How to Determine Your Body Proportions

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I think it’s worth noting that fashion illustrations are based on the unrealistic 1:10 ratio (head length to full length). That’s why the figures always look fabulous in those, they are taller and narrower than the reality of the human aspect ratio.

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

Great tips. I would also recommend never wearing tunic tops over capri pants, this gives an undesirable half-and-half proportion that visually shortens and widens every figure. I think, as Kay says, a dress just covering the knee-cap, but no longer, is ideal for all women.

[@sharronwood3639]

This is the best explanation of vertical shaping/proportions that I've come across - thank you Kay. I was analysed as a 'balanced' soft column in 2017 and I've spent hours and hours researching and experimenting to evolve a style that suits me, my personality, best colours and short waist. I simply cannot draw attention to my 'waist' at all - I just look daft, but I have learnt that mid rise/9" slim jeans are best for me and to half tuck into one of their front side pockets to create some asymmetry, while flattering my legs and balancing my torso. If I wear trousers without front side pockets, I wear a flat elasticated belt over them and half tuck my looser top or blouse into that instead. The belt isn't seen, but it gives me something lower than my waist to style with.

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Smart lady!!! That is actually so inspiring. Thanks for sharing. 👍🏻

[@evehughes6818]

I’m a ceramics artist so you would think I would already do this with my clothing but no. Thanks for this video. You are a born teacher. 💖

[@KarriOnYouTube]

Wow! This is wonderful! While I have seen the "heads" proportion applied to drawing, I've never before seen the heads proportion applied to clothing. Yet it is so obvious once you see it, as Kay Harms has demonstrated in this video. This is an excellent reference to which I'll be returning.

[@ebforeman]

This was super helpful! I always thought I just had a short torso and longer legs, but I now think I may be balanced and just have a very short waist! I need to pull out my measuring tape and find out . . . when my daughter comes over later today to help me! Thanks for giving us good info and a smile!

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Great plan. Thanks for watching!

[@gwenschmidt388]

Thank you Kay for discussing fashion concerns for short waisted women! I am 5' 2" with a very short torso. I appreciate your help! God bless you!

[@susannethompson5364]

This is so fun!! Thanks for all you do, I enjoy your videos.

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Thanks so much for watching, Susanne!

[@susanhook8139]

Thanks for this article. I’m so excited to do these measurements. I’m trying to pick flattering pieces to build a better wardrobe. I have learned so much from you! 😍

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Wonderful. Thanks so much for watching.

[@namratajain2887]

You are such a sweet and loving person ! Thank you for your help. Wishing you success and happiness !

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Thank you. 💕

[@susanhorn3910]

I agree that this was very helpful! I’ve never learned this, in all my days. Thank you!

[@kathybriscoe1474]

Thank you for your explanation of body measurements. It makes it easier to figure out our body type which is extremely helpful in determining what clothing will be most flattering. I have been fortunate to have pretty even measurements top to bottom so I’m able to dress appropriately. However, as I age, I find areas which are not the shape they were when I was young, such as midriff and stomach area, so it makes it challenging to to find clothing the conceals the flaws. This is an issue especially with finding dresses which flatter my figure.

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

I can completely identify. Thanks for sharing Kathy. 🥰

[@astorytoldhere]

What an interesting video! I know my "body type" (ruler...or giraffe, according to my family), & I know I am "all arms & legs"😂...but I have never really considered my proportions! I am totally a nerd & can't wait to start measuring!

[@walkinginthelight528]

Thanks, Kay! I appreciate your positive body image message, as well as this helpful information!

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

You’re so welcome!

[@denisadellinger4543]

Wow. Now that I'm totally confused, I will go to your blog and read what you just said. I think I am long waisted because whenever I try on dresses with a waist, that waist is above my true waist. Thanks for making us feel good about ourselves and not to stress about certain fashions. I am not on Instagram because I spend too much time on social media as it is with facebook and KZbin. I am not on twitter because that place is poison.

