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The 13 Kibbe Body Types &
Their Clothing Lines

The Kibbe body types are an array of 13 body types based on the overall proportions of one's bone structure, body flesh, and facial features.

They are mapped along the Yin/Yang spectrum as well as the Contrast/Blended spectrum and arranged into five main types or families: Dramatic, Natural, Classic, Gamine, and Romantic, plus eight subtypes which are combinations of the main types.

Now that you have taken the Kibbe Body Type test, we can explore each body type in more detail and start to learn about their clothing lines.

The following descriptions are largely based off those in David Kibbe's 1987 book Metamorphosis.

If you have not read the introductory post about David Kibbe's theory which explains the theory's underlying principles, I would recommend that you read that one first to avoid mistyping.

Dramatic

Sharp Yang

The Dramatic body type is defined by Sharp Yang and is the overall combination of a strong, sharp physicality, a cool reserve, and charismatic power. A slight deviation from the following characteristics is always possible and should not be worried over as long as it does not upset the overall Sharp Yang balance.

Answers: mostly A under all sections.

Height: typically moderate to tall, usually 5.5ft and over. Long vertical line.

Body type: straight and angular, may tend to long or sleek musculature (sinewy or lithe). Usually have long legs and arms, which are narrow in width.

Bone structure: angular with sharp edges, usually have square shoulders (which may be narrow). Hands and feet are usually long and narrow. Facial bones are sharp or prominent (nose, jawline, cheekbones).

Facial features: straight, sleek lines. Small, almond-shaped eyes; narrow, thin or straight lips; taut skin, especially around the cheek and jaw areas.

If overweight: weight usually collects around the hip and upper thighs as opposed to the upper torso.

A Dramatic will NOT:

  • Have an hourglass figure
  • Have lush, full facial features (round eyes, fleshy cheeks, full lips)
  • Have a broad or blunt bone structure or facial bones
  • Be petite or appear extremely small in stature
  • Be perfectly symmetrical
  • Have short or fleshy arms and legs

Clothing Lines

The Dramatic Kibbe body type is characterised by long and lean lines, which gives an elongated, masculine, and powerful appearance. Your clothing lines should focus on recreating this length and sharpness.

Look for clean, long vertical lines, along with some tailoring to provide sharpness. Long and straight trousers, dresses, and coats are great. Keep your silhouette simple, straight, and clear, with very little detail and little to no colour blocking to highlight your long vertical line. Monochromatic colour schemes work best on you.

The overall shape of your clothing should be sharp and geometric - triangles, rectangles, and anything sculpted, sleek, and elongated with crisp edges.

Opt for thick and heavy fabrics that are stiff and hold their shape well.

Kibbe Body Types - Dramatic - Silhouette - the concept wardrobe
Table of Contents

Soft Dramatic

Sharp Yang Bone Structure + Yin Body Flesh / Facial Features

The Soft Dramatic body type is defined by Sharp Yang with a pronounced Yin undercurrent and is the overall combination of a bold, exotic physicality combined with a powerful sensual essence. A slight deviation from the following characteristics is always possible and should not be worried over as long as it does not upset the overall Sharp Yang with Yin undercurrent balance.

Answers: mostly A, with a few D or E answers under body flesh and facial features.

Height: typically moderate to tall, usually 5.5ft and over. Long vertical line.

Body type: fleshy (unless ultra-thin), particularly through the bust and hip area. Usually have long legs and arms, which can become fleshy in the upper arm and thigh areas without exercise. Usually have moderate-sized waist, which can become thick.

Bone structure: large and angular. Long limbs, and large hands and feet (may be long or narrow, or wide). Facial bones are prominent or sharp (nose, cheekbones, jawline). If the bone structure is narrow (particularly the shoulders, hands, feet, wrists, or angles), may at first glance be perceived as delicate. However, this is not true, for the extreme length offsets the narrowness.

Facial features: full, lush, sensual, and exotic. Large eyes, full lips, fleshy cheeks.

