THE BODY TYPE : SKITTLE

24/7/2013

You can't decide if you are slim or curvy, because you're both. You know you are bottom heavy, and you might have considered yourself as being a pear shape, but you don't have the saddlebags and the big bum.
The Skittle is characterized by a long slender upper body which gets wider at the middle, and carry most of their weight around the thighs. The top half is in good proportion, but you've probably had some issues with trying to cover up your lower half over the years. The shape is characterized by average boobs, slim waist, ok tummy, big thighs and chunky calves
I know what you're thinking! Halle Berry doesn't have to cover up anything.
Although she might be the fittest Skittle I have ever seen and looks good in almost everything, there are still some looks that flatter her more than others. It is only when she breaks the most important "rules", you recognize that she is indeed a Skittle.

When a Skittle gets out of shape, the first thing to go are the thighs, thus creating the upper and lower thigh "bumpy parts". (I wish we could all find our cellulites and wobbly bits attractive, but I'm afraid society is not quite there yet).
Being a Skittle myself, I find it best to focus on what flatters my body type. Such as, how to accentuate the positives and try not to pull attention to the unflattering bits, instead of covering them up.
With the right information, you have the power to decide what is right for you.

The most important guidelines.
- Pants and skirts that hang from your bum to the floor will ease the pounds off your thighs, and A-line skirts are especially good for Skittles.
- Many advice Skittles to NEVER wear skinny jeans and to cover their larger lower half.
(I feel that there is nothing wrong with a little bottom-heavy curves. In fact, thanx to J'Lo and Beyonce it has become desierable. Yes, you might look thinner wearing wide-leg pants, but that is a matter of taste).
- Pencil skirts show of your upper outer thigh bump, making your hips look square.
- Cropped pants will shorten your legs and increase the size of your thighs.
- Anything above the knee will lead the eye straight to your thighs or make them look bigger than they are.
(If needed, I wear stockings to give them a more firm look, seeing as I like big thighs. Again, it's a matter of taste).
- Wearing a long turtleneck sweater and too short pants is possibly the biggest mistake you can make.
- Fitted tops show off that lovely small waist, so just focus on how your upper body looks great in almost everything.

"We are not all cut from the same cloth", so there will be some individual variations. For those uf us who simply prefer figure hugging clothes, we need to change the rules a bit (Personally, I feel wide pants make me look like a "small giant" and prefer to accentuate that I'm in fact tall, not big). Luckily, there are some tricks you can use to make the wrong look right, and that involves being extra thought on the other rules. Or for the more advanced, you can create a silhouette illusion.
For example, when wearing tight pants or skirts, keep your bottom half away from light colors and shiny materials, make sure to wear a forgiving top and that the hemline doesn't cut your figure in the widest parts.

For any skittle no matter the height or weight, you should avoid going overboard by trying to cover your whole body with baggy shapeless clothes. Try not to neglect your shapely arms, tiny waist and defined ankles. You don’t need to hide yourself! It's all about creating balance and giving your curves soft transitions.

YES

GOOD FOR YOUR SHAPE:
Anything for your top half that has some colour or detail to draw the eye upwards.
Borad lapel cropped jacket, cardigan or blazer. Waist or hip bone lenght.
Fitted jumpers and tops.
Fitted dresses and coats with flared skirts.
A-line skirts.Pants and skirts that hang from your bum to the floor.
Wide-leg pants.
Low-leg swimsuit with detail at breast.
High chunky heels balance out your legs and make those legs longer and slimmer.

NEVER WEAR:
Thigh length jackets that cut you across the bum.
Spaghetti-strap tops.
Baggy shapeless clothes.Long turtleneck sweaters.
Stretch trousers (Especially not if shiny or light in color).
Cropped or too short pants.
Pencil skirts.
Calf-length straight skirts.
Ankle straps.

Other Skittles: Meryl Streep, and myself. And as you can see in both of my pictures, it's a thigh situation.

(The 12 body shapes and rules are mostly borrowed from Trinny and Susannah's Body Shape Bible. I have made some alterations. Photos in this post are borrowed from Google. Unknown source.)

Strong legs rock!

55 Comments

ETHICAL AND PERSONALIZED STYLE, FOR A "GOOD FOR YOU" WARDROBE.

Idealist style is a website and "slow blog" dedicated to ethical fashion and personalized style, including tips on how to find your very own "slow fashion" style by using color analysis, the body types system, and other slow fashion tips.»
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The work on this site is mine unless specified.

Sophia

3/2/2014 11:36:45 am

Thankyou so much for this article! It has helped me alot to figure out how to utilise my body shape to the best of it's ability and helped me to understand my body shape alot more!!!
Cheers
Soph

IDEALIST STYLE link

18/6/2014 06:47:11 pm

That's great to hear, Soph. I am so glad this could help you. I know a lot changed for me when I discovered how to wear clothes the right way. All of the sudden it's not you. It's the clothes ;)
Thanx for reading :)

Mary

19/4/2014 10:28:06 am

thank you very much!
this is a VERY helpful article!

