What is a banana body shape?
There are countless female body types, but knowing which of the conventional categories you fall into helps you make more informed decisions regarding fashion.
A banana body shape is one where the waist is barely narrower than the bust or hips. Furthermore, the bust and hip measurements will be nearly identical, producing a characteristically ruler-shaped figure.
Women displaying a rectangle body shape tend to have a small bust, undefined waist, and narrow hips. The banana or straight body shape also features long limbs and a thin frame that won’t store a lot of fat or show obvious curves.
Individuals with a rectangle-shaped body often enjoy faster metabolism and have a tough time putting on weight. When they do gain weight, however, it’s either distributed evenly throughout or accumulates a little more around the stomach.
For the most part, the factors that contribute to a rectangle body shape cannot be controlled. During and after puberty, specific hormonal changes alter breast size, hip width, and waist circumference. They’re further influenced by genetics, age, weight, and lifestyle.
It’s totally normal to observe evolution in overall body shape as we age. For example, a teenage girl with a straighter, leaner body in puberty could develop a curvier shape over time.
Note that rectangle body shapes, as well as triangular ones, appear more often in athletic women. Certain forms of exercise, such as heavy-bag workouts, may encourage the development of a banana body shape.
In recent decades, athletic body types have become associated with thin celebrities, including many models and actresses. Popular celebrities with banana bodies include:
- Cameron Diaz
- Gwyneth Paltrow
- Nicole Kidman
- Kate Middleton
- Keira Knightley
- Anne Hathaway
- Uma Thurman
- Kate Hudson
- Sarah Jessica Parker
- Kate Moss