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Thanks so much for watching Denise.

[@gloriacabeen2819]

Hi Kay, Thanks for this info and reminders. As a long-legged, short torso person (short-waisted), I have a lot of solid dark clothes. Also, v-necks or open necks on button-up shirts are a must. Anything that elongates the neck area. I always wear earrings, usually studs, and keep my hair short. Kay, I'm hoping the horrid (for me) horizontal stripe trend goes away soon. I never wear them; they're so unflattering to anyone but thin (and maybe tall!) folks. Have a wonderful day!

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Sounds like you know your game plan. Way to go! 🙌🏻

[@leelynch8927]

Thank you so much. Wonderful information and so clearly explained. Thank you for your informative and non judgemental videos. Much appreciated!

[@vzeimen]

You explained this so well. I have had this lesson before but don't often think to use it in my life. I very much need to start doing this more. I'm going to measure myself again and put it on my bathroom mirror to remember when I'm getting dressed. This is exactly why a long sweater looks like a bathrobe one me lol.

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Great idea. Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@amyethridge1798]

I love this video!! I can’t wait to take my measurements and see what my proportions REALLY are. Thank you 😊

[@ilsewenzel9424]

Oooo love that top on you Kay. I also love peasant tops

[@ancac4362]

Dear Kay, thank you so much for this valuable information. It is a real game changer. You really are an amazing teacher. I am so grateful to have discovered your channel :)

[@beverlyevans5869]

Good morning, Kay! Thanks for being such a great teacher. I may not dress for my day, everyday, but you’re a great inspiration. ☺️ love your videos.

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Thanks for watching, Beverly. I'm glad you enjoy the videos.😀

[@onlytoday2251]

Thank you and blessings to you and your family 🙏💜💃🦸‍♀️

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Same to you!

[@hettiekenny5185]

This is so helpful. Thank you, Kay!

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

You bet! Thanks for watching. 😊

[@breathe6529]

Thank you. This was very helpful. I am on a mission to update my look but I had no idea how body shape came into play until now.

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

I’m so glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching. 😊

[@sueburke4372]

I loved this video-very helpful information. Thanks so much! Thank you for the printable to help us dress according to our proportions. I look forward to your body shape video.

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Great! Thanks so much for watching. 😊

[@candywhite8719]

Great tips, Kay. Thank you for your hard work explaining this to us so it makes sense!

[@loriallen1300]

This is fantastic information. I feel like I need to prioritize some time in my schedule to take a serious look at my proportions (5'11" tall) and learn more about dressing my body. I'm doing better at this ....but I still have so much to learn. Thank you. I'll check out those worksheets, Kay.

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Great! I hope this helps. 😊

[@cathydean4042]

That was soooo helpful, thanks Kay!

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Wonderful! Thank you for watching. 😊

[@eileenf2100]

Really appreciate your information today....never gave it much thought before. Thank you Kay

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Thanks so much for watching Eileen. 💕

[@lindah.1104]

I read an article about the Golden Ratio found in plants, their leaves, their growth pattern, etc. This is probably why humans find the Golden Ratio pleasing in architecture and design, because God created that proportion in nature. Even if we don’t recognize the ratio, it is in our subconscious.

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Absolutely! I meant to elaborate on that point but forgot. Thanks for sharing. 💕

[@barbaraziarnowski2104]

Good morning! I have the same top, from Talbots of course!

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Wonderful! Love it!

[@janetteehan8230]

Hi - great video. I only recently learned about how important the vertical body measurement is when styling an outfit. However, the standard recommendations for dressing vertical proportions don't really work for me. I have a longer torso, with proportionally shorter legs but I am also short waisted without waist definition. My legs don't taper at my ankles so I avoid tapered pants like the plague. I find that full length wide leg, flare or boot cut styles lengthen my legs best. Mid-rise pants give me a better vertical proportion. Finding the right tops remains a struggle.