18/6/2014 06:48:28 pm

You welcome! And thank you for reading :)

Rene link

14/12/2014 11:29:00 pm

Still find it hard to see myself as a skittle. Thanks for useful tips. I am a conservative "dresser" and not at all naturally inclined to these clothing items. How weird is that!!! I am also already close to 50 agewise.... . Spend time in the shops, trying on a lot, but end up buying nothing in fear of buying incorrect items. :-(

15/12/2014 03:24:55 am

You welcome, Rene :) I'm so glad that you found it useful.
If you know your colors and your shapes, you can't go wrong as long as you know what you like. I had a hard time finding clothing that worked for me as well (as a fellow Skittle). And as a foremost fashion educated person, I focused too much on what style I liked, and was so disappointed by the fact that I didn't look as good as others in several different silhouettes, such as pencil skirts and so on. But, once I realized why, that it was a matter of different standard body types; I finally just accepted it, and have pretty much felt much better about shopping ever since. Finding flattering clothes is much easier now, because I know what to look for and what to not even waste time trying on.
I would recommend finding a great pair of dark trousers or knee length skirt, a fitted blazer and some cool or classy blouses or tops. That is always a safe and great look for a skittle. Also, since the skittle is very much a "dress" body type, I would invest in a couple of simple A-line dresses, that has a fitted waist or possibility of adding a belt. I always used to wear that for work (before I became a pants and blazer lady). It's comfortable and looks professional.

Have you seen the BEST LOOKS for skittle?
http://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/body-type-skittle-your-best-looks

Also, the COLOR ANALYSIS guide?
http://www.idealiststyle.com/the-rules-of-wearing-colors.html

I wish you the best of luck :)
Sun

Sarah

28/12/2014 11:10:04 pm

I have all of those characteristics mentioned except, I think I have saddlebags. Does that mean I am not a skittle? Or do I still count as one?

29/12/2014 01:00:59 am

Hi Sarah! It could mean that you are a "Pear" if you have saddlebag-curves starting at the hip-bone, creating a more round hip-bone, to bum, to thigh curve. But If the "saddlebag look" you're describing start at the upper thigh instead you're probably a "Skittle". For a "Skittle" the widest part seem to be located lower down than on a "Pear".
As a "Skittle", I feel as if I have something resembling saddlebags as well, but it is more of a thigh situation (and sometimes love-handles ;), but the middle part between those areas does not seem to gain much. A "Skittle" just happen to have more mass/fat/muscle in that particular area (the thigh). "Pears" have wide hips, big bum and wide thighs, so similar figure, slightly differently areas.
A good test is, how great are pencil skirts on you. A "Pear" (usually) looks more well shaped in them, and a "Skittle" will (usually) have a little more of a bumpy look. Also, a "Pear" will have more of a dramatic difference between upper and lower body fat. A "Skittle" can seem more balanced.

Good luck :)

Marissa Watson

3/1/2015 01:44:47 pm

Thank you very very much for this article, I constantly find myself changing clothes only because my skinny jeans gave me an accidental mini muffin top 😟. The only problem is than I'm not 100% sure that I'm a skittle. I am 5'7 and 136 pounds, and it seems as if all of that weight goes to my lower back 😨. I honestly think that I am both a skittle and a bit of a cornet as well, and I read the article of cornets and I related to that one as well. Im just really confused, and I just really want to dress appropriately to how my body is shaped. Please help!!

16/1/2015 11:13:19 pm

Hi Marissa :) Thank you for reading my blog.
It is possible to be influenced by two different types. I am a skittle with shoulders as broad as hips, and so I don't try to widen my shoulders. Have you tried reading the Goblet or Brick? Because your description sounds a little like that.

http://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/the-body-type-brick

http://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/the-body-type-goblet

What is it aboout the skittle that fits and what about the cornet? Do you you have heavy or long legs? Are your boobs large, medium or small? If you have heavy legs, large thighs, a relatively slim top half (slimmer than bottom half) and just have som lover tummy an love-handles, and your boobs are medium to small, you can very well be a skittle with broad shoulders. If you are, you should dress as a skittle, and just follow the cornet rules that apply to not making the shoulders look broader. Or maybe follow the rules of the body part you feel give you the biggest struggle when wearing clothes.