If overweight: heaviness is seen at the fleshiest parts of the body: the bust, hips, waist, thighs, upper arms, and especially in the face.

A Soft Dramatic will NOT:

  • Have a boyish figure
  • Have small hands and feet, or a delicate bone structure
  • Be overly petite, or appear small in stature, with short limbs
  • Have delicate or small facial features
  • Be symmetrical in body type or facial features

Clothing Lines

Like the pure Dramatic type, the Soft Dramatic body type is long with angular bones, but it has some added roundness and softness (Yin influence) coming from the body flesh and facial features, which give it a very womanly look.

Overall, a Soft Dramatic is still a Dramatic and therefore your clothing lines should be clean and long but with some added softness which can be achieved through draping lines and waist emphasis. Large floral and watercolour prints can also add softness. Lightweight fabrics that drape are excellent.

The overall shape of your clothing should be large and crisp with slightly rounded edges. Strive to create a T-silhouette - wide and voluminous around the shoulder line combined with an elongated silhouette. To highlight your long vertical line, opt for little to no colour blocking and keep the amount of detail to a minimum.

Kibbe Body Types - Soft Dramatic - Silhouette - the concept wardrobe
Table of Contents

Flamboyant Natural

Sharp Yang Bone Structure + Soft Yang Body Flesh / Facial Features

The Flamboyant Natural body type is defined by Sharp Yang with a Soft Yang undercurrent and is the overall combination of bold, strong physicality combined with a free spirit. A slight deviation from the following characteristics is always possible and should not be worried over as long as it does not upset the overall Sharp Yang with Soft Yang undercurrent balance.

Answers: mostly B, with a few A answers under bone structure.

Height: typically moderate to very tall, 5.5ft and over. Long vertical line.

Body type: straight and angular (broad, not sharp). Arms and legs tend toward musculature. Bust and hips tend to be flat or straight (unless very overweight).

‍Bone structure: large and angular with blunt edges. Broad and square bones. Wide shoulders. Long arms and legs. Large hands and feet (usually somewhat wide, but may also be narrow, with long fingers and toes). Facial bones are broad or prominent (nose, cheeks, jawline - blunt, not sharp).

Facial features: Eyes may be very large and open or very straight and small. Lips are straight and slightly thin. Cheeks are usually taut, unless overweight.

If overweight: the body tends to become square and stocky, and the face becomes fleshy and puffy. Extreme excess weight collects primarily from the waist down.

A Flamboyant Natural will NOT:

  • Have a voluptuous body type with a curvy bust and hipline
  • Have an hourglass figure
  • Have delicate facial features with small or sharp bones
  • Have exotic facial features
  • Be extremely petite
  • Be symmetrical in body type, bone structure, or facial features
  • Have a sharp or extremely narrow bone structure

Clothing Lines

The Flamboyant Natural Kibbe body type is characterised by long, wide lines with blunt edges. It has a bit more angularity (Yang influence) than the pure Natural body type.

To complement the natural lines of this body type, your clothing lines should create long and unconstructed silhouettes, and relaxed, unstructured outlines.

Use bold, sweeping lines, which are elongated and straight (no waist emphasis) in your outfits. Loose, oversized garments - wide trousers, long coats and cardigans, and long scarves that hang off the body - work great. Asymmetric elements will help keep your outfits unstructured.

Opt for textured fabrics and asymmetric prints to create interest in your outfits. Wild and unusual colour combinations will give you a more unconstructed look.

Kibbe Body Types - Flamboyant Natural - Silhouette - the concept wardrobe
Table of Contents

Natural

Soft Yang

The Natural body type is defined by Soft Yang and is the overall combination of a slightly broad and angular physicality, and a fresh and open spirit. A slight deviation from the following characteristics is always possible and should not be worried over as long as it does not upset the overall Soft Yang balance.

Answers: mostly B under all sections.

Height: typically moderate to slightly tall, up to 5.8ft. Long vertical line.

Body type: straight and muscular. No waist definition. Lean and slightly lithe. Flat hips and slightly flat bustline. Slightly long arms and legs. Possibly long-waisted.

