As women, our beauty lies in our diversity – the different shapes and sizes we embody. It’s high time we cherish these differences! For years, women’s magazines have categorized us into various body types or shapes, such as pear, apple, or hourglass. However, these classifications often seem too narrow and fail to embrace the myriad of shapes and sizes women come in. But now, there’s a new and more nuanced system for categorizing body types that could be a game-changer for finding clothes that not only fit but also flatter your unique body shape. Welcome to the world of Kibbe Body Types.

Developed by personal image consultant David Kibbe, the Kibbe Body Types system encompasses 13 unique body shape categories. The methodology considers our physical features, bone structure, and facial features in determining our body type. Let’s dive deeper and explore these 13 Kibbe Body Types and the characteristics that define them. Remember, no body type is superior or inferior – every body is beautiful in its unique way!

The 13 Kibbe Body Types

• Dramatic – Identified by a long vertical line, sharp and chiseled facial features, and an angular bone structure. Dramatics exude a strong, compelling presence and are typically tall and angular.
• Soft Dramatic – A harmonious blend of the Dramatic and Romantic body types. Soft Dramatics have a long vertical line, sharp facial features, and some degree of curviness.
• Flamboyant Natural – Characterized by a robust bone structure, a mix of sharp and blunt angles, and a broad frame. Flamboyant Naturals exhibit an athletic, bold presence.
• Natural – Distinguished by a strong bone structure, a balanced vertical line, and blunt angles. Naturals embody an athletic, relaxed, and grounded presence.
• Soft Natural – A fusion of the Natural and Romantic body categories. Soft Naturals have a balanced vertical line, a soft bone structure, and some curves.
• Classic – Defined by a balanced bone structure, a symmetrical vertical line, and symmetrical features. Classics exude timeless elegance and a refined presence.
• Soft Classic – An amalgamation of the Classic and Romantic body types. Soft Classics have a balanced bone structure, a balanced vertical line, and some degree of curviness.
• Flamboyant Gamine – Identified by a delicate bone structure, sharp angles, and a small frame. Flamboyant Gamines emanate an energetic, playful, and lively presence.
• Gamine – Characterized by a delicate bone structure, sharp angles, and a small frame. Gamines are spunky, lively, and exhibit a youthful presence.
• Soft Gamine – A mix of the Gamine and Romantic body types. Soft Gamines have a delicate bone structure, sharp angles, and some curves.
• Romantic – Distinguished by a soft, rounded bone structure, a curvy figure, and delicate features. Romantics portray a feminine, soft, and romantic presence.
• Theatrical Romantic – A combination of the Romantic and Dramatic body types. Theatrical Romantics possess a soft, rounded bone structure, a curvy figure, and sharp facial features.

The Kibbe body types, although introduced back in 1987, have recently gained traction in the digital age as people discover the benefits of dressing according to their unique body shape. As these categories grow in popularity, you can leverage them to find outfits that complement and celebrate your body. So, the next time you’re hunting for the perfect dress for your tall, curvy figure, consider looking for “outfits to suit a Soft Dramatic” rather than just “outfits for hourglass figures.”

Keen to explore more about dressing for your body type? Here are 6 Fashion Secrets All Curvy Women Should Know.