The Kibbe Body Type system is a theoretical framework that examines personality traits in conjunction with physical characteristics for the purpose of styling. The aforementioned tool holds significant potential for fostering personal style development, as it acknowledges the unique and inherent beauty possessed by individuals, which warrants appreciation, acceptance, and commemoration. Personal style refers to the process of embracing one’s own individuality, and there exists a substantial body of research supporting this notion. Fashion psychology has established a well-established connection between attire and personal identity, recognizing clothing as a prominent means of outwardly manifesting our inner selves.
While there are instances where dress codes are enforced in various settings such as events, workplaces, or educational institutions, personal appearance remains a means through which individuals convey their identity. The Kibbe theory posits that despite individual differences, there exists a means to effectively convey one’s visual identity and self-acceptance through clothing, as garments inherently manifest differently on distinct individuals. The principles underlying this theory facilitate the exploration of one’s authentic self, the identification of elements that align with one’s individuality, and the cultivation of self-love and personal development.
The historical background of Kibbe
David Kibbe is a professional style and image consultant operating from the city of New York. In 1987, the author released a publication titled “Metamorphosis: A Personal Image And Style Book For Women.” This book delves into the concept of body features and their connection to the philosophical notion of expressing one’s personality or essence through visual representation.
In 1973, Harriet Tilden McJimsey authored a book entitled “Art and Fashion in Clothing Selection,” which served as an introductory guide to comprehending and proficiently engaging with the realm of fashion. The individual level of presentation, encompassing personal style as utilized by Kibbe in his theory, was not only discussed but also extended to the realms of clothing production, procurement, merchandising, and sales. The approach she adopts incorporates a broader range of variables, including the historical context of clothing, principles from social psychology, and the field of apparel design. Furthermore, she interprets these variables quantitatively, employing percentages as a means of analysis. If one possesses a keen interest in fashion at such a level, it is strongly recommended to explore her body of work as well.
In contrast to conforming to societal norms and prevailing trends that emphasize achieving a specific balance and symmetry in physical appearance, this theoretical framework diverges from traditional perspectives. Instead, it embarks on a transformative exploration of personal style, fostering an understanding of self-image, self-acceptance, and self-appreciation as means to attain genuine individual equilibrium.
Based on my professional background as a stylist, this approach facilitates the cultivation of one’s personal style by encouraging independent thinking in the realm of fashion. It enables individuals to curate a wardrobe that is both uniquely reflective of their aesthetic preferences and incorporates elements of their own identity, which should be valued and cultivated over time.
Although this theory employs categorizations, its emphasis lies not in confining oneself, but rather in self-discovery and leveraging this understanding to cultivate a fashion image that maximizes personal happiness, comfort, and contentment.
In order to attain a comprehensive self-awareness that can subsequently inform choices in clothing, accessories, hairstyle, and makeup, individuals may identify their respective type from a selection of 13 categories that are delineated by physical attributes and fundamental aspects of personality. The Kibbe theory encompasses the assessment of four distinct elements pertaining to an individual’s physique, namely the overall Bone Structure, Body Flesh, Facial Bones, and Facial Flesh. In order to discover one’s distinctive Image Identity Type.
The fundamental tenets of the Kibbe system
To ascertain your typology, it is imperative to familiarize ourselves with certain principles and essential terminology.
Firstly, let us delve into the concept of yin and yang. This principle exemplifies the interconnectedness and complementarity of all elements, while also acknowledging their inherent contradictions. The presence of traditionally feminine and masculine essences can be observed in facial features, bone structure, and height, which are all inherent characteristics.
This assertion does not imply that one’s appearance is inherently feminine or masculine. Rather, it acknowledges that labels utilize language to interpret bodily features and employ this understanding to determine appropriate clothing and accessories.
Yin categorizes the feminine energy as being generated by the presence of soft and curved lines, rounded shapes, subtle outlines, and a fluid silhouette, thereby yielding characteristics that are characterized by curvaceousness, delicacy, and petite proportions. One notable exemplar of romanticism is the renowned figure Marilyn Monroe, characterized by her delicate bone structure and voluptuous physique. Monroe exudes a captivating and inviting essence in the realm of fashion, rendering her a notable icon and muse. This is attributed to her embodiment of pure yin in both physical appearance and skeletal structure.
Yang’s classification involves the categorization of masculine energy based on specific visual elements. These elements include strong and vertical lines, sharper edges, geometric shapes, elongated outlines, and a smooth silhouette. The outcome of these features is a more angular, broad, and blunt appearance. One notable illustration can be found in the form of supermodel Donyale Luna, whose striking appearance is characterized by her elongated and slender bone structure, complemented by a sleek physique comprised of predominantly yang bone structure and flesh. The aforementioned attributes contribute to her composed demeanor and captivating presence, which are evident not only in her professional endeavors as a model but also in her individual fashion choices.
Now, let us examine the concept of Contrast & Blend, which pertains to the amalgamation of yin and yang within the human body. The concept of contrast elucidates the interplay between distinct yin or yang attributes. Blended features exhibit a combination of characteristics, encompassing neither exclusively yin nor yang qualities.