I have seen Cornets that have fuller figures, and have the most in the middle. But they always have medium to small boobs and the shoulders are always the dominant feature.
Skittles are usually smaller from the waist up, but can have some tummy and love handle stuff going on below the waistline. But the thighs are always your fullest (fat and muscle) part. You can tell when you sit, that you thigs are still bigger than the tummy and hips.

xxx Sun

Amy

18/1/2015 11:22:52 am

Thanks so much for this!! This is basically me except I have never been super fond of my arms and the curves from my waist to my hips is more of a right angle curve than a slow arch, haha. I also have a question. What kind of dresses would look good/ not look good on skittles like me?

19/1/2015 06:06:03 am

Hi Amy. I'm so glad the information was helpful.
Both the characteristics you describe can sound a little like me.
My arms aren't all that firm, although their not very large, but I feel as if I have to be considerate of them when dressing, too not bring attention to them. My trick is to either cover the arms with something somewhat fitted (skittle needs to show of the top half), wear something puffy on the shoulder in a t-shirt sleeve length, or to show the entire shoulder when wearing tank-tops to make sure the cut makes my arm look long and slender, and not cropped which will make it look more wobbly. T-shirts and tops that only cover the shoulder and no arm, are the worst (they crop the length of the arm, making it appear wider, and the cut of the sleeve is usually at the broadest point, drawing attention to the issue).
And considering the bottom half, I would recommend dressed that are fitted on top (above waist), cut or belted in the waist, that flares gently from the waist and out. Not too much puff, but a knee length or full length A-line skirt (never wear skirts that cut you on the lower leg, it will crop your legs, making them look heavy instead of curvy). 50's style dresses with an open neckline, for example, will draw attention to your top half and show skin where it's flawless. The wide skirt will balance the look of your lower leg.
Pencil skirts or all fitted dresses can be a challenge, and not for most skittles (I look unshapely in them), and dropped waistlines and dresses that are loose, wide or big on top will hide what is best about the skittle. The trick is to show that you have a petite/slender top half paired with curves below. If you hide your top half and only show your bottom half, you can look wide all over instead, and loose some of that super feminine curve.

You should check out the follow up for the skittle post. It shows the best looks for this body type.
http://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/body-type-skittle-your-best-looks

For the entire overview of the body types, click on this link.
http://www.idealiststyle.com/the-body-types.html

I hope you got your answer ;)
Xxx Sun

Simona

23/2/2015 08:13:45 pm

Ahhh thank you soo much! I've been struggling to understand what my shape is. I love pencil skirts but always wondered why they dont look good on me because I though I was a "pear". And indeed it is a thigh thing because i noticed that whenever i gain or lose weight it firstly shows on my thighs while the waist and up remain the same:D i was also wondering if high waist pants are ok to wear
Thank you

10/4/2015 08:17:54 am

Hi, Simona :) I love pencil skirts and high waisted jeans too, but just not on me. My solution has been to always break up the area with either cuts and colors, or a loose-ish fitting top (such as a peplum top). The problem with fitted high-waisted pants and pencil skirts for the Skittle, is that many of us have slimmer and longer upper bodies, and an all fitted look can really draw attention to that difference, and make the legs look short and heavy. I have seen some "long" buts happening as well.
I often wear high waisted jeans, but I never wear a cropped top with it, or tuck the top in. I wear something looser over to cut my bum at the right spot (just where it starts to go out). This makes my thighs round and curvy, and my but look lifted.
But high-waisted A-line skirts, or wide leg pants that doesn't cling to the but and thigh can actually work really well. So if I want to tuck my top in, wear crop tops or something that shows of my waist, I wear something forgiving from the waist down.
If you are a fit and balanced Halle Berry kind of Skittle, you can actually get away with just about everything, but I would still make sure there is a cut, pattern or something to break up the length of the but (it's not the but that's long, but the lack of drama between waist to but that gives the illusion of the but starting at the waist, doubling it's length... without any "area control". For the Skittle the drama is more between waist to upper thigh, which is a long way down ;)
In conclusion: To look my absolute best (figure wise) I wear peplum tops or slightly loose-fitted tops with high-waisted skinny jeans, and fitted tops with A-line skirts instead of pencil.

I hope this answer was helpful :) Have a nice weekend.
Xxx from Sun.

Kiera

27/3/2015 01:53:07 am

Hey, I really enjoyed this post and learned some new things. I noticed that you (and a few others) have said that it's best to avoid cropped pants especially anything above the knee, so what do you suggest for summer? I live in Alabama, so shorts and pretty much a necessity for me. Any advice on wearing and shopping for shorts? Thanks!

