Complete Guide
Kibbe Body Types
The definitive guide to understanding David Kibbe's 13 body types, the Yin/Yang system, and how to find your type.
What is the Kibbe Body Type System?
The Kibbe Body Type System was created by David Kibbe in his 1987 book "Metamorphosis." Unlike traditional body typing systems that focus only on proportions (like pear, apple, or hourglass), Kibbe considers your entire physical presence—bone structure, facial features, flesh distribution, and overall essence.
The system identifies 13 distinct body types, each with specific style recommendations that honor your natural lines rather than trying to "correct" them. The goal isn't to look taller, shorter, curvier, or straighter—it's to look like the most harmonious version of yourself.
At its core, Kibbe is about understanding your unique balance of Yin (soft, curved, delicate) and Yang (sharp, angular, strong) characteristics, and dressing to complement that balance.
Understanding Yin and Yang
Every Kibbe type is defined by its position on the Yin/Yang spectrum. Understanding these concepts is key to understanding your type.
Yin Characteristics
Soft, rounded, delicate, small, curved
• Rounded bone structure
• Soft, fleshy curves
• Full lips, large eyes
• Delicate, sloping shoulders
• Short to moderate vertical line
Yang Characteristics
Sharp, angular, strong, long, straight
• Angular bone structure
• Lean, taut flesh
• Narrow features, thin lips
• Sharp, prominent shoulders
• Long vertical line
The 13 Kibbe Body Types
Organized by family, from most Yang to most Yin.
Dramatic Family
Sharp, angular, and vertical. The bold, striking types.
Soft Dramatic
Yang with Yin undercurrent
Bold and sensual curves
Celebrities: Sofia Vergara, Adele
Learn moreNatural Family
Blunt, broad, and relaxed. The effortless, athletic types.
Flamboyant Natural
Dominant Yang with bluntness
Free-spirited and statuesque
Celebrities: Jennifer Lawrence, Cameron Diaz
Learn moreNatural
Balanced Yang with bluntness
Effortlessly relaxed
Celebrities: Jennifer Aniston, Meg Ryan
Learn moreClassic Family
Balanced, symmetrical, and moderate. The timeless, refined types.
Dramatic Classic
Balanced with Yang influence
Polished sophistication with edge
Celebrities: Jackie Kennedy, Olivia Palermo
Learn moreClassic
Perfectly balanced Yin and Yang
Timeless elegance
Celebrities: Grace Kelly, Meryl Streep
Learn moreSoft Classic
Balanced with Yin influence
Graceful and refined femininity
Celebrities: Naomi Watts, Marion Cotillard
Learn moreGamine Family
Petite, compact, and contrasted. The youthful, energetic types.
Flamboyant Gamine
Yang in a compact frame
Edgy and youthful
Celebrities: Audrey Hepburn, Twiggy
Learn moreGamine
Mixed Yin and Yang in small frame
Playfully contrasted
Celebrities: Mia Farrow, Jean Seberg
Learn moreSoft Gamine
Yin dominant in compact frame
Charming and doll-like
Celebrities: Reese Witherspoon, Winona Ryder
Learn moreRomantic Family
Soft, curved, and sensual. The feminine, lush types.
Theatrical Romantic
Yin dominant with slight Yang undercurrent
Dramatic glamour meets curves
Celebrities: Marilyn Monroe, Salma Hayek
Learn moreQuick Reference Chart
| Type | Yin/Yang | Key Traits | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
Dramatic | Pure Yang | Long vertical line | 5'7" and up |
Soft Dramatic | Yang with Yin undercurrent | Long vertical line | 5'7" and up |
Flamboyant Natural | Dominant Yang with bluntness | Broad, blunt shoulders | 5'7" and up |
Natural | Balanced Yang with bluntness | Moderate vertical line | Any height |
Soft Natural | Soft Yang | Moderate vertical line | Any height |
Dramatic Classic | Balanced with Yang influence | Balanced, moderate frame | Any height |
Classic | Perfectly balanced Yin and Yang | Moderate, balanced frame | Any height |
Soft Classic | Balanced with Yin influence | Moderate, balanced frame | Any height |
Flamboyant Gamine | Yang in a compact frame | Petite frame | 5'5" and under |
Gamine | Mixed Yin and Yang in small frame | Petite frame | 5'5" and under |
Soft Gamine | Yin dominant in compact frame | Petite frame | 5'5" and under |
Theatrical Romantic | Yin dominant with slight Yang undercurrent | Delicate with slight sharpness | Any height |
Romantic | Pure Yin | Rounded, soft bones | Any height |
How to Find Your Kibbe Body Type
Finding your Kibbe type can be challenging because it requires seeing yourself objectively. Here are the most common approaches:
Frequently Asked Questions
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These are the most commonly confused Kibbe types. Read our in-depth comparisons to find your true type.