Shape, Type, Physique

If you've read my post on Shape & Minimalism, you've identified your body shape. Congratulations! Now you're ready to learn something else that will make your fashion choices easier: body type.

If you've never seen a Dress Form, the best ones have adjustments for various body measurements. The best ones I've seen account for these areas:

Neck

Bust

Torso height

Waist

Hip

Height

All these measurements will provide an overview of your physique. The definition of physique is: the form, size, and development of a person's body. The definitions of shape (form) and type (size and develoment) provided here can be used to find your overall physique.

Now what are the different body types, as defined by the general physiological community?

Ectomorph

Lean and long, with difficulty building muscle.

Endomorph

Big, high body fat, often pear-shaped, with a high tendency to store body fat. 

Mesomorph

Muscular and well-built, with a high metabolism and responsive muscle cells.

If you're curious about in depth details, navigate to this site: Muscle and Strength

There are certain body shapes that will fall into the strict definition of each type, but there are several shapes that can be combined with any of the types. It all depends on your body structure. 

When looking at clothing for yourself, you need to take both body shape and body type into account. What will work for an hourglass ectomorph body may not work well for an hourglass mesomorph body. No matter what the fashion industry tries to tell you!

People have lots of obstacles about accepting their bodies. Be it weight, height, shape, skin tone...the list goes on. Just like a healthcare regimen, you need to understand some things about yourself. Especially your own physique. You're the one living in your skin, you should know a few things about it. 

Please take the time to understand your shape, you owe it to yourself, your family, and especially any children that are watching you. Be aware of what you say, not just about yourself, but others also. Remember your words get internalized in young minds. When you teach yourself self-love, it can only spread to others.

If your dream is to have an hourglass figure, but it's really a pear shape figure, no matter what gains you make your mind will tell you you're still not good enough, and that could set you back on all the progress you have made if you've been working toward body goals!

The biggest culprits to closet clutter are the following wishful thoughts:

1. Size-oriented

2. Weather-oriented

As other articles have stated, many people are guilty of creating a fantasy wardrobe. One that consists of clothing that doesn't fit their bodies or lifestyle! I'm certainly guilty of this myself. My closet was full of long sleeve shirts, and I live in a subtropical climate!

Remember, as you peruse clothing racks and even evaluate your existing wardrobe, you need to ask yourself these questions:

1. Does it work for my physique

2. Do I love it

3. How often can I wear it - seasonal and transitional use

Knowing your physique will allow you to better purge what you have to get down to the things that you really love. You'll soon be loving your closet, and body again!