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Body shape is determined by three basic measurments. measuring tape image by Andrzej Włodarczyk from Fotolia.com General body shape is composed of your skeletal structure and its distribution of muscles and fat. The four basic body shapes for both men and women are apple, pear, ruler and hourglass. An apple body shape is largest at the waist, and a pear is largest at the hips. A ruler's measurements are all similar and an hourglass has a small waist with large chest and hips. You can determine your general body shape by comparing these three measurements.
Chest
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The chest measurement determines the size of your upper body. Wrap a fabric measuring tape around your chest to take your chest measurement. According to Carolyn L. Mein, author of "Different Bodies, Different Diets," you should exhale softly before taking the measurement so excess air in your lungs does not add inches to the final number. Your chest measurement will also help you find proper-fitting shirts and undergarments.
Waist
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Your waist measurement determines the size of your midsection. Measure your waist across the smallest part of your stomach; this is typically an inch or two above your belly button. Do not suck in your stomach or flex it while taking this measurement, as this will produce inaccurate readings, says Mein. In addition to dictating your body shape, knowing your waist measurement will help you find proper-fitting jackets.
Hips
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Hip measurement determines the size of your lower body. Take your hip measurements across the largest part of your posterior. Stand with your legs together when measuring your hips, so you do not add any inches to the final number. According to Joseph Christiano, author of "Blood Types, Body Types and You," this is the correct way to measure your hips for body shape, but not the correct method of measurement for clothes fitting. Take your hip measurement across the line where you would like the waistband to sit when measuring for clothes fitting.
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