Basic Shape of the Figure continued...


Male and female body shapes are different. Women tend to have a more rounded form then men, since their bodies are adapted for having babies.  Their hips flare out more than those of men, as can be seen in the illustration to the right.  The "V" part of the "M" is wider apart than the man's "M" and the tips of the "M" flare out more as well in the women.  Think of it this way:  An upside-down "W" for women, and a straight "M" for men.   The upper torso is mostly larger in men than in women.  In the drawing, the upside-down U, which represents the chest cavity, is larger in the man.  (If you've been keeping up with the TV show Survivor, this is why the men were able to stay submerged longer than the women.) Keep in mind that body shapes vary among each sex.  There are three general body types: Ectomorph (tall and skinny, i.e. Calista Flockhart),  Endomorph (round and stout, i.e. Rosie O'Donnell), and Mesomorph (muscular, i.e. Arnold Schwarzeneggar)

 Back | On to Proportions


©2000 Team C004570