10/4/2015 07:45:48 am

Hi, Kiera. I'm glad to hear that the post was helpful :)
I would actually recommend to wear A-line type skirts and dresses instead of shorts. But if you must, I would go for bicycle type shorts or some kind of tight fitted shorts. Better to show of the curve rather than to wear something that will make those full figured thighs look flabby instead of fab. A material that is too thin or too loose (such as some types of spandex, loose non elastic jeans-shorts, and linen materials) can be either too reveling or give an illusion of being less firm. But if you go for a thicker, firm material with elasticity, it will show of the curve and muscle tone of the body part instead. As for length for the shorts, it depends on how comfortable you are with showing skin as well as the level of firmness of your thigh. I prefer to never wear anything shorter than 1/3 of the thigh, since I have some upper thigh saddlebags. Never crop at the widest part. If the shorts are too close to knee-length it can also be a little bit unflattering for the knee and lower leg. In conclusion, the rule is that: A-line skirts are your most flattering look, but firming 1/3 to 1/2 thigh length shorts (length below the thigh bump) in a sturdy and thick material can also be a good and natural look for a Skittle. No flobby, saggy or baggy materials, go for either firming or flowing. Also, wearing panty hose underneath and making sure that the shoes are lengthening and not cropping the leg (no ankle-straps, use a color close to the skin color, maybe some sturdy heals are always good helpers). A Skittle has a sturdier lower half, so I always try to make sure my legs are shown as the long and curvy things they actually are. If you crop or dress them the wrong way they can easily seem like the opposite.

Best of luck on your shopping. I hope this answer helped, and would love to hear what solution worked the best for you :)
Xxx from Sun.

Senetria

9/8/2015 01:47:38 pm

I never really knew my body type. I'm like you I actually like the thickness in my thighs. THANK YOU SO MUCH ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

13/8/2015 02:15:12 am

Aaaaaw! That is so great to hear, and you are very welcome :-D
Xxx from Sun.

Andrea link

15/8/2015 10:28:54 pm

Thanks for writing such a clear and helpful article! So much if this rang true for me, I wondered if you could help with a niche question... So I am a hula hoop performer in a hoop troupe, which means lots of fabulous costumes and colours! The troupe usually makes outfit variations out of the same colourful Lycra fabric, from leotards (in the main), to leggings and little dresses. As the focus for a skittle should be away from the thighs there doesn't seem to be a natural outfit choice for the skittle... Unless I just embrace that thigh width and make leggings that look like stockings, with 2 colours split at the thigh? I am body confident and happy to experiment, so any suggestions for clothing types would be welcome, thank you! Here's a pic of the troupe to give you an idea of how we roll... http://thehoopingharlots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/10561665_10152597236198164_190500350962796207_n.jpg

31/8/2015 10:13:02 am

Hi Andrea. Thanx for your comment :) Being a hula hoop performer seems really cool. Love it! The pics on your page are great!
Embrace your thigh width and remember that curves are hot. As for the Skittle rules. If you have snug top, leggings and an a-line mini-skirt on top, that would definitely work. Being a Skittle myself, I like to wear peplum tops matched with skinny jeans, and I think that would translate well to one of your lycra costumes as well. Just make sure the blod print is all over, or preferable on your top half rather than you bottom half. Other that that, maybe a little ballerina like dress on top of leggings. I think skittle thighs are fantastic, and should't be hidden. It's more about not cutting them of at the wrong place. For example, knee length, og shin length pants/leggings highlight all the wrong places on the curvy Skittle legs. So think about showing all of the leg, or hiding all of it when it comes to pants like styles. Showing half only works for skirts. I swear to fitted bottoms paired with forgiving tops that break up my but-area (cut just above the but), so I don't get the "long" booty look, but rather my actual booty look. The idea is to separate the but and the back/hips into separate areas with either a cut, color or top. Or the other choice, wide legged pants or A-line skirts paired with fitted tops, crop tops, and so on. Peplum tops work with both choices. A leotard with a skirt would definitely be a safe choice though.

I hope this answered you question :) You can always send me a photo of the outfit in question if you need more specific advice.

Xxx, Sun.

Andrea

1/9/2015 05:37:51 pm

Hey Sun,
Hula hooping is tons of fun thanks, in its own right and in terms of the fabulous fashion/ photo shoots/ glitter that comes as part and parcel of performing :-)

Thanks for your considered reply, what you say makes sense and I love the positivity and solutions you offer, yay!

I read more of your website last night and have to say I love how you have laid out colour and shape theory, I find these things fascinating too and enjoyed the read. On a similar but different note, have you ever come across the Myers Briggs personality test? It's a similar tool to colour palettes in that there are 4 key factors that determine which of the 16 personality types and you most closely identify with. You can take the test for free here if you like: http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp

Thanks again,
Andrea.

12/12/2015 05:42:29 am

Thank you so much for that lovely reply (below), Andrea. That makes me so happy ;-*
Yes, actually, I have. I am an ENFJ :-)

I hope you have a lovely x-mas, and lots of good luck on your Hula hooping.

Xxx, Sun.