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

I know those specifications must be challenging, but at least you’re aware and working with a plan. None or at least very few of us can wear everything. It sounds like you at least know what you’re looking for. 🥰

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

If the straps of tops are too loose or fall off, or tops are consistently too low-cut, you’re probably short-waisted, petite (5’4” or less), or both, as in my case. I also know my lower torso, from waist to leg break, is longer, because pants are always too low-rise on me.

[@lovepuppy2242]

Thank you! I already knew that I’m exactly 8 of my head, but the rest was just baffling me. I’m short waisted! I’d never even heard of that before :)

[@oklibrarian]

Very helpful! I have a long torso and shorter legs, and it's been interesting how much I've instinctively followed your suggestions. that said, I definitely see some new ideas I can incorporate as I continue rebuilding my wardrobe. Thanks!

[@maryannwilliams9562]

Absolutely wonderful video…. Great advice. Thank you!

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it. 😊

[@cincalotta352]

Your wearing my favorite outfit. So cute. Top's sold out in my size. Oh well, ya snooze ya loose. lol. Great info. Have a nice day.

[@MZ-arch]

Very interesting! Thank you.

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

You’re so welcome. 😊

[@gailwebb1844]

Amazing!

[@pamb2868]

I’m definitely confused. But I’m happy to figure out which I am. When I was young I had a very long torso. I’m not so sure now. But I will find out as soon as I find my measurements. Great video. Very informative.

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Thanks for watching Pam. 🥰

[@home_editor_18chriseldagar12]

Loved this, Kay! Always learn so much from you! Also just love all your new stories and posts on Instagram! Thank you for all you do for us! Be blessed, my friend! 💕

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Thank you so much. That’s very encouraging. 🥰

[@traceykoontz2868]

I came across you on sort of an happy accident, I was going through my phone looking for a scale like you would use in the kitchen and came across all sorts of ways to measure and I know how to do that and when I saw what you had in your information I felt like I needed to comment. My Mom used to love to make clothes for me and my sister, but at the time we didn't appreciate it until much later in life and how she wanted to teach us and I can see but I haven't done much other than a few buttons or a hole something simple, as for making anything to wear freshman year in highschool. And it's going to be a year soon since my Mom passed and I think about when she wanted to show me more about sewing and I wasn't interested kinda like when both Grandma's wanted to teach me how to crochet which I do some but nothing like them, all of them did embroidery my Mom would do it on a plain pillow case and dresser scarfs and dollies I have done a square for a quilt that our church ladies made for our pastor and all the ladies in our church had a square to do a like a cross stitch, and I got off topic. I was curious about shape since I never thought I was all that petite because I'm average 5'5" and weigh 129, used to be a 117 and 113 when I graduated and very small bust and hips but fit a perfect size 7 which anymore is darn near impossible if I go down to a 6 it can feel a little snug and an 8 is just two big, and when Elsie i usually have a problem is at the tops of my legs , now when I'm standing jeans look fine and comfortable but when I sit the fabric kinda just gathers there and I think I know why because of needing it to sit and again thats fine but my jeans will wear here and i tend to wear them into holes and the jeans i like cost too much for that and it could be said i would be in style 🙄, i do prefer to wear out my own jeans and not buy them already worn out or ripprd up. I think it makes you look careless and probably broke. I just wish I could find a size seven and what I have are too long and I have recently learned a technique on how to hem pants like Levi's and you don't need to worry about not matching the thread and when I found it my Mom was far too confused to understand it but I plan to try it on a pair of jeans I don't really like 😉, and I don't really care for the flood jeans or I think they are called boyfriend style. My Mom was a retired nurse, and my one grandma also a nurse and my mom's Mom ai would call her a chef she was a genius in the kitchen my son in law is a chef and teaches culinary art, i wish he could have known my grandmas they would have loved him and him them. Our family pumpkin pie is a prize winner only grandma didn't give up our family recipe 🤗, it stays in the family among the women and it's a cool story too. Even my son in law couldn't name the secret ingredient 🤗, and he has that sufiscated palate.

