The Kibbe Body Type Test: a Comprehensive Guide

Are you tired of not knowing what clothes suit your body? Discover your body shape with the Kibbe Body Test and find out how to celebrate it.

Forget old classifications! Image consultant David Kibbe's system uses bone structure, facial features, and body flesh to suggest styles just for you.

Fashion will become fun once you know your Kibbe type. No more feeling like beautiful looks aren't meant for you when they don't look right (or feel good). It's about learning to show off what you love about yourself through clothes that fit well, too!

We will delve deep into this game-changing test so that soon enough, there will be harmony in everyone's wardrobes. Get ready for a style transformation like no other!

How to Approach a Kibbe Body Type Test?

According to David Kibbe's classification system, the Kibbe Body Type Test helps you determine your body type. For this, you'll need minimal clothing (like a swimsuit or underwear), good lighting, and a full-length mirror.

Stand up straight in front of the mirror and take a photo that shows your whole body. Make sure it's well-lit. Keep the camera at chest height so you don't distort anything in the picture.

You'll also need a pen and paper nearby because this test has three sections: one about bone structure, one about flesh on top of your bones, and another about facial features.

For each question's number, write down only its corresponding letter (A, B, C, D, or E). The test will later determine whether your answers fall more into Yin (softer) categories versus Yang (sharper) ones.

When answering these questions, please use whichever answer seems closest overall, even if none feel exactly right. Look for general trends rather than getting hung up on specifics. Detailed descriptions should help clarify things if needed.

Also, keep in mind that small deviations are normal and will not radically change everything we're working toward.

We aim to capture what seems most dominant from all those patterns to generate possible clusters that may yield an accurate Kibbe Body Type match for you!

Part 1: Bone Structure

In the initial part of the Kibbe Body Type Test, you'll look at your bones. Remember, we're not interested in how much flesh you've got on top of them – this bit is about structure alone.

Why does this matter? Bone structure affects how clothes hang on your body—and that's one of the main ways we identify your Kibbe type!

1. How Long Is Your Vertical Line?

When determining your vertical line in the bone structure category of the Kibbe Body Type Test, think about how tall you seem to others rather than how tall you actually are. There are five possible vertical lines:

• A) Long: People see you as much taller than you really are.
• B) Moderately long: Your head is somewhat smallish in terms of your overall body proportions.
• C) Moderate: You appear to be about average height for an adult of your sex and race; your head size looks typical compared with the rest of your body.
• D) Smallish: Others perceive you as shorter than average for an adult of your sex and race.
• E) Petite: You have a noticeably small frame. Also, adults notice that compared with grown-ups' bodies overall, yours has features we tend to associate more closely with children's physiques.

2. What Shape Are Your Shoulders?

When determining your Kibbe body type, it's essential to assess the shape of your shoulders. As you answer this question, please pay attention to how your posture affects how they look.

Also, take note of whether your shoulders are asymmetrical or uneven, meaning one may appear slightly higher or lower than the other. Here's what each one means:

• A) Narrow and sharp: The bones show through angular shoulders with no softness.
• B) Broad and blunt: A masculine look without the narrowness or sharp angles seen in A.
• C) Symmetrical or even: Pick this if none of the others seems quite fitting.
• D) Sloped and tapered: Delicate angles down from the neck.
• E) Sloped and rounded: Edged off like a slope but more narrow overall; softer than D.

3. How Long Are Your Arms and Legs, and What Shape Are They?

To determine this, take a photo of yourself from the side at chest level with your arms hanging loosely at your sides. Take note of where your fingertips fall on your thighs. Be careful not to reach or extend your arms in any way, as this can give a false idea of their length.