Bone Structure: slightly straight. Slightly angular with blunt edges (not sharp). Slightly squarish. Broad shoulders. Hands and feet are moderate to slightly large and squarish. Facial bones are blunt and angular (nose, cheekbones, jawline).

Facial Features: sightly broad, blunt, or irregular. Moderate to small eyes. Taut cheeks. Slightly wide features (open). Straight, slightly thin lips.

If overweight: the body tends to remain straight (as opposed to becoming curvy). Excess weight tends to broaden the midsection and make the body a little square in shape. Extreme excess weight gives a very stocky appearance.

A Natural will NOT:

  • Have an hourglass figure
  • Be extremely petite or extremely tall
  • Have overly exotic or prominent features
  • Be symmetrical with evenly spaced features
  • Have extremely sharp features
  • Have a boyishly thin figure with a lack of musculature in the arms and legs

Clothing Lines

The Natural Kibbe body type is characterised by long but wide lines, and with blunt (slightly rounded) edges. Your clothing lines should focus on creating a relaxed outline to bring some movement into the straight body frame.

Keep your clothing lines relaxed and straight. The silhouette should be softly tailored, but always unconstructed. You want to create a fairly narrow and slim shape, but in a loose and easy way.

Long elements, especially ones that hang off the body, such as long scarves and cardigans, will compliment your long vertical line. Add asymmetrical elements into the mix to help keep your outfits unconstructed. Clothing can be slightly oversized, but not too baggy so as not to widen the silhouette too much.

Work with textured fabrics and materials with a natural feel, such as linen, wool, and suede, and prints with soft-edged geometrics (plaids, stripes, paisleys, etc.) or asymmetric, irregular shapes to create interest in your outfit. Wild colour combinations also help break up your straight frame.

Table of Contents

Soft Natural

Soft Yang Bone Structure + Yin Body Flesh / Facial Features

The Soft Natural body type is defined by Soft Yang with a Yin undercurrent and is the overall combination of a slightly soft and fleshy body type on an angular frame combined with an appealing innocent essence. A slight deviation from the following characteristics is always possible and should not be worried over as long as it does not upset the overall Soft Yang with Yin undercurrent balance.

Answers: mostly B, with a few D and E answers under body flesh and facial features.

Height: typically moderate to slightly small, up to 5.7ft.

Body type: slightly soft, tends towards fleshiness. Slightly small waist in proportion to bust and hips. Slightly curvy, tends to an hourglass shape, but not extremely so. Slightly fleshy upper arms and thighs.

Bone structure: slightly angular bones. Slightly square or broad shoulders. Moderate to slightly short limbs (slightly leggy look also possible). Slightly blunt, or small and irregular facial contours (nose, cheekbones, and jawline). Hands and feet are moderate and fleshy, or slightly small and wide.

Facial features: full and rounded. Round eyes, full lips, soft cheeks. Nose tends to be small and wide, or slightly irregular (blunt or wide).

If overweight: the body tends to become extremely soft and fleshy, with the waist thickening. The upper arms, thighs, and hips tend to collect excess weight and cellulite most rapidly.

A Soft Natural will NOT:

  • Have an extremely straight body type
  • Have extremely sharp features
  • Have extremely sharp bone structure
  • Appear extremely tall
  • Have an extremely large and broad bone structure
  • Be symmetrical in body type and facial features

Clothing Lines

The Soft Natural Kibbe body type is long and wide with blunt edges like the pure Natural type, but with some added softness and roundness (Yin influence) to it.

To recreate your natural lines, aim for unconstructed silhouettes but with shaping, particularly at waist, to create a softer appearance. Relaxed lines with subtle drape and flow are flattering.

Adding slightly asymmetric elements and some loose detail to your outfits will also help to create an unconstructed look. Select relaxed geometrics with rounded edges and easy swirls.

Opt for soft fabrics that drape and natural materials such as linen, wool, cotton, and silk.

To help keep your outfits relaxed and unconstructed, create soft colour combinations.