Lola

23/8/2015 09:26:43 am

Interesting article. I've looked at all 12 of the body types and this one seems most like me, but I'm pretty small up top, not average...would I still qualify as a skittle, or am I something else?

31/8/2015 10:27:20 am

Hi Lola :) Thank you for that.
A skittle is smaller on top that on the bottom, but not the most drastic of the bottom heavy bunch. A Pear would be even slimmer on top compared to hips, legs and but, since on a skittle it's more of a thigh thing. But all bottom heavy types have heavier legs and wider hips than their slimmer top halfs. A very small and short top half could also be a Bell. Think Mindy Kaling. A Pear and a Skittle has a long waist, whereas the Bell has a short waist, small boobs, and small shoulders, compared to the bottom half.

I hope this information helped :)

Xxx, Sun.

1/9/2015 08:06:51 am

Ah, so then I think I am a skittle (albeit a small one), since I have a long waist and I'm widest in the thigh area. I'm fairly petite so the whole small chest thing probably just comes with that territory anyway, haha. Thank you for your helpful reply :-]

1/9/2015 10:18:01 am

Very plausible :) The more petit and slender you are, the less curves are left. I have something resembling boobs when fuller, but the thinner I get, the more I look skinny with thighs, and oh...some hips.
You welcome.

Xxx, Sun.

4/1/2016 09:00:00 am

Hey Sun,

Happy New Year to you! Hope you had a good time over the party season. It's of course that time of year when thoughts turn to diets and exercise and how to best squeeze those thighs back into those skinny jeans...

I was wondering if you might have any info/ have come across any info for best exercises for your shape? Specifically I am keen to slim down the thighs and make my booty more curved at the top - BIG ASK THERE, I KNOW! But hey, if you don't ask, you don't get...

Thanks Sun, and lots of love to all the Skittle ladies out there :-)

Andrea.

8/1/2016 04:21:49 am

Hi, Andrea. Happy new year to you too ;-)
I'm not an exercise expert, but I love being healthy and strong. Also, being a Skittle myself, I can tell you that the workout that does the most for me is Squats. It exercises everything from below your boobs to your ankles, and lifts the but and firms the thighs. I don't do them to make anything smaller, but it will still burn fat and slim you a little, but mostly it slims the belly, and lift, shape and tighten the lower body. Perfect for the Skittle. I love curves, so I don't want to get rid of them, especially since my upper body gets way to thin before my legs get slender. But, I actually do feel that it visibly slims the lower leg, because it shapes the leg, and also, the more muscle and circulation, the less water retention in the legs (which can be a problem too easily visible for bottom heavy body types). That's another great thing about squats, it also gets your systems going... all of them, such as, blood circulation, digestion, and rids your body of toxins. And it's kind of cardio too since it's heavy. Other than that I try to tone my arms to get rid of the floppy grandma arm that happens if I don't exercise ;-P But, honestly I care mainly about my waist down (arm fat is only visible when you wave in short sleeves, and easy to hide when posing for pictures. hehehe!). But, when I do care, I lift light weights. I just use two cans of beans or something, and do many repetitions, lifting in all angles so that all of the arm muscles get a workout.
Also, the plank is great for you core, which is really important. So I guess, these three are my Skittle MUST workout tricks.
I did the squat challenge once, and my but and thighs got so great. A little competition with yourself for 30 days is a great way to build the muscle, and then if your satisfied, just keep maintenance at the same level.

And if you are really dedicated, then there are a lot more but and thigh shaping exercises out there that will really help shape and tone. I found a link that has some of them. http://www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitness/advice/a28978/9-butt-moves-that-beat-squats/

I hope this answered your question.
Lots of love back from me ;-*

8/1/2016 06:39:08 am

Aaaaah Sun, you are sooo sweet! Thanks for the considered response, as always, great exercise Inspo and body confidence.

All the best for 2016, stay fabulous!

Dunja

6/3/2016 07:48:02 pm

Yes that is it, thighs bigger than the hips when you sit. Thank you, great blog, great post.

7/3/2016 08:53:16 am

Thank you so much for the lovely feedback :-)

Xxx, Sun

Liz

24/4/2016 08:24:03 pm

Hi thank you for this post! This sounds like me, even when I get very thin everywhere else, my thighs never really do. One thing perplexes me though--you say that skittles should never wear spaghetti strap tops? For me, my shoulders are thin and somewhat broad (as wide as my hips) and my upper arms are slim and I have medium boobs--so I think that spaghetti straps are about the most flattering thing I can wear! Just wondering why this wouldn't be typical of a skittle?

Mybodyexpert.com link

27/5/2016 11:24:59 pm

Here’s 6 simple steps you can take to protect your health when exercising:

Mia Lin

31/3/2017 05:01:54 pm

I have been trying to figure out for years what shape I am. I dont quite fit into any box. But as I am getting older and seeing a natural weight distribution form in my body, I am definitely leaning towards Skittle. In the original classic shapes, I tend to go between column and pear.

