Body Shape Comparison: All 5 Types Side by Side
Not sure whether you're an hourglass or a pear? Rectangle or apple? The differences between body shapes come down to three measurements — and how they relate to each other. Here's a direct comparison of all five body types.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Hourglass ⏳ | Pear 🍐 | Apple 🍎 | Rectangle ⬜ | Inverted Triangle 🔺 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoulders vs Hips | Balanced (±5%) | Hips wider | Shoulders wider | Balanced (±5%) | Shoulders much wider |
| Waist Definition | Strong (25%+ narrower) | Defined but less prominent | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal to moderate |
| WHR | Below 0.75 | Below 0.75 | Above 0.80 | Above 0.80 | 0.75–0.85 |
| Weight Gain Pattern | Evenly distributed | Hips, thighs, buttocks | Abdomen first | Evenly distributed | Upper body, back, abdomen |
| Population % | ~8% | ~20% | ~14% | ~46% | ~14% |
Pairwise Comparisons
Hourglass vs Pear
Both have WHR below 0.75, so they're often confused. The difference:
| Hourglass | Pear | |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder-Hip balance | Within 5% | Hips 5%+ wider than shoulders |
| Weight distribution | Even top and bottom | Lower body dominant |
| Waist | Very defined, sits proportionally | Defined but between wider hips |
Quick test: If your hips are more than 2 inches (5 cm) wider than your shoulders, you're a Pear — not an Hourglass. True hourglasses have a balanced frame.
Hourglass vs Rectangle
Both tend to have balanced shoulders and hips, but:
| Hourglass | Rectangle | |
|---|---|---|
| WHR | Below 0.75 | Above 0.80 |
| Waist-to-shoulder drop | 25%+ | Less than 25% |
| Silhouette | Curved, defined waist | Straight, athletic |
Quick test: If your waist measurement is close to your shoulder and hip measurements (within 75–80%), you're a Rectangle.
Apple vs Rectangle
Both have WHR above 0.80, making them easy to mix up:
| Apple | Rectangle | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight concentration | Abdomen | Evenly distributed |
| Shoulders | Often wider than hips | Balanced with hips |
| Legs | Often slimmer | Proportional |
Quick test: If most of your weight sits around your midsection with slimmer arms and legs, you're an Apple. If it's evenly distributed, you're a Rectangle.
Apple vs Inverted Triangle
Both carry more weight in the upper body:
| Apple | Inverted Triangle | |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder width | Moderate | Broad, prominent |
| Hip width | Narrow to moderate | Narrow |
| Waist | Larger than hips or bust | Defined but less than shoulders and hips |
Quick test: If you have distinctly broad shoulders with narrow hips and a somewhat defined waist, you're an Inverted Triangle. If your midsection is the widest point, you're an Apple.
Pear vs Inverted Triangle
These are essentially opposites — one is bottom-heavy, one is top-heavy:
| Pear | Inverted Triangle | |
|---|---|---|
| Widest point | Hips | Shoulders/bust |
| Narrowest point | Shoulders/upper body | Hips |
| WHR | Below 0.75 | 0.75–0.85 |
Quick test: Look in the mirror. Wider on bottom = Pear. Wider on top = Inverted Triangle.
How to Determine Your Type With Measurements
The most objective way: take three measurements (shoulders, waist, hips) and check the numbers:
-
Calculate WHR (Waist ÷ Hips)
- Below 0.75 → Hourglass or Pear
- Above 0.80 → Apple, Rectangle, or Inverted Triangle
-
Compare Shoulders to Hips
- Within 5% → Hourglass or Rectangle
- Hips 5%+ wider → Pear
- Shoulders 5%+ wider → Apple or Inverted Triangle
-
Check Waist Definition
- Waist 25%+ smaller than shoulders/hips → Strong definition (Hourglass)
- Waist less than 25% smaller → Minimal definition (Rectangle, Apple)
Use our free body type calculator to do all the math automatically.
Edge Cases: When You're Between Types
About 15–20% of people fall between two categories. Common combinations:
- Pear-Hourglass: Hips are noticeably wider than shoulders, but waist is very defined. Our calculator labels this "Bottom Hourglass."
- Rectangle-Apple: Balanced frame but weight settling in the midsection.
- Athletic Rectangle: Balanced measurements with some shoulder width — closer to Inverted Triangle but without the strong V-shape.
Being between types is normal. The calculator uses mathematical thresholds, but real bodies exist on a spectrum.
Try the Calculator
You've seen the comparisons — now get your exact classification:
👉 Body Type Calculator — Enter your measurements for instant results with your exact ratios and body type.
👉 Body Type Quiz — A quick 2-minute alternative if you don't have a measuring tape.