Imaan Hammam exhibits contrasting physical attributes as a result of her assertive Yang characteristics juxtaposed with a noticeable Yin undertone. The individual in question possesses a slender physique characterized by elongated limbs and well-defined facial features. The individual possesses a supple physical form with well-defined contours accentuating their underlying skeletal framework. The juxtaposition of yang and yin elements in her appearance generates a captivating and assertive aura, while simultaneously infusing her looks with a captivating and fervent essence. This phenomenon is attributed to the diverse degrees of this conceptual framework, which is evident in her modeling endeavors showcased on both runway and editorial platforms.
The subsequent notion pertains to the vertical line, which denotes elongation and height. The presence of a vertical line has the potential to significantly alter one’s perception of height, as the overall body shape is influenced by its presence. In the Kibbe system, the presence of elongation is indicative of Yang, while shortness or petite stature is associated with Yin. However, the incorporation of contrasting elements and the seamless integration of various components contribute to the overall verticality of the composition.
As an illustration, Kate Moss, with a height of 5’7 or 173cm, does not primarily draw attention through her vertical stature. Instead, she is renowned for her petite and delicate physique, characterized by robust and rounded facial features. The vertical extension resulting from her tall stature generates a yang element that juxtaposes with her yin characteristics, thereby imparting a striking impression characterized by streamlined proportions, despite her petite physique.
Jane Birkin, with a height of 5’8 or 176cm, possesses a noticeable vertical line and elongated limbs, which contribute to a more pronounced Yang aspect despite her yin tendencies within the spectrum. This is primarily due to her angular facial features. Both women possess comparable heights; however, their vertical alignment exhibits dissimilarities due to their placement along the body type continuum.
The Kibbe families and their respective types
The Kibbe Body Types encompass a total of 13 distinct body types, which have been organized into five overarching families: Dramatic, Natural, Classic, Gamine, and Romantic. The Dramatic family represents individuals with predominantly yang characteristics, while the Romantic family embodies those with primarily yin attributes.
The original book on which this quiz is based presents a classification system consisting of five primary families, each comprising two to three subtypes. These subtypes differ in terms of the extent of yin and yang, ultimately resulting in a total of thirteen distinct body types. It is advisable to categorize one’s responses into four distinct sections, namely bone structure, body flesh type, facial structure, and facial features. This approach allows individuals to discern their own inclinations towards yin and/or yang characteristics. In the subsequent analysis of the quiz outcomes, I will elucidate the distinctive characteristics associated with each familial group. This will enable you to gain insight into your own image identity type as per the framework under consideration.
QUIZ
Now let’s begin.
BONE STRUCTURE
The first section of the quiz will focus on the body’s bone structure, this strongly dictates how clothes will drape on the body and interact with overall features.
My vertical line can be defined as:
a. Long
b. Moderately Long
c. Moderate
d. Smallish
e. Petite
The shape of my shoulders is best described as:
a. Narrow and sharp
b. Broad and blunt
c. Moderate and even
d. Sloped, but tapered
e. Sloped and rounded
The length of my arms and legs are best described as:
a. Elongated and narrow
b. Elongated and broad
c. Moderate, in even proportion to my height and upper torso
d. Small and slightly short
e. Very short in proportion to my height and upper torso
The size and shape of my hands and feet are best described as:
a. Long and narrow
b. Large and broad
c. Moderate, neither broad or delicate
d. Small, narrow, and delicate
e. Small and slightly wide
BODY FLESH TYPE
The next section will once again focus on the body, but this time the overall look of skin, flesh, and muscle.
The overall shape of my body is best described as:
a. Long, lean, and narrow
b. Broad, may be muscular
c. Moderate, evenly proportioned
d. Shapely, a delicate hourglass
e. Very soft, lush, a ripe hourglass
My bust and/or torso is best described as:
a. Flat and taut
b. Wide and broad
c. Moderate, in even proportion to my shoulders, waist, and hips
d. Shapely, curved, and more prominent than my waistline
e. Very prominent, lushly curved, and always full
My waistline is best described as:
a. Elongated, but boyishly tapered
b. Elongated, but also broad
c. Moderate, slightly defined
d. Very small, in proportion to my upper torso and/or bust and hips
e. Softly defined, but tends to be slightly wide
My hip shape is best described as
a. Tapered, straight, and narrow
b. Straight, slightly tapered, and slightly wide near the hips
c. Moderate, in even proportion to my torso and/or bust and waistline
d. Shapely and rounded, more pronounced than the small of the waist
e. Extremely soft and rounded
The flesh on my upper arms and thighs could best be described as:
a. Long, lithe, and slender
b. Elongated and may be muscular
c. Moderate
d. Soft and slightly short
e. Very soft, slightly wide, and full
Next we will be looking at facial structure. To analyze the face, it is best to look straight on at yourself for this section.