Here are the options for describing arm and leg length:

• A) Long and lean: Your limbs appear extended, with fingertips falling more than halfway down your thigh.
• B) Long and substantial: Similar to option A but with broader bone structure all over — like having "solid" vs. "slender" arms or legs.
• C) Medium and average: Arms and legs look proportional in length and width compared to torso height.
• D) Smallish and short: Limbs may read as somewhat shorter than everything else, but not dramatically.
• E) Smallish and very short: You can see that arms and legs are noticeably abbreviated relative to height plus torso dimensions.

4. What Are the Size and Shape of Your Hands and Feet?

Understanding whether your hands and feet are long and narrow, large and broad, moderate in size, small and delicate, or small and slightly wide can help you pick accessories such as shoes or rings that harmonize with your body overall.

Here's what each category means:

• A) Long, narrow: Your hands and feet are more extensive than your face but also slender or elongated rather than wide or fat.
• B) Large, broad: Like option A, they're bigger than your face. But here, the palms might be wider. Fingers may also be thick or chunky compared to option A.
• C) Moderate, neither very large nor very small: They're in proportion with both your face and body.
• D) Small, narrow, delicate: Relative to the size of your face, they're tiny – plus slender, elongated with fine-boned features, too.
• E) Small, slightly wide: Similar to D. However, instead of being long/narrow all over, they could be a bit broader and wider overall.

Part 2: Body Flesh

In the second part of the Kibbe Body Type Test, we will be looking at your body flesh. Please remember that we are not talking about body fat here. Instead, we're considering the overall look of your flesh, including skin and muscles.

For instance, you might have chubby cheeks that are still quite soft, even if you're actually slim. Alternatively, someone could be carrying extra weight overall yet still boast firm skin on their cheekbones.

By examining factors like these ones closely, you can get further insight into how your bodily flesh contributes to its overall appearance – and, therefore, which kinds of styles or clothing choices might best suit it!

5. What Is the Overall Shape of Your Body?

When you take the Kibbe Body Type Test, it asks about the overall shape of your body. Here's what they mean:

• A) Long and probably straight up and down: You might have a slight build, or maybe you're just very slim.
• B) Broad, possibly with some muscularity: People may think you look athletic even if you don't work out that much!
• C) Moderate: Not particularly curvy or narrow; when people look at you from the front or back, they see pretty much the same width on your shoulders and hips.
• D) Shapely but not extremely curvy: Your bone structure is noticeable (maybe especially so if you've got some flesh on top), but it doesn't overpower everything else people see. There's definitely a waistline here, too!
• E) Extremely soft, luxuriously curved, ripe hourglass: This figure epitomizes the classic hourglass shape. The shoulders, bust, and hips are beautifully rounded.

6. What Shape Is Your Bust Line Or Upper Torso?

As you consider the shape of your bustline or upper torso, remember that this has nothing to do with your weight. It's just about the shape. Here are some more details about each answer:

• A) Flat, taut: This describes a bustline that is flat and doesn't have much roundness (whether the person is slim or heavy).
• B) Wide, broad: Similar to A—no rounded curve here—but it's spread out over more space than option A.
• C) Moderate, in even proportion to bust and hips: This means a medium-sized bustline where the breasts don't necessarily look full or empty.
• D) Shapely, curved, bigger than my waistline: This refers specifically to having a round curve in the bust area because there's breast tissue; it's actually bigger overall compared with how narrow their middle might be.
• E) Very prominent: If someone chooses this option, they will have a large-looking bust regardless of tissue size or adipose (fat) quantity on top of muscle base!

7. What Shape Is Your Waistline?

Analyzing the shape of your middle area compared with your bust and hips, you will find several descriptive terms used in the Kibbe Body Type Test:

• A) Long, with a slight narrowing like a boy's: The length of this waistline stands out.
• B) Long but wide: This waistline also appears elongated compared to your body measurements. However, it does not seem pinched-in or noticeably curvy.
• C) Moderate, slightly defined: Neither extremely straight across nor dramatically nipped-in.
• D) Much smaller than bust and hips: A clearly defined waist that looks comparatively sharp or even fragile next to your other proportions.
• E) Gently curved but possibly wide, too: Although there is a definite waist curve here, it may not be quite as narrow as you'd expect.

8. What Shape Are Your Hips?

The next question in the test concerns your hip shape. Here, you'll have a few choices:

• A) Tapered, straight, narrow: Your hips here would be straight up and down with no real curve at the waistline.
• B) Straight, slightly tapered, and slightly wide: Again, there is no curve at the waist area for this one—but compared to option A, they might be a bit wider overall.
• C) Moderate: This means you don't have super curvy hips, nor do you lack any curves whatsoever.
• D) Shapely and rounded, more pronounced than my waistline: If someone were drawing you from the side, there would definitely be a dip at your waist because your hips would stick out—it's just that they're not extreme.
• E) Extremely soft and rounded: With this option, your hip flesh is going to appear full all by itself with a significant softness and roundness.

9. What Best Describes the Flesh on Your Upper Arms and Thighs?

When assessing the skin on your upper arms and thighs for the Kibbe Body Type Test, remember that this question isn't just about how often you hit the gym. Instead of making assumptions, try to answer based on what you can observe yourself physically.

To answer correctly, gently pinch the skin on both your upper arm and your thigh. Don't worry about whether they're big or small—pay attention to how they feel!

• A) Long and lean: Pick this if yours feels like it has little fat or squishiness—it might even seem more sinewy than average.
• B) Lean-to-muscular: Even if you don't exercise a ton (or at all), select this option if there's a bit of firmness there.
• C) Moderate: If you feel like none of these extremes quite describes your upper arm and thigh flesh.
• D) Soft with slight truncation: Despite not having much fat overall, does it feel soft and somewhat squashy when pinched lightly? Go with this choice.
• E) Very soft, slightly wide, and fleshy: Choose this option if your upper arm and thigh tissue feels very soft and has a slight width or fullness - even if you consider yourself to be thin.

Part 3: Facial Features

For the last part of your Kibbe Body Type Test, we'll be looking at your facial features. To get an accurate idea of what we're working with here, please take a makeup-free, straight-on photo of yourself!

That way, you can determine which styles of clothing and types of makeup will bring out your best features based on your Kibbe type.

10. What Shape Is Your Jawline?

As you determine your jawline in the Kibbe Body Type Test, be sure to take a photo of your face straight on without smiling too much. Here are the options for describing your jawline:

• A) Sharp - either pointy or very square: This means it's square and angular with a little curve.
• B) Broad, blunt, slightly wide: It's strong like option A but not sharp-edged.
• C) Moderate: If there's a balance between edgy and curvy or if yours doesn't lean heavily into any one description above, this is for you!
• D) Delicate or tapered – rounded slightly: The chin tapers from the cheeks down and may be narrow.
• E) Rounded (or softly wide): No sharp points anywhere here. Circumference-wise, think, "A circle has no sides!"'

11. What Shape Is Your Nose?

In the Kibbe Body Type Test, you might encounter different choices to describe the shape of your nose. Here's what each option means:

• A) Prominent: A sharp nose that could also be big - but it's narrow, too.
• B) Broad or blunt: This nose might look wide across and may even be somewhat big overall; however, it doesn't have "sharp" anywhere in its description!
• C) Moderate: It isn't particularly small nor significant; there isn't extreme roundness nor extreme pointedness either.
• D) Delicate, tapered, narrow: A refined appearance with small delicate features- including a tiny little slender nose!
• E) Rounded or softly wide: Like option D, this nose is small in size but lacks the sharpness seen in D. Instead, it may have a rounded tip or a subtle width overall.

12. What Shape Are Your Cheekbones?

In order to determine the shape of your cheekbones in the Kibbe Body Type Test, focus only on the bones and not the flesh. Here are descriptions for each choice:

• A) High and prominent: Cheekbones are high up on your face, narrow, and sharp; they create a noticeable contour.
• B) Broad or blunt, on the large side: Cheekbones seem wide or blunt and may even be big.
• C) Moderate: If you don't strongly identify with any other listed options.
• D) Delicate, narrow, and slightly rounded: Bones here look fragile. They do have some curves but aren't as prominent as in option A.
• E) Rounded: Softened edges here—it's more like a baby's chubby cheeks than structured bone. It does not have the sharpness or prominence described in option D.

13. What Shape Are Your Eyes?

While assessing your eyes' shape in the Kibbe Body Type Test, you've got several options to pick from:

• A) Small, narrow, and close-set: The eyes are petite with little curves when compared to others. They're also quite spaced out.
• B) Small, narrow, and widely spaced: Again, these eyes don't have many curves either. However, compared to option A, there is more space between them.
• C) Medium width, evenly spaced: These eyes don't look particularly straight or round, but they must have an even amount of space between each other!
• D) Slightly large or curved upward, somewhat close-set: Eyes here would be bigger than those in options A or B – possibly with an upwards curve, too – but still not large overall.
• E) Huge and rounded: If you chose this option, then congratulations – your eyes are both big and circular! In fact, they may dominate other features on your face, too.

14. What Shape Are Your Lips?

If you're trying to determine the shape of your lips, you'll have the following options:

• A) Straight, narrow: Your lips are small and straight across, possibly appearing thin.
• B) Straight, strong, broad: Similar to option A but wider across and not very full.
• C) Moderate, even: Lips that don't fit precisely into one of the above categories. They could be more straight and highly rounded.
• D) Slightly full and rounded: Smaller lips like in option A but with a gentle roundness.
• E) Very full and very rounded: Lips here will look noticeably circular overall with more thickness. They are larger, plumper, and rounder compared to D. This shape often adds a touch of sensuality and softness to your overall look.

15. What Best Describes the Flesh on Your Cheekbones?

When assessing the flesh on your cheekbones for the Kibbe Body Type Test, think about how they feel and look when you smile or have a neutral expression. Here's what each one means:

• A) Flat, tight: The flesh on these cheekbones feels tight. When you smile, there is an indentation in the hollow part of your cheeks.
• B) Fairly tight or muscular: The flesh here is somewhat tight. If you smile, there is a slight indent in the hollows of your cheeks, although it's not as deep as with option A.
• C) Moderate, slightly soft: Your cheeks fall somewhere between being firm or fleshy—they're neither very firm nor extremely full and round.
• D) Soft and fleshy: These cheeks are plump and soft but don't protrude as much when you aren't smiling or making any expressions.
• E) Very round and fleshy: Even without grinning from ear to ear, these cherub-like cheeks appear full and circular.

16. What Best Describes Your Hair?

When taking the Kibbe Body Type Test, please note that the final question about your hair is not as important as the others. If you need to learn how to answer this question or are unsure, skip it! But if you understand your natural hair texture well, go ahead and respond. Here are options for describing your hair:

• A) Super smooth and delicate: maybe straight or have a little bit of wave.
• B) Very coarse and heavy: can be thick and straight or thick with a wave or curl.
• C) Medium texture: possibly slightly wavy or with a minor kink.
• D) Medium thickness: maybe it has some bend in it, like a wave or curl!
• E) Very thick with lots of waves or curls but feels soft, too.

Test Results

Now, let's add up your responses and determine your Kibbe archetype. For each category, tally the scores separately by noting which letter appears most frequently or has the highest point value.

Mostly a Answers (Dramatic)

You're a pure Dramatic if you mostly picked A for every question because your bone structure, facial features, and even body flesh are all characterized by sharp Yang elements.

If you answered mostly A for bone structure but then had a few E or D answers when it came to body flesh and facial features, these details are more Yin than the rest of you.

In this case, we'd call you a Soft Dramatic because overall, there's still lots of sharpness going on—but with some Yin thrown into the mix, too.

Mostly B Answers (Natural)

If you chose mostly B answers in all the categories, then you are a pure Natural. Your body is characterized by elongation, broadness, and bluntness – which is Soft Yang.

However, if you have mostly B answers overall but some A answers in the bone structure category specifically, then you're a Flamboyant Natural.

This means your body flesh and facial features are likely broad and blunt with a hint of muscularity (like Naturals have), while your bone structure itself is long and lean, more like that of a Dramatic.

Lastly, suppose most of your answers are B in the bone structure category overall, but you also selected quite a few D or E responses for body flesh and facial features specifically. In that case, this puts you in Soft Natural territory. You tend towards petite or lush Yin.

Your actual bones would still be broadera and blunter (Yang) even though they might not look it from how Yin your flesh appears - being either more petite and delicate or lush and curvy.

Mainly C Answers (Classic)

If you mainly selected C answers for all three categories, then your type is Pure Classic. Your bone structure, flesh, and features are a blend of Yin and Yang: neither very angular nor incredibly rounded or long compared to short.

When most of your answers for flesh and facial features are C's, but there are some A's or B's in bone structure, Dramatic Classic is best for you.

While your bones lean slightly more Yang than Yin, overall (based on flesh and facial features), you still look balanced between the two.

Conversely, if mainly C responses describe your bone structure – yet with a few D's or E's when it comes to fleshing out one's figure and facial characteristics– this would indicate being a Soft Classic.

Mostly D Or E Answers (Romantic)

If most of your answers in all sections are E, then you are a Pure Romantic. This means that your body features – such as bone structure, body flesh, and facial characteristics – are very soft with slight curves. They have lots of Yin energy.

When most of your answers are D or a mix of D and E (with some A sprinkled in), then you're Theatrical Romantic. Your bone structure, body flesh, and face still tend towards softness, roundness, and overall Yin like the Pure Romantics, but perhaps less so. You might also have some Yang elements coming through here or there in your bones or face.

Mix of A/B Answers and D/E Answers

If your responses consist of an equal mix of A/B and D/E, you are considered a Gamine body type because there is no clear dominance of Yin or Yang in your bone structure, flesh, or facial features.

However, if within this mix, you have slightly more A or B answers than D/E, then you would be classified as a Flamboyant Gamine subtype.

Conversely, if there are slightly more D/E answers than A/B in the mix, then you fall into the Soft Gamine subtype. Here, although some individual features may veer towards Yin or Yang overall, roundness and softness might be present – maybe even in your fleshing.

Conclusion

By taking the in-depth test to identify your Kibbe Body Type, you'll be on your way to a fashion journey that's all about you. Knowing more about your bone structure, body flesh, facial features, and hair texture, we can help you bring out your best self.

Whether you're a Romantic, Flamboyant Gamine, Soft Dramatic, or another type from the Kibbe body type system – we celebrate that everyone is an individual mix of Yin and Yang.

Armed with this knowledge and self-confidence, selecting clothes that flatter your body shape and expressing who you are will become second nature. Say hello to no more wardrobe wobbles, and welcome aboard. This is going to be fun because it's all about YOU!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Soft Natural Mean in Kibbe?

Soft Natural means that one has a mix of Yin and Yang features. You have some softness and curve but also moderate width and bone structure.

Which Body Type in Kibbe Has Slightly Rounded, Symmetrical Features?

This would be a Classic archetype. It is slightly rounded and symmetrical, and everything blends harmoniously with this one!

What Is the Rarest Body Type in Kibbe?

The rarest body type would probably be Dramatic Classic. It's not expected to find someone who is both balanced like a Classic person and elongated like a Dramatic person because those two things don't usually go together.

Is There an Ideal Body Type in Kibbe?

Remember, there isn't one. The system aims to help you work with what you've got, enhance your attributes, and find overall harmony through your sense of dress.