I am tall, longer legs, long torso with high hip. My weight distribution is thighs, arms and sometime midsection. I always choose high waist slim pants and higher neck tops. My jackets and cardigans are mid thigh or mid calf with a pinched waist. I think because I am taller my body shape is stretched out. People assume I am thin because I am tall and often expect me to have a fit body. But I think I am just lucky to carry my wait and have an olive undertone skin complexion. I always see this little bit of relief on peoples faces when they see me in a bikini and realise I have problem areas too. 😉

31/3/2017 06:00:51 pm

Hi, Mia Lin. That definitely sounds like a Skittle. The Column-pear description, was really good. You actually kind of described me, and I'm also a tall Skittle (182cm/6 feet), with olive undertone skin. I think having a harder time finding your group is a common problem with Skittles, as it's not one of the most famous body types. The high hip bone, long torso, full thigh, a little more on the arms than a pear (usually a bit more chest and tummy also than a pear, but that depends on amount of body fat), but slender total look, is a perfect description of a tall and slender Skittle, so I think you're on the right track. It sounds like you found a way to dress to flatter your figure as well.
I hope this helped you with any last doubt you might have, and let me know if you're still unsure.

Xxx, Sun.

Spin to Slim 30-Minute Workout link

13/1/2018 11:45:39 pm

thanks for sharing this amazing posting.

14/1/2018 12:31:52 pm

Thank you so much for that lovely feedback!

Xxx, Sun.

Anne

12/2/2018 03:13:00 am

I'm so thrilled to have found your page. I was always a very slim young person and even while and after my pregnancy, I didn't lose my waist or put on much weight. I'm tall and carry the bit of menopausal weight I've gained reasonably well, but the weight I've gained is all around my hips and thighs... where I was 'skinny' with a long, defined waist and no boobs, I am now 'slim' with bigger thighs, a bit less of a waist and no boobs :-). I have accepted that this might be me for the rest of my life but where I could wear a size 10 suit, I now wear a size 10 jacket and usually a size 12 or even 14 bottom... then the waist is huge and I look disproportionate. Dresses are usually a problem too. I've been trying to compensate and was frustrated. However, having read your articles on the skittle and pear figures... I reckon I'm a skittle and will use the information to dress accordingly. Excellent articles.

18/3/2018 09:44:45 am

Hi, Anne! I'm so glad you found my page to be helpful, and thank you so much for your kind words! You just made my day :-) As a fellow Skittle, I can totally relate to the small top and larger bottom when buying clothes. If I buy sets, I usually buy them big enough to fit my hips and thighs, and then take in the waist. Thanks heaven for sewing machines! For me the only solution has been to alter the waist on anything I buy with a waist, or use a belt when I can't.

Xxx, Sun.

5/5/2018 06:27:44 am

Hi!
I don't quite know where to put my shape. I am very tiny but I am often being told that I look taller than my real height. I am confused because I am slender but curvy for sure but almost every body shape has pictures of "fuller" women so I don't know which one is my shape. I have trouble wearing very wide and stiff belts because I don't have much space between my rib cage and the top of my hip bones ( so the belt kinda covers my rib cage too, I don't know maybe it looks great but I have always thought that belts should fit differently than that) as my waist dips in but right under that I naturally have love handles (I hope this makes sense) on the other hand thin belts can look a little off too but I can't tell why. I have smooth ,round curves so I don't really have hip dips and my widest point is around my hips not my thighs even though they are slightly chunky. My top half isn't dramatic but not flat either. My bra band size is very small but also looks very small compared to my hips (the difference between the two measurements is at least 20 cm). I look really good in skirts but I have trouble finding one that fits because they are either too big on the waist but perfect on the hips or perfect on the waist but too tight around the hips and thighs (especially when I sit down). I have no idea whether I have small shoulders or not, I don't know how to test that as I usually wear the smallest blouses already because I am a small person. I guess If I were heavier it would be easy to tell which shape is me but I am slender so I can't say that my hips are dramatically bigger or my shoulders are dramatically smaller compared to each other. I don't have prominent square shoulders but I have nice curvy hips so maybe that Indicates that I am bottom heavy.
I think you make the most precise and detailed analysis on body shapes and I cherish every piece of information on this blog but I just can't figure out myself.

5/5/2018 06:40:08 am

Sorry, I forgot to add that I am confused about wide belts not because they cover my rib cage too but because they fit almost right under my boobs so I think I have always thought that I wear them too high but maybe that means I have short waist. I am not 100% sure I understand the difference between short waist and long waist.

