
- Me again. I've also lensrolled this to my latest lens, The Pretty Bitty Bra Guide. :)
Have you submitted this to spirituality's Women and Girls Shopping group? It's a great one to help more people find your lens.
-
Reply
- cjsysreform cjsysreform May 10, 2009 @ 8:05 pm
- Great information! I'm not really any of these, though... the closest to my body type is X, but I'm too flat-chested to be an hourglass. Sigh.
Rated 5* and lensrolled to Designer Jeans for Women: An eBay Buyer's Guide. In that lens I've included some information on how designer jean brands fit various body types. Please lensroll back if you think this will be of interest to your visitors. Thanks!
- Load More
by ChrysW
New mum, budding mompreneur... Right now, I am on maternity leave - my son is nine months old and bursting with energy. And maybe my Squid endeavours... (more)
Explore related pages
Online Apparel Stores For Teen Girls- Here you will find all kinds of different stores for Juniors and teen girls to s...
Sexy Corsets- Traditional corsets are designed to mold the body into an hourglass s...
The Best Minimizer Bras | My Preferences and Reviews- Minimizer bras are a blessing for us women who want to make our breasts appear s...
Shopping Bargains- Hello and thank you for visiting my Lens. I have been selling online, starting w...
Everything Fun!!!- Hello, my name is Sharon. I have a store at cafepress.com. You can veiw it at ht...
Optionelle - a fashion experience- Optionelle fashions are sold through home-based shopping parties in Canada and i...