Table of Contents

Dramatic Classic

Yang Bone Structure + Balanced Body Flesh / Facial Features

The Dramatic Classic body type is defined by balanced Yin/Yang leaning slightly more towards Yang. It is the overall combination of a slightly angular physicality with a coolly sophisticated essence. A slight deviation from the following characteristics is always possible and should not be worried over as long as it does not upset the overall Yin/Yang with Yang undercurrent balance.

Answers: mostly C, with a few A and B answers under bone structure.

Height: typically moderate, up to 5.7ft. Moderate vertical line.

Body Type: fairly trim and compact. Slightly muscular when at an ideal weight. Bust, waist, and hips are somewhat straight and in even proportion. Possibly slightly short-waisted. Legs and arms are average or slightly long.

Bone Structure: symmetrical, with slightly angular edges. Straight and slightly wide. Shoulders are tapered or slightly square, usually narrow. Slightly squarish hands and feet. Slightly sharp, angular or squarish facial contours (jawline, nose, cheekbones).

Facial Features: usually moderate to large eyes, moderate lips.

If overweight: excess weight shows up straight away and collects from the waist down. Weight collects primarily on the hips and thighs, rarely around the bustline. The heavier the body gets, the more pear-shaped it becomes. The body will seem to radically change when you gain even a little weight. This is actually an illusion because the bone structure remains the same.

A Dramatic Classic will NOT:

  • Have extremely long limbs
  • Have extremely exotic or overly lush facial features
  • Have extremely large bones or extremely large hands and feet
  • Have delicate bones or extremely small hands and feet
  • Have an hourglass figure
  • Have a boyishly straight figure

Clothing Lines

Like the pure Classic type, the Dramatic Classic Kibbe body type is symmetrical, but it has some added angularity (Yang influence).

Your clothing lines should focus on recreating this symmetry through trim and tailored lines with sharp edges to accentuate your angularity.

Choose clean, sleek, and straight lines. Structured silhouettes with hints of sharpness, such as a square or V-neckline will match with the slight sharpness of your body type. Detail is imperative to your look. Keep it crisp and geometric with sharp edges (eg, pleats, crisp cuffs).

Opt for high-quality fabrics in moderate weights, which are not too stiff. Your best colours are neutrals and deep colours, which should be used to create high colour contrasts in your outfits.

Kibbe Body Types - Dramatic Classic - Silhouette - the concept wardrobe
Table of Contents

Classic

Balanced Yin/Yang

The Classic body type is defined by a perfect (blended) balance between Yin and Yang and is the overall combination of a symmetrical physicality and a cool, reserved essence. A slight deviation from the following characteristics is always possible and should not be worried over as long as it does not upset the overall blended Yin and Yang balance.

Answers: mostly C under all sections.

Height: typically moderate, usually between 5.4ft  and 5.7ft. Moderate vertical line.

Body type: evenly proportioned bust, waist, and hips. Slightly lithe and sinewy musculature. Moderate to slightly long limbs.

Bone Structure: symmetrical, with a tendency towards slight sharpness. Slightly angular. Slightly straight. Tapered shoulders. Moderately sized hands and feet.

Facial features: chiseled, symmetrical and evenly spaced.

If overweight: the body remains symmetrical, and excess weight usually distributes evenly.

A Classic will NOT:

  • Appear extremely tall
  • Have large bone structure, or large hands and feet
  • Have prominent or exotic facial features
  • Be extremely petite with extremely delicate features
  • Have an hourglass figure
  • Have full, lush facial features (extremely round eyes, full lips, fleshy cheeks)

Clothing Lines

The Classic Kibbe body type is first and foremost symmetrical. It is neither very sharp and angular like the Dramatic type nor very round and soft like the Romantic type. It's overall look is moderate and low contrast because of the blended Yin and Yang in the features. Your clothing lines should therefore be symmetrical and moderate in their sharpness/roundness.

Keep your outlines smooth and symmetrical with the emphasis on controlled and even edges, soft, straight lines or smoothly curved lines - softly tailored or slightly flowing.