2/10/2018 12:08:56 pm

Hi, again B! It does sound like you're a Bell. About the body con dresses, it can look great as long as it's not too small. Small waist types can have a hard time finding clothes with a waist that is fitted enough. What I do, is to use belts to highlight the waist, or get it tailored. This way it fits my wide hips and shows off my small waist at the same time without being uncomfortable.
It is possible to be a Bell with a bit more of a chest. You should look at Mindy Kaling for inspo, as she has a little bit of a chest, and wears formfitting clothes in a great way for her body type. The pants and top you describe is also a great look for a Bell.

Xxx, Sun.

14/7/2018 07:51:21 am

Hi, B! Thank you so much for your kind words about my page. I really apreciate it.

Let's try and figure this out. First off, no matter how thick or thin you are, you will still have an either balanced (top is as wide as bottom) body, or one that is either wider up top or wider at the bottom. A bottom heavy or top heavy type will tend to have more body fat on the part that is dominating, and less on the part that's not. A very slender figure can be harder to figure out, as it is less dramatic in it's shape. I'm a Skittle that has shoulder width same as my hip width, but it's still obvious that my chest, waist and shoulder area has a lot less fat on it that below my waist. If you lay down on the floor it can be easier to see where your body fat is. For me nothing happens up top, and my but, thighs and legs almost double in width as my fat spreads to the side, and so you can see my body shape a lot clearer. Halle Berry is a slender Skittle, Geena Davis is a slender Vase, Katie Holmes is a slender Pear, Scarlett Johannson is a slender Hourglass, just to name a few you can look at. They're all tall though. If we can narrow it down to one type, it will be easier to find some petite ones for you to compare with.

Lets start with figuring out if you have a short or long waist. Place your hand at the base of your bust (fitting snugly but not pushing upwards), how many hands distances are between the top of your hand and your waist?

Less than 2 hands width – Short Waist
2 hands width – Balanced Waist
More than 2 hands width – Long Waist
These measurements are not perfect, but they are a good guide to let you know this body proportion.
One thing to remember is that the larger your bust, or the lower it sits the shorter your waist will be. Also, remember that the narrowest point of your torso may not be your waist!

About the wide belts. Either they are too wide because you have a short waist, or they are oversized on you because you are petite and they were designed to tall people, like a lot of fashion is.

From what you're describing, it does sound like you're one of the bottom heavy types, like Skittle, Pear or Bell. Some bottom heavy types don't have narrow shoulders, but more like skinny shoulders, so that can be a bit confusing. This is very typical for the Skittle in particular, but then a more curved hip and long waist and very small boobs and slender arms is more like the Pear. A long waist and then being largest on the thighs, and being a bit more balanced on the body fat like having a bit more on the belly, arms, and a medium to small chest, is more Skittle (Skittle is a less dramatic Pear in a way), and then there is the Bell that is like a Pear with a short waist. Mindy Kaling is a great example of that. Even if she was skinny, she would still have wider hips than her top, because her bones are just built like that. However, she would be a lot less dramatic in her shape as a very slender person. For slender people, body features don't have to be dramatic to be a body type. Then it's more about the overall balance of the body and where the width and weight there is lays.

I hope this helped. Compare this information to yourself, and then look at the Bell, Skittle, and Pear. If you're still stuck, let me know and we will dig deeper.

Xxx, Sun.

15/7/2018 11:41:14 am

Thank you for helping! I tried to figure out my waist and I think I can say that I don't have a long waist. When I stand in front of a mirror especially in the wrong type of clothes, my arms look big, not just the upper part but overall because my shoulders are "barely there". From the back though, it is easier to tell that my shoulders are maybe as wide as my hips, if not smaller but because of their sloping shape, it is tricky to tell.
If I have a short waist, that means I am a bell. I took a better look at my clothes and I learned a few things. I have a bodycon dress with straps. (I have a habit of buying things in the smallest size because that way they fit nicely around the waist but now I know it is a bad idea.) The dress is very tight and throws off my figure completely. I feel like a sausage in it with chubby arms because it squeezes everything but my arms. But I look really good in a polo shirt when it is fully buttoned up, I usually pair it with suit pants and I look bell shaped in that outfit. So not only am I wearing the wrong type of clothes but also the wrong sizes.
Is it possible to have a bell shape but with just a little bit more cleavage? Like a B or sometimes a C cup? Because if yes, then I would say I am a petite bell.
Hopefully I am right and I can make better choices in the future.

Chy

23/6/2018 11:52:30 pm

Hi! I'm still a little confused with my body shape though, I have broad shoulders (35") and the same size of bust and hips (31") and a waist of 23", sometimes 24", depends if I gain weight. I also have a round bum which as my friends say is my "asset" and I also have thin or "stick" legs.