[@ruthdennisKnits]

Thank you thank you thank you‼️

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

You bet!

[@carolmoore1797]

Such great information! Thank you!

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

You’re so welcome. 😊

[@rebeccagarrison6253]

Very interesting. I am going to measure and see if I can figure out my size! Thank you for being you !

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

You bet. Thanks so much for watching. 😉

[@repa49]

Great content, thank you Kay! Learned a lot from it...

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Wonderful! 🥰

[@gingerhiller389]

I will be printing off the tools! Thank you! Thank you!

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Wonderful!

[@melissakelley6073]

Wonderful information. Thank you. Melissa 🌼

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

You’re so welcome. 😊

[@corinnecannings1708]

I believe in general you are giving good information. How ever I am 5’6”, I’m extremely short waisted (rib cage meeting hip bone), my legs are long, regular length pants are very often too short and my 6 foot husbands inseam is slightly less then mine. I have never and now at the age of 60, do not carry my weight in my waste/mid section. Sense I was a teenager and through to today, pretty much any extra weight is in my legs! Your analysis of short waisted = the apple body type is flawed. I am sure I can’t be the only one.

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Hi Corinne. I’m pretty sure I stated that is generally speaking. There are always exceptions. We are each unique. I didn’t make that generalization up. I found it throughout my research. 😊

[@DonnaLHaney]

Similar here. Small, high waist. I'm very long in my "rise" area (waist to crotch), where I also tend to gain weight (hips).

[@nataliek3717]

I've knon since colleg I have a short aist and long legs.I enjoy earing long tea length skirts. I find I look taller and more elegant!

[@nataliek3717]

I alays follo the rules for dressing my short torso. I'm so used to this that I immediately upon looking at a jacket or top look for the horizontal line and vertical lines. It's really not that difficult ladies!!!

[@christinekelly-rose303]

Very informative...thank you

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

A goid guideline for bra fitting us that the nipple line should be halfway between the shoulder and the elbow, or close. Sometimes it’s hard to get comfort with that much lift.

[@traceykoontz2868]

I never heard of this sounds so helpful I need to try and make a mental note. Thank you for this.

[@wendyhummel9600]

Very useful info! Thank you!

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Wonderful to hear. Thanks for watching. 🥰

[@rachelkivarkis1801]

Wow, beautiful, beautiful tips. Thank u and God bless. 🙏❤️🌟👍👏✝️

[@rhondalee9934]

Great information!!

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Great! I’m so glad you found it useful. 😊

[@tabithamaydavis5792]

Would love to see how these principals apply to us "pudgy sisters" with a fuller middle. Just askin'. I guess I take after my grandma, Viola, a "lost ball in tall grass" we used to say of her when she stood between her tall, lanky sons.

[@barbarakeizer398]

This is so very interesting

[@lindaalden2867]

Hi, I'm 5 ft 2 if I wear a knee length skirt with a top to the waist , I look 50 50 instead of 1/3 to 3/4 what should I wear to change this.x

[@Doglove9182]

Following similar issue.

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

You can wear a more cropped top and a higher waist skirt or a longer skirt and tuck the top at the waist or a dress or a maxi skirt.

[@lindaalden2867]

Thats why I only wear maxis or midi skirts as knee length never looked right.

[@its_lovely_M0on23]

Lisa body proportion is insane that's why she mostly standout 🔥🔥😍

[@juliepoolie5494]

I am basically balanced. 35 to 34.5 . If I combine the first two (top of head to mid bust) with the last two (knee bend to base of foot) (38.5) and compare that measurement to the middle measurements (mid bust to leg break and leg break to knee bend) (31), does that mean I have a longer torso? I don’t understand how to compare them.