A clean, unbroken silhouette with slight waist emphasis will give you a balanced appearance. Make sure to keep clothing elements symmetrical.

Keep things simple with classic cuts and a balance between soft lines and hard forms. There should neither be too much angularity nor too much roundness in your outfits. Blend everything together and keep your colour combinations low contrast. If you add prints, make sure they are symmetrical and understated.

Invest in high quality fabrics to compliment your elegant look. Lightweight textures, such as chiffon and silk, and smooth knits, such as cashmere, are great.

Kibbe Body Types - Classic - Silhouette - the concept wardrobe
Table of Contents

Soft Classic

Balanced Bone Structure + Yin Influenced Body Flesh / Facial Features

The Soft Classic body type is defined by a blended balance between Yin and Yang, leaning slightly more towards Yin. It is the overall combination of a slight soft physicality with a refined and gracious essence. A slight deviation from the following characteristics is always possible and should not be worried over as long as it does not upset the overall blended Yin/Yang with Yin undercurrent balance.

Answers: mostly C, with a few D and E answers under body flesh and facial features.

Height: typically moderate, up to 5.6ft. Moderate vertical line.

Body type: slightly rounded, tends to slight fleshiness. Soft arms, thighs, and waistline. Evenly proportioned bust, waist, and hips. Possibility of being slightly short-waisted. Arms and legs tend to be moderately short (in proportion to height).

Bone structure: symmetrical, with soft or slightly rounded edges. Straight and slightly delicate. May be small and slightly wide (but with soft edges, not square). Shoulders are tapered or slightly sloped. Facial contours are slightly small and wide (nose, cheekbones, and jawline). Hand and feet tend to be moderate to small and slightly wide.

Facial features: soft and full, slightly fleshy. Large eyes, soft cheeks, full lips. Symmetrical and evenly spaced.

If overweight: the body becomes very soft; facial features become very fleshy. A "thickish" look is usually the result of excess weight; the waist is the first to lose any definition.

A Soft Classic will NOT:

  • Have a large or angular bone structure
  • Have exotic or prominent facial characteristics
  • Have a boyish or muscular body type
  • Have a true hourglass figure, with a waspish waist
  • Appear tall
  • Be extremely petite or small boned with extra delicate hands and feet

Clothing Lines

The Soft Classic Kibbe body type is balanced and symmetrical the pure Classic type but with some added softness and roundness (Yin influence).

A Soft Classic is still first and foremost a Classic, therefore your clothing lines should be clean, unbroken, and symmetrical, with waist emphasis. Aim for smooth, soft, symmetrical silhouettes with slight shaping. Gently flowing lines that flare or swirl and smooth, horizontal, or diagonal draping are great.

To complement your additional Yin, add soft detail and accessories to your outfits. They should be smooth and symmetrical, and composed of rounded shapes with slightly intricate edges (eg scooped necklines, soft pleats or folds).

Choose high-quality, light to moderate weight fabrics that drape softly and flow easily without being clingy. Finishes should be slight matte or slight sheen.

To keep your appearance symmetrical and soft, select light, soft, and luscious colours and keep your colour combinations softly harmonising. Prints should be also be soft and flowing.

Table of Contents

Flamboyant Gamine

Combination of Yin/Yang Opposites + Additional Yang

The Flamboyant Gamine body type is defined by a combination of Yin and Yang opposites with added Yang. It is the overall combination of a smallish, broadly angular physicality, along with a youthfully bold and brassy essence. A slight deviation from the following characteristics is always possible and should not be worried over as long as it does not upset the overall combination of Yin and Yang opposites with additional Yang balance.

Answers: mixture of A/B and D/E answers, with slightly more A/B answers

Height: typically 5.6ft and under. Short vertical line.

Body type: very defined musculature (unless overweight). Lean and strong. Straight lines (flat bustline and hips) unless overweight. Tendency toward a leggy look.

Bone structure: broadly angular. Square shoulders. Slightly wide bones. Large hands and feet (if very petite, hands and feet tend to be short, but wide and square). Slightly sharp or broad facial contours (nose, jawline, cheekbones). Arms and legs may be long (if very petite, they appear to be slightly squarish).