14/7/2018 08:03:04 am

Hi, Chy! Since you have broad shoulders and a round bum, it sounds to me like you're a smaller sized Cello. If not, maybe a Vase. Khloe Kardashian is a Vase, even though a lot of people think she's a Pear. However, she has very slender legs compared to the rest of her curvy figure, so she's more like a untraditional Vase. If you have very slender legs, chances are very small that you are a bottom heavy type. I would say that chances are much bigger that you are one of the Curvy types, and just a non traditional one. Another thing to test is the long bum rule. Many of the bottom heavy types, often get a long bum in highwaisted pants, while the curvy types usually have shorter hips than the bottom heavy, and will not get a long bum in highwaisted pants. This is not true for everyone, as every body is unique, but it is one of the things you can try, just to get a better sense of your shape.

What clothes works best for your body type is more important that what you look like, when figuring out your body type. So, try and figure out what does and does not work for you of the styles recommended, if you're still not sure.

In conclusion I would say, check out the Cello and the Vase and see if on of those sound right to you.

Xxx, Sun.

15/7/2018 07:47:02 am

Well the thing is, my hips aren't big, their just the same size of my bust (31") while my shoulders are at 35" so I tend to stay away from low waist jeans since they emphasize my broad shoulders and resort to anything highwaisted to emphasize my waist and butt so that it takes away the attention from my shoulders. Though, bodycon dresses flatter my body shape.

2/10/2018 11:08:19 am

Hi again Chy! It sounds like you're a Cello. Think of Serena Williams, as an example of a more slender type of Cello. If you are smaller than her too, you can still be a Cello. It's about the proportions. :-)
If that still doesn't fit, I would look at the Cornet and Goblet. You could also be a top heavy type, that just have a bit more curve. Again, it's all about the proportions. So if you have long thin legs, broad shoulders, that's also a possibility, depending on your chest size and how small your waist is.

Xxx, Sun.

Lauren

25/9/2018 09:55:29 pm

What body type do you consider Lupita Nyong'o? Based on your bottom heavy descriptions, I think she'd be a Skittle. I've started trying to get in shape I think my body will look more like hers once I start losing fat and gaining muscle since we're the same height and have similar proportions.

2/10/2018 10:52:51 am

Hi, Lauren! Yes, I think Lupita Nyong'o is a Skittle body type too.

Xxx, Sun.

Elena link

23/10/2018 07:55:54 am

Hello idealist style!

I have been reading on this website for about a year now and have learned so much from you about different body shapes and how to dress accordingly for each one. I feel like I can’t decide if I’m a skittle or an hourglass body shape. I’m 5’4 in height, weigh 118 pounds and my measurements are:
Shoulders: 36 inches
Bust: 32 B
Waist: 26 inches
High hips: 34 inches
Low hips: 36 inches

I have hip dips, chunky thighs, normal calves, small waist (not sure if it’s balanced or short, definitely not long), a small belly, a little chunkiness in my upper arms. My shoulders are the same width as my lower hips. I’ve included a picture of my body to further help you in finding my body shape. Please help. Thank you so much.

ElenaIMG_0505.HEIC
IMG_0506.HEIC

22/3/2019 10:08:59 am

Hi, Elena! The fact that you feel like you're kind of a mix between a Skittle and an Hourglass, sounds like you might actually be a Vase. If you feel like you have medium towards small breast, a medium or long waist, wider hips and large thigs, and also larger calves and ankles. So, bottom heavy with a slender top, yet not flat chested. That is very typical for a Skittle.

I couldn't see anything in the photo links, but since you say your shoulders are balanced to your hips in width. Try and see if even though the width is the same, is the bottom half of your body curvyer or has more body fat than your top half? That's typical Skittle. An Hourglass or a Vase is more balanced.
You say your waist is either short or in the middle, not much of a belly, heavy legs, but lower legs are not heavy, and you also have a little arm fat. If you feel like you have some fat on your upper body some places, but it still feels more slender in general than your lower body, you could be a Skittle. If you're more balanced and don't have a long Vase waist, I think it sounds like you're a petite Cello. An Hourglass is not impossible either if you're a petite one, as the curve doesn't always have to be dramatic.

I hope this helped :-)
Xxx, Sun.

Kevin @fatlossdudes link

26/10/2020 10:52:37 pm

Thank you for sharing this amazing post.

21/11/2020 12:17:12 pm

Thank you so much for taking time to leave such a kind comment, Kevin.

Xxx, Sun.

bee

25/12/2020 06:22:28 pm

hello,

thank you for this. i've never come across a skittle body shape before - i've always thought i'm pear shaped.. can you help me?

i'm 5"2 34-25-40 and i have big calves which i've always hated, i think i have saddlebags? not sure. i have thin arms and small wrists.

what body shape would you say i am?

thank you :)

THE BODY TYPE : SKITTLE

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