Apples, and bananas, and pears – oh my! What even is an apple body shape?!
One of the best things I ever did for my body was figure out that I’m an apple body shape.
It didn’t happen until I was in my late 30s, but hey – better late than never!
And once I figured out my shape, I learned what clothes look the best on my body. That doesn’t mean I have an easy time finding clothes that fit, but now I know what styles to look for.
So the goal of this post is to give you a clearer answer to the question, “What is an apple body shape?” Maybe you are one, or maybe you’re another similar shape. Keep reading to find out!
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Table of Contents
How Do I Know if I Have an Apple Body Shape?
Apple body shapes are characterized by a roundness to their upper half (waist, bust, and shoulders) that is larger than their bottom half (hips, butt, and legs). Your waist, bust, and hip measurements are similar, or your waist is the largest measurement.
Just like the fruit, there are many varieties of apple shapes. Their roundness may come from a large bust, a wide back, a thick stomach, or a combination of the three.
And while most people think apples are plus size, they can also be slim or mid size. They can be short, tall, and any height in between. Their torsos can be normal, short, or long.
Apple Body Shape Characteristics
Apple body shape traits include:
- a thick waist;
- narrow hips;
- a flat butt;
- slim legs;
- broad shoulders;
- a wide back; and
- a large bust.
An apple’s waist may be larger than her bust and hips, or it may be similar in measurement.
Apple body shapes also tend to gain weight disproportionately in their middle compared to the rest of their body. Their legs often remain slender even when they gain weight in their waist.
Similar Body Shapes
There are several body shapes related to the apple. While much of your body shape is determined by your bone structure, you may shift into different body shapes if you gain or lose weight.
If you’re still unsure if you’re an apple, here are three similar body shapes with explanations about what makes them different.
Rectangle
Like apples, rectangles are also characterized by fairly uniform bust, waist, and hip measurements. But unlike apples, they are more proportional throughout the body.
A rectangle’s butt and legs are “normal” in size and complement their bust, waist, and hips. An apple’s butt tends to be flat and her legs are skinny compared to the rest of her body.
Apples tend to be more square than rectangle, meaning their measurements are wider.
In addition, many clothes are made for rectangles, so they have a much easier time finding clothes that fit well than apples do.
Inverted Triangle
Inverted triangles have shoulders and/or a bust that is larger than their hips. Their bodies are widest at the shoulders and narrow to the hips, like an upside-down triangle or the letter V.
While apples may also have broad shoulders, their torsos are straight or round and don’t narrow to the hips.
Pear
Pears have hips that are wider than their waist, bust, and shoulders. The difference between apple and pear body shapes is that pears are rounder and heavier in their bottom half (hips and legs), while apples are rounder and heavier in their upper half (shoulders, bust, and waist).
Final Thoughts on Apple Body Shapes
My 40th birthday is in less than three months, and I feel like I’m going to dress better at 40 than I did at 30. Because now I know I’m an apple body shape.
I’ve got every style of jeans in my closet and have yet to find that ‘perfect’ fit. I love your suggestions. I bought a pair of Hudson jeans from Poshmark, can’t wait until they arrive later this week.
Hi Denise! How’d the Hudson jeans work?