The shape of my jawline is best described as:
a. Sharp and very prominent, either pointed or square
b. Broad or blunt, slightly wide
c. Moderate and symmetrical
d. Delicate, tapered, or slightly narrow
e. Rounded or softly wide
The shape of my nose is best described as:
a. Sharp or prominent
b. Broad or blunt, possibly wide
c. Moderate
d. Delicate, tapered, and narrow
e. Rounded or softly wide
The shape of my cheekbones is best described as:
a. High and prominent
b. Wide
c. Symmetrical, moderate
d. Delicate, narrow, slightly rounded
e. Rounded
FACIAL FEATURES
The shape of my eyes is best described as:
a. Narrow, straight, closely spaced, or almond-shaped
b. Narrow, straight, and widely spaced
c. Evenly spaced, symmetrical, and a moderate size
d. Rounded, slightly close together, possibly slightly almond-shaped or up-turned
e. Very round and very large
The shape of my lips is best described as:
a. Straight and narrow
b. Straight and strong
c. Moderate and evenly shaped
d. Slightly full and rounded
e. Very full and rounded
The flesh on my cheekbones could best be described as:
a. Taut and flat
b. Fairly taut or muscular, may be puffy at times
c. Moderate and with soft lenient
d. Soft and fleshy
e. Very soft, fleshy, and always round
RESULTS & REVIEW
The quiz is now over, we will be going over results and a summary of each family’s traits now. While going over your answers please note that A and B represent Yang, C is a combination of Yin and Yang, and D and E stand for Yin.
If you scored mostly As you are a pure dramatic. Your position on the Yin and Yang spectrum is an extreme, sharp Yang. If you have mostly As under bone structure with E or D under body flesh, facial structure, and flesh/facial features you are a soft dramatic. Soft dramatics have bold yang with pronounced Yin undercurrent.
Scoring mostly Bs means you are a Natural type. Naturals are more moderate on the yin and yang spectrum, but lean more towards yang in essence through angular and slight broad structure which gives the softer edge of yang. If you have some As you are a Flamboyant Natural that depicts strong Yang with blunt edges. Mostly Bs paired with some D or Es means you are a soft natural which is Soft Yang with a Yin undercurrent.
Mostly Cs as your answer means you have a classic body type. Classics are the balance between the ends of the yin and yang spectrum. If there are a few As or Bs, you are a dramatic classic that has balanced yin and yang that is slightly more angular. Or if there are a few D or Es, you are a soft classic that will be balanced, but with more yin influence.
If there is an extreme mixture of opposite yin and yang features such as A and E you are a Gamine. This type is the combination of opposites in which you are yin in size and facial features, but yang in body type and structure. If there are some Bs along with these As and Es you are a flamboyant gamine. Or if you have mostly A and Es with several Ds you are a soft Gamine which is a combination of opposites complimented with extra yin.
If you received mostly E you are a romantic with pure yin. Your position is on the end of the spectrum, an extreme but delicate structure and flesh combination. If you have mostly Ds or a strong combination of E and D with a few As you are a theatrical romantic which is a very soft Yin with a slight Yang undercurrent.
Now with this information, you can understand your kibbe principles, body type and your own pure state, contrast, or blend of yin and yang. This can be applied in order to create harmony between your body and clothing through matching the degrees of yin and yang in your outfit or style to the degrees of yin and yang of your body type family. You can use these loose guidelines if you truly align and adore the traditional style of your type or to study other types and understand those clothing lines- so that you can make it into one of your own. As the famous saying goes, “Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.”
By finding your image identity and embracing it, you shed away past perceptions, comments, and rules to find ones that align with you or even create your own. Though there are guidelines and labels, recognize these variables not as constraints or strict rules, but rather options to work in your favor. This can also be used to create an image you’re more comfortable with and to form or execute your own aesthetic. In the future, I will be going more in depth on the looks and traits of the five families. with the subtypes within as well as different clothing lines and styling techniques for each so that you can create looks that you find most congenial in terms of visual taste.
Kibbe is a great tool to have in your styling arsenal and a very interesting theory that truly provides a space outside of what “in” for you to learn more about yourself on a very intimate level and also find what truly love about yourself and want in terms of image, beauty, and personal style. In the words of G. Bruce Boyer, “Real style is never right or wrong. It’s a matter of being yourself on purpose.”
SOURCES: David Kibbe – A Metamorphosis – http://davidkibbe.co/ Art and Fashion in Clothing Selection By Harriet Tilden McJimsey – https://www.amazon.com/Fashion-Clothing-Selection-Harriet-McJimsey/dp/0813801508 Celebrity Examples of the Kibbe Body Types – https://cozyrebekah.com/2020/12/21/examples-of-the-kibbe-body-types/ Kibbe Principles Reference/ Test – https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/kibbe-body-type-test Kibbe Theory Test/Reference – https://theconceptwardrobe.com/kibbe-body-types/the-kibbe-body-type-test Kibbe Philosophy/Test – https://www.arezuaesthetics.com/kibbes-philosophy Somaesthetics -Shusterman, Richard (Summer 1999). http://www.staff.amu.edu.pl/~ewa/Somaesthetics.pdf