Facial features: usually have extremely large eyes. Usually have a broad or long facial shape (may be very round or slightly oblong). Facial flesh tends to be taut, unless overweight. Moderate to full lips.

If overweight: the body tends to become stocky and square. Excess weight usually collects from the waist down, rarely above. Arms and legs tend to become thick, as do the waist and hip area. The face may become very puffy and fleshy.

A Flamboyant Gamine will NOT:

  • Appear tall
  • Have extremely exotic facial characteristics (except for extremely large eyes)
  • Have a delicate bone structure with small hands and feet (in proportion to height)
  • Have an hourglass figure with a waspish waist and curvy hips and bustline (even when overweight, the bone structure gives a more squarish shape)
  • Be symmetrical, in body type or facial features

Clothing Lines

Like the pure Gamine type, the Flamboyant Gamine Kibbe body type is a combination of Yin and Yang features, but with slightly more Yang. Your clothing lines should repeat the same mixture of Yin and Yang elements to match your natural lines.

Focus on creating a strict, geometric silhouette with straight lines, clear edges, and sharp corners. This component of your look accommodates your Yang side. Your Yin should be reflected in the details. Your best shapes are asymmetric and irregular, short and wide geometrics with sharp or soft edges, chunky, boxy shapes and sculpted shapes also work well.

Make sure to break up your silhouette, for instance through the use of different colours on top and bottom, but keep the overall outline boxy.

Fabric should be lightweight to moderate, with a slight crispness. Very rough or heavy fabric can be worn in jackets, as long as it is combined with an opposite texture to break up the bulk. Opt for matte finishes.

Opt for electric, bold, and vibrant colours. You can get away with wild colour combinations. The same goes for your prints. Keep them bold and animated. Asymmetric and irregular patterns and shapes are best.

Kibbe Body Types - Flamboyant Gamine - Silhouette - the concept wardrobe
Table of Contents

Gamine

Even combination of Yin/Yang Opposites

The Gamine body type is defined by an even combination of Yin and Yang opposites and is the overall combination of a sharply delicate physicality along with a fresh and spicy essence. A slight deviation from the following characteristics is always possible and should not be worried over as long as it does not upset the overall even combination of Yin and Yang opposites.

Height: typically 5.5ft and under. Short vertical line.

Body type: straight. Lithe and lean, tends toward sinewy musculature. Tends toward flatness in bust and hips (unless overweight). May be very leggy. Possibly slightly short-waisted.

Bone Structure: angular, sharp, narrow - sometimes described as delicate. Square or tapered shoulders (tend to narrowness, as opposed to broad). Delicately sharp facial contours (nose, jaw, cheekbones). Hands and feet are moderate to small, and tend to narrowness. Arms and legs tend to be long.

Facial features: large eyes. Moderate to thin lips (narrow or straight, as opposed to full). Taut cheeks and flesh.

If overweight: excess weight tends to show up in the hip and waist areas, rarely does it appear above the waist. If a Gamine is extremely overweight, the body tends to get square or stocky.

A Gamine will NOT:

  • Be over 5.5ft (and is usually even more petite)
  • Have extremely large bone structure
  • Have prominent or exotic features (except for large eyes)
  • Have large hands and feet
  • Have an hourglass figure, with a waspish waist and full bust and hips
  • Be symmetrical in body type or facial features

Clothing Lines

The Gamine Kibbe body type has a seemingly random, but equal, mix of Yin and Yang features, which gives it a very youthful and energetic appearance. This energy, along with the complete range of Yin and Yang elements should be repeated in your clothing lines.

Keep your silhouettes fitted and compact with waist emphasis. Your outline should be sharp, fitted, and staccato. The use of severe lines with sharp edges comes from the Yang; the broken, staccato, animated outline comes from the Yin. Go bold on your detail, you can never wear enough. Detail should always be small, sharp, and call attention to itself.

