Understanding Kibbe Body Types

Out are the days of describing body shapes in terms of fruits and inanimate objects. The Kibbe body type is a system that has been embraced on social media. When I first learned of this system, I was completely overwhelmed and felt like I was just looking at words on a screen without understanding anything. Today I will break down the 10 (formerly 13) body types that will revolutionize styling.

The Kibbe body system started with the 1987 book David Kibbe’s Metamorphosis: Discover Your Image Identity and Dazzle as Only You Can. The book describes five categories that are further broken down, leaving us with 10 “image identities.” The five categories are dramatic, natural, classic, gamine, and romantic.

Before we can break down each identity, there are a few key terms and ideas to discuss. Much of image typing relies on the concept of yin and yang, and I’m not talking about Chinese philosophy. They describe the essence of a person’s physical features. Yin is round, soft, and short. Yang is angular, sharp, and defined. The contrast and balance of the yin-yang features define what type a person fits in. Another descriptor that pops up is “body flesh” and “fleshiness.” These aren’t in reference to body fat and shouldn’t be thought of as such, it is just in terms of skin.

Dramatic contains the most “yang” essence. People of this type are tall with sharp angles in their bodies. This could mean they have defined cheekbones, long limbs, and a narrow frame. This type is commonly associated with the 90s supermodel body. Ideal clothes for this type are clean and long as to not break the body’s vertical line. It’s easy for this type to experiment with more high-fashion looks. Celebrity example: Joan Crawford.

Soft dramatic has the tall yang frame of a dramatic but is accented with more yin lushness. Soft dramatics have a defined bone structure contrasted by soft facial features like big eyes and full lips. This identity should embrace lightweight fabrics and a diva edge. A “T” silhouette that is wider on top and then tapers is ideal. Celebrity example: Joan Crawford.

Flamboyant natural is tall like the dramatics, but contain more width to their upper body. Where a dramatic is narrow, a flamboyant natural has more defined wide shoulders. Their facial features are defined with a yang essence. For clothes, flamboyant naturals can go with a more unstructured look and should shy away from hourglass shapes. They can also rock a “T” silhouette. Celebrity example: Cameron Diaz.

Soft natural is a mix of width and curve. Their curves come from bone structure instead of their body flesh. This type is average height and typically doesn’t reach over 5’7”. Their waist is in proportion to their body type and isn’t overly exaggerated or undefined. Kibbe describes their clothing style as “fresh and sensual lady.” Subtle, loose draping will do wonders. Celebrity example: Jennifer Lopez.

Dramatic classic is one of the more “balanced” types in the system. Like the soft natural, there is proportionality to their waist and hips. In order to highlight the hip ratio, clothing should be tailored and nipped in at the waist. For a dramatic classic, their height and upper body width are more balanced compared to the other types. This type has angular facial features and bone structure. Celebrity example: Courteney Cox.

Soft classic is the other “balanced” type but tips more in the yin direction. Their shoulders are sloped and their facial features are full. When looking at this body type, a person can break it down in terms of ovals and subtle curves. Clothing should have unbroken lines and lightly skim the body’s silhouette. Celebrity example: Dakota Johnson.

Flamboyant gamine is below average height with a straight boyish body, yang is dominant in structure but yin is evident in the height. Imagine the Hollywood stars of the 1920s. Their body tends to be more leg than torso. For visual interest, this identity should wear clothing that is sharp and boxy with crisp fabric. Celebrity example: Audrey Hepburn.

Soft gamine is defined by yin through their height and body flesh. There is an undercurrent of yin showing through sharp angles in the shoulders or a narrow frame. In terms of height, this identity tends to fall below 5’5”. Preppy fashion is a perfect fit for soft gamine. Celebrity example: Winona Ryder.

Theatrical romantic has a defined waist and a curvy bust and hips. The general silhouette is yin but some yang elements show through in facial features such as the nose or jaw. Like the soft gamine, this type is shorter than average height. Their style benefits from being colorful and draped and feminine. Celebrity example: Mila Kunis

Romantic can best be described as luscious and round. This is the stereotypical hourglass shape that many often try to emulate. The waist should be emphasized while constructing outfits. Soft pastels compliment the yin of a romantic. Everything about this identity is yin from bone structure to facial features. Celebrity example: Marilyn Monroe.

If this all feels overwhelming, do not worry! At first read, much of this won’t make sense and it takes time to fully understand the nuances between the identities. Aside from the physical aspect, each type has a defined personality that must also be taken into account.

Many corners of the internet are dedicated to dissecting each type and discussing styling tips. Word of caution, many online quizzes exist but they often oversimplify the identities and look at them only in the confines of body measurements. In order to find the perfect type, there needs to be a holistic approach.

In the end, people should dress in what makes them happy and feel complete. The Kibbe system is for people who feel lost in their style journey or want to explore. No one should throw out their wardrobe because a book from the 80s told them it’s the wrong fabric for their body.

Photo Courtesy of Gabrielle Arruda