DISCOVER YOUR KIBBE BODY TYPE

The best-dressed people? They know exactly what suits them. They’re the ones filling up your Pinterest boards, the ones you double-tap on Instagram, the influencers whose outfits you pause for in TikTok GRWMs. Knowing your Kibbe type gives you that same style insider secret. You’ll start to see what really works for your body, making it easy to find the perfect fits.

The Kibbe body types are a set of 13 unique style types based on both your look and vibe, created by David Kibbe back in the '80s.

The Man Behind the Kibbe Revolution

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Discovering Your Kibbe Type: Start with Your Top 5

Finding your Kibbe type begins with identifying which family—or “Top 5”—you fit into: Dramatic, Natural, Classic, Gamine, or Romantic. This first step helps frame your unique balance of structure and softness.

Explore Kibbe Types

DRAMATIC

NATURAL

CLASSIC

GAMMINE

ROMANTIC

Yang Traits

Associated with angular shapes, sharp lines, elongated silhouettes, and geometric forms like rectangles and triangles.

Yin Traits

Associated with rounded edges, soft shapes, flowing lines, hourglass figures, and gentle curves.

Understanding Yin-Yang Balance

In the Kibbe system, yin-yang balance represents the harmony between softness (yin) and structure (yang) in a person’s physical appearance and style. Yin qualities are rounded, soft, and delicate, while yang qualities are angular, sharp, and bold. Each type blends these elements uniquely, creating a style that reflects a specific balance of softness and structure.

Think Kiki and Bouba

Just like in the Kiki-Bouba effect, yin-yang balance in Kibbe relates to the way shapes and styles resonate with us. Kiki, with its sharp, angular edges, captures the essence of yang—structured and bold. Bouba, with its soft, rounded form, represents yin—gentle and flowing. This intuitive balance between softness and structure is at the heart of each Kibbe type’s unique style.

What is the Kibbe body type system?

The Kibbe body type system is a style approach by David Kibbe that classifies 13 types based on both physical traits and “vibe.” It helps people find clothing that harmonizes with their natural lines, making it easier to dress in styles that feel just right.
How do I find my Kibbe body type?

Finding your Kibbe type involves analyzing your bone structure, body shape, and essence, focusing on your yin (soft/rounded) and yang (sharp/angular) traits. You can find your Kibbe body type by using our Kibbe Body app, which leverages AI to analyze your unique Kibbe type, and gives you accurate insights and guidance. Additionally, there are Reddit groups like r/kibbe_typeme where you can post photos of yourself for feedback.
Is the Kibbe system accurate?

Many people find the Kibbe system helpful, as it offers tailored advice based on individual characteristics. However, like any system, it’s not one-size-fits-all, so use what works for you and leave the rest!
What are the 5 main Kibbe types?

Kibbe’s five main categories are Dramatic, Natural, Classic, Gamine, and Romantic. Each of these has specific subtypes that add either more yin or yang, making up the full range of 13 types.
What are the Kibbe subtypes?

Kibbe includes 8 additional subtypes: Soft Dramatic, Flamboyant Natural, Soft Natural, Dramatic Classic, Soft Classic, Flamboyant Gamine, Soft Gamine, and Theatrical Romantic. Each subtype adds unique traits to its main family type, either leaning more toward yin or yang.
Why is yin and yang important in Kibbe body typing?

Yin and yang define the soft (yin) and sharp (yang) qualities in Kibbe types. Understanding where you fall on this spectrum helps you choose styles that complement your natural shape, creating harmony in your outfits.
Can your Kibbe body type change?

Your Kibbe type is based on your bone structure and proportions, which don’t change over time. So, once you’ve found your type, it generally stays the same, even if your weight or style preferences fluctuate.
Can a Kibbe type be between yin and yang?

Yes! The Classic family in Kibbe body types is known for being balanced, which means it’s a blend of yin and yang traits, creating a more symmetrical and harmonious look.
Are there any Kibbe body types based on height?

Yes, height is a key factor in determining Kibbe types. For example, Dramatic and Flamboyant Natural types are typically taller, while Gamines are often shorter and petite.
Can plus-size individuals use the Kibbe system?

Absolutely! Kibbe types aren’t based on size; they’re about proportions and natural lines. Whether plus-size or petite, anyone can find their Kibbe type and use it to create harmonious looks.
Is the Kibbe body type system good for men?

Though Kibbe originally designed the system with women in mind, the principles of yin and yang balance, along with the emphasis on body lines, can be useful for men interested in finding harmonious styles.
How can I find my style with the Kibbe system?

Once you know your Kibbe type, you can explore style guides and outfit ideas tailored to your type’s unique traits, helping you choose lines, shapes, and colors that bring out your best.
How do I use my Kibbe type to improve my wardrobe?

Knowing your Kibbe type helps you streamline your wardrobe by choosing styles, silhouettes, and fabrics that naturally complement your body, making it easier to build a cohesive, flattering wardrobe.
Why is the Kibbe system so popular online?

The Kibbe system is detailed and helps people understand what really suits them, making it an appealing tool for style enthusiasts looking for personalized advice beyond traditional body typing.
What makes Kibbe different from apple or pear body types?

Unlike apple or pear body types, which focus on specific measurements, the Kibbe system considers your overall vibe, proportions, and bone structure, giving a more holistic approach to personal style.
How does the Kibbe Body app work?

Our app uses AI to analyze your bone structure, body shape, and facial features to determine your Kibbe type based on yin (soft) and yang (angular) traits.
How accurate is the Kibbe Body app’s analysis?

Our AI is trained to accurately assess Kibbe types based on bone structure, body shape, and essence. While no system is perfect, we’ve optimized it to give users reliable results.
Is the app available on both iOS and Android?

Yes, the Kibbe Body app is available for download on both iOS and Android platforms.
Is the Kibbe Body app free to use?

Yes, the app is free to download, and your Kibbe body type analysis and initial results are free. Optional in-app purchases, like the one-time unlock for unlimited analysis and reports or a monthly subscription for curated in-app shopping carts, provide extra value.
Do I need to take photos for the analysis?

Yes, to ensure accurate results, our app requests front, side, and back photos. The process is private and only used for your Kibbe analysis.
Can I upload old photos instead of taking new ones?

Yes, as long as they meet the app’s requirements for angles and lighting, you can upload previous photos.
How do you protect my privacy with uploaded photos?

We prioritize privacy. All photos are encrypted and only processed for your analysis, then securely deleted after use.
How long does it take to get my results?

Results are typically available within about a minute, as our AI processes your photos quickly and accurately.
Can I retake the analysis if I’m unsure about the results?

Yes, you can try again for a small fee if you’d like a second assessment. You can also manually edit your Kibbe type if you prefer, and for a one-time unlock fee, you’ll