Fabric must always be crisp, be able to hold a defined shapes, and be easily tailored. A matte finish is best, although hard-finished sheens can be very exciting. Opt for light to moderate weight fabrics.

Just like detail, your use of colour should be bold and sassy. High colour contrasts work well on you. The same goes for prints, which should be sharp, colourful, and animated. Small geometrics and angular asymmetrics are excellent.

Kibbe Body Types - Gamine - Silhouette - the concept wardrobe
Table of Contents

Soft Gamine

Combination of Yin/Yang + Additional Yin

The Soft Gamine body type is defined by a combination of Yin and Yang opposites with additional Yin. It is the overall combination of a very rounded body type and features on a delicately angular frame, along with a a playful and spirited essence. A slight deviation from the following characteristics is always possible and should not be worried over as long as it does not upset the overall combination of Yin and Yang with additional Yin balance.

Answers: mixture of A/B and D/E, with slightly more D/E answers.

Height: under 5.5ft (usually very petite). Short vertical line.

Body type: soft, curvy body tends toward fleshiness. Curved bustline and hips with natural waist definition. Arms and legs tend to be soft and fleshy, particularly in the hip and thigh areas.

Bone Structure: delicate and small, yet slightly broad and angular. Angular edges, particularly through the shoulders (square or tapered). Small hands and feet (may be slightly wide or fleshy). Delicately broad facial contours (nose, cheekbones, and jawline - which may have extra bits of angularity). Arms and legs tend to be shortish (in proportion to height).

Facial features: doll-like facial features (round eyes, fleshy cheeks, full lips). Facial shape may be very rounded, and it can have a slightly sharp or slightly strong jawline.

If overweight: the body tends to get very rounded, as weight collects mainly in the bust and hip areas. Arms and thighs may get very soft, and face tends to become fleshy. May feel overweight, even when at ideal weight because of the extreme round shape of the body paired with the short limbs.

A Soft Gamine will NOT:

  • Appear tall
  • Have a rail-thin or extremely straight body type
  • Have a large or broad bone structure
  • Have large hands and feet or exotic facial characteristics
  • Be symmetrical in body type, bone structure, or facial features
  • Have a sharp bone structure

Clothing Lines

Like the pure Gamine type, the Soft Gamine Kibbe body type is a combination of Yin and Yang features but with slightly more Yin. And just like your natural lines are a mixture, your clothing lines should contain both Yin and Yang elements, but with slightly more roundness to accommodate the added Yin in your natural lines.

The way to achieve this is by selecting clear and rounded lines with sharp corners and edges. Rounded shapes that are smoothly formed, such as ovals, circles, elliptical shapes, chunky swirls, teardrops, crisp clusters are great.

Your silhouette should be fitted, feminine, and small. Waist emphasis is also key to adding more Yin to your appearance. Make sure your outline is sharply tapered and fitted (especially at the waist, collar, and cuff). Detail should always be lively, energetic, and plentiful!

Opt for lightweight and crisp fabric that can hold a defined shape as well as be supple enough to have a slight drape and movement. Finishes should be matte.

Outfits should be colourful with vivid, rich, and intense shades played against each other. Sharp colour contrast is excellent. The same goes for prints, which are best bold and lively and small to moderate in size.

Kibbe Body Types - Soft Gamine - Silhouette - the concept wardrobe
Table of Contents

Theatrical Romantic

Yang Influenced Bone Structure + Yin Body Flesh / Facial Features

The Theatrical Romantic body type is defined by a combination of Yin with a slight Yang undercurrent. It is the overall combination of a delicately radiant physicality combined with a powerfully magnetic essence. A slight deviation from the following characteristics is always possible and should not be worried over as long as it does not upset the overall combination of Yin with Yang undercurrent.

Answers: mostly D under all sections, or mostly D and E with a few A answers.

Height: typically moderate to petite, usually 5.5ft and under.

Body type: soft and voluptuous, although trim and smallish (as opposed to wide and bulky). Hourglass figure; curvy bustline and hips with a waspish waist. Soft, fleshy arms and legs.