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Yes, you may have a short waist. Check your mid bust to leg break measurement and compare it to other sets of two measurements. If it’s shorter then you have a short waist. But not a short torso. Your torso is balanced with your lower body.

[@gingerhiller389]

This is an absolutely fantastic and helpful video! Thank you for all of the research you did to prepare it. I wish I could print out your script for it for future reference!

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

I’m so glad you liked it. Thanks!

[@louisedolloff836]

I'm pretty even between torso and legs and definitely have a short waist. My fat gain is pretty even between top and bottom also

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Thanks for sharing Louise. It sounds like you know your proportions!

[@katherinerichardson1767]

I grew up during the era of dresses with a waist line. They never fit correctly. I was constantly pulling the top down so the waist line of the dress would be setting on my waist. When the popular shift a-line and empire dresses became popular, I finally had dresses that I felt comfortable wearing all day long. Because of this, I figured out that my torso was long. Now when I go shopping, I turn away from dresses with a waistline. Of course skirts and blouses are always a choice for me. Your explanations were easy for me to follow because I had been doing the hit and miss for so long that I understood the concept about dressing for your body proportions. Thanks!

[@missnars87]

Wow this is so interesting and weirdly it doesn’t work for me. My top half totalled 35.5 and bottom half totalled 32.5 but the bottom half is slimmer than the top. I can’t wear strips at the top to shorter me because I’m heaviest up top even as a size US 2-4, I have huge boobs. I have no idea how to work with this. Same with short torso, which totalled 32 vs the upper two and bottom two measurements at 36. I have a tiny waist but as you said can’t wear a wide belt. This just made me sad :(

[@dianelee2713]

Question. I read your post about determining my body shape. It says to consider my shoulders, not arms. I am a plus size and looking straight on, my upper arms are wider than my shoulders are at the joint. Should I go by that?

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Yes, use your widest points whatever they are. Good question!

[@Laura-ey8yn]

Beautiful video. ¡¿ Podria subtitularlo al español. Thank you.

[@NormaLopez-if8nj]

Sería fabuloso, lo agradecería mucho!! Bendiciones de🇲🇽🇲🇽

[@cathybrown4102]

I’m a bit confused. When I measured the first four it came out to 35” and then I measured the last four it came out to 32.5” which would indicate that I am long waisted. I did the second calculation you mentioned which was taking the top 2 and adding them to the bottom 2 which turned out to be 34.5” and compared that to the four middle measurements of 33” that would indicate I’m short waisted

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

I would worry too much about those combinations and instead pinpoint the one or two measurements that were the shortest or longest. You may have a short waist, but not a long torso. Those are two different things.

[@patriciasandoval3624]

Good morning! Using a ruler was easier to measure my head.

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Hey! That’s a great tip!!

[@tonen10combyheathernewmanf43]

interesting video. Thanks for sharing this. Great Channel my over 50 friend! xo, H

[@SRR-mt7im]

Good morning!!

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Good morning, Sophia!

[@DonnaLHaney]

There seems to be something wrong with the transcript on this one, for me at least.

[@jazminforbes209]

I’m not getting this lol ugh

[@josmith2002]

❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

Tuck in all tops, or wear minimally-cropped tops, just covering the waist, for the most flattering shape. If I think belly skin might show when moving, I wear a tank under that matches my bottom piece, I don’t know any women after 50 who really want to show that skin. Tops should end at or above the hip bone. Show, but don’t squeeze, your curves, that’s what makes the female shape beautiful.

[@alphafe1621]

🥰🥰❤️❤️❤️💜💜💜👍

[@elizabethcasey3219]

I need a new bra! LOL!

[@DressedforMyDaywithKayHarms]

Hahaha! So many of us do. Meanwhile adjust those straps. That’s what they’re for. 😉

[@s.barlow7062]

Men are so lucky, they can just throw on a pair of jeans and a shirt.