Body Shape CalculatorApple and pear body shapes differ by where width sits. An apple body shape has a waist equal to or larger than the bust and hips. A pear body shape has hips at least 3.6 inches (9.1 cm) larger than the bust and a waist less than 9 inches (22.9 cm) smaller than the hips.
Apple and pear are the two body shapes most often compared for health, because fat at the waist and fat at the hips carry different risks. Apple is this site's own rule, because the FFIT classification has no apple class. The comparison below shows the measurements, the waist-to-hip ratio, the health difference and how each shape dresses.
Which Measurement Separates Apple From Pear?
The waist separates apple from pear. An apple body shape has a waist equal to or larger than both the bust and hips, while a pear body shape has a waist smaller than the hips and hips clearly wider than the bust.
Apple vs Pear: Side-by-Side Comparison
The table below compares apple and pear body shapes.
| Feature | Apple | Pear |
|---|---|---|
| Rule | waist ≥ bust and waist ≥ hips (site rule) | hips ≥ 3.6 in (9.1 cm) larger than bust, waist < 9 in (22.9 cm) smaller than hips (FFIT) |
| Width sits at | waist and midsection | hips and thighs |
| Example bust / waist / hips | 36 / 38 / 37 in | 34 / 31 / 39 in |
| Example waist-to-hip ratio | 1.03 | 0.79 |
| Style principle | lengthen the torso | balance hips with shoulders |
Is Apple or Pear Body Shape Healthier?
A pear body shape is associated with lower health risk than an apple body shape, because fat around the waist is linked to more health problems than fat around the hips. The World Health Organization defines abdominal obesity as a waist-to-hip ratio above 0.85 for women and above 0.90 for men; the apple example ratio of 1.03 is above both cut-offs, and the pear example ratio of 0.79 is below them. The guide to health risk by body shape explains the research.
How Do You Tell If You Are Apple or Pear?
You tell apple from pear by comparing your waist with your hips. A waist equal to or larger than the hips means apple; hips at least 3.6 inches (9.1 cm) larger than the bust with a smaller waist means pear. The body shape calculator for your type runs the full rule set.
How Do Apple and Pear Dress Differently?
Apple and pear dress differently because width sits in different places. Apple outfits create vertical length with V-necklines and empire waists, while pear outfits widen the shoulders and let skirts and trousers flow over the hips. The guides to apple body shape outfits and pear body shape outfits cover each wardrobe.
Can an Apple Shape Become a Pear Shape?
An apple body shape can change toward another shape when the waist measurement falls relative to the hips, because both rules compare these measurements; bone structure at the hips does not change in adults.