Bone structure: small and delicate. Slightly sharp edges (shoulders, jawline, cheekbones, or nose). Small hands and feet (in proportion to height). Facial bones are small, delicate, and slightly sharp.

Facial features: soft and lush. Large, luminous eyes (sometimes slightly upturned). Full, luscious lips. Soft cheeks.

If overweight: the figure will remain hourglass, with a defined waist. Upper arms, thighs, and face will become quite fleshy.

A Theatrical Romantic will NOT:

  • Appear extremely tall
  • Have large or wide bones
  • Have large hands and feet
  • Have extremely prominent facial bones or features
  • Have small, narrow eyes, and thin or straight lips
  • Have a boyishly straight figure devoid of a defined waist

Clothing Lines

The Theatrical Romantic Kibbe body type is characterised by an hourglass figure just like the pure Romantic type, but with added sharpness or angularity (Yang influence). Your clothing lines should focus on accentuating the hourglass figure whilst adding some sharper, angular detail to accommodate the additional Yang in your natural lines.

Keep silhouettes fitted and following your hourglass figure, emphasising your curves. The waist should always be sharply defined, while the shoulders should be slightly more angular. You can also add angularity and sharpness through tapering at the wrists, hemline, and knee areas. The rest of your clothing lines should be kept soft, draped, flowing, and clingy.

Opt for lightweight fabrics that drape, such as silk or crepe. Soft textures, sheer fabrics, and shiny fabrics are all excellent.

Keep your colours light, bright, and lush. Some sharp contrast is exciting. Keep prints abstract and watercolour-like or choose medium to large floral prints.

Kibbe Body Types - Theatrical Romantic - Silhouette - the concept wardrobe
Table of Contents

Romantic

Lush Yin

The Romantic body type is defined by Lush Yin and is the overall combination of a soft physicality and magnetic essence. A slight deviation from the following characteristics is always possible and should not be worried over as long as it does not upset the overall Lush Yin balance.

Answers: mostly E under all sections.

Height: typically moderate to petite, usually 5.5ft and under. Short vertical line.

Body type: soft and voluptuous. Hourglass figure; curvy (bust and hips, with a small waist (in proportion to the curves). Fleshy arms and legs.

Bone structure: delicate and smallish. Usually on the wide side. Rounded or sloped shoulders. Small hands and feet (may be slightly wide). Facial bones are small, delicate and may be slightly wide or lush (nose, cheekbones, jawline). If the bone structure is slightly wide or lush, may appear as having a large bone structure. This is deceiving, for the shortness of the limbs and extremities offsets the width. In context of the overall voluptuous figure, the bone structure is delicate.

Facial features: lush; full, and sensual (rounded). Large, luminous eyes. Full lips. Fleshy cheeks.

If overweight: the body gets more rounded; the face gets very full.

A Romantic wil NOT:

  • Appear extremely tall
  • Have a large bone structure or large hands and feet
  • Have a straight or boyish figure
  • Have angular or sharp facial features
  • Have a prominent nose or angular chin
  • Be symmetrical

Clothing Lines

The Romantic Kibbe body type is defined by roundness and curves. Romantics have a full hourglass figure, which should be emphasised through your clothing lines.

To match the roundness of the Romantic body, keep the overall shape of your clothing round and soft. Circles, ornate swirls, and intricate flowing shapes in the form of ruffles, bows, and round necklines will add softness.

Your silhouettes should be soft and flowing (but fitted) and showcase the lush curves of your body. Waste definition is essential, as is lots of gentle draping everywhere. Your best fabrics are lightweight and drape easily, as well as softly woven fabrics, and sheer fabrics, such as chiffon.

To keep the overall look soft and feminine, opt for pale and delicate or rich and luxuriously blended colours. Small, delicate floral prints will add even more softness to your outfits.

Kibbe Body Types - Romantic - Silhouette - the concept wardrobe

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In the next articles, we will explore each body type in more detail.

The Kibbe Body Type Test
Kibbe Body Types | Dramatic

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