Kibbe Body Types The Key to Your Shape

Ever wonder why certain outfits look brilliant on some people and not so great on others? It’s not only a question of personal style, but also one of body type. And speaking of body types, the Kibbe system is both popular and an insight provider.

Who created the Kibbe System?

david kibbe nice image

David Kibbe created the Kibbe System in 1987 with his book Metamorphosis Discover Your Image Identity and Dazzle As Only You Can. The book itself is currently out of print, but David Kibbe is currently working on a new book with a tbd release date. David Kibbe created this yin/yang system to help people embrace their inner and outer beauty and find clothes that harmonize with their body and essence. It is important to note David Kibbe feels (felt) that no piece of clothing or accessory was relegated to a specific body type. And that it has more to do with a person’s essence and their ability to integrate that piece into their style.

What is the Kibbe Body Type?

The Kibbe system explains body typing through bone structure, muscle tone, and all of the curves of the body. In fact, it carves a better understanding of body shape than most other common categorizations, which only classify body shapes into pear, apple, and rectangle.

The five main Kibbe body types

Dramatic: tall and angular, this body type has very little curve to the frame.

Classical: Symmetrical type of body with curvy and angular features.

Romantic: A full-figured body type, soft features, and more womanly silhouette.

Gamine: A small, agile figure; a behind with curves but also with angles.

Flamboyant Gamine: More sized than the Gamine type, but more dramatic in features.

How to Determine Your Kibbe Body Type

While your best bet for a ‘certain’ assessment would be to consult a professional stylist, you can get a pretty good idea of your Kibbe body type by considering the following factors:

Bone structure: Is your bone structure angular or curved?

Muscle tone: Are you muscular or slender?

Curves: In which area is your curve located-legs, bust, or hips?

Height: Are you tall, average, or petite?

Dressing for Your Kibbe Body Type

Now you know your Kibbe body type use this to further help in choosing such clothes, which would look best upon you. A general outline is as follows

DRAMATIC Think clean lines, bold patterns, and dramatic silhouettes.

Classics Wear timeless designs with tailored cuts and a sense of balance in accessorizing. Romantics Catch soft fabrics, free-flowing silhouettes, and delicate details. The gamines are playful with proportion, mixing and matching patterns in their playful youthfulness. Flamboyant Gamines A style that cleverly combines the elements of both Dramatic and Romantic styles. Remember, this is just a general system-the Kibbe. Most importantly, what does matter is finding the clothes that make one confident and comfortable in his or her skin. Being in on the body type allows making more active decisions about the wardrobe and gives the ability to express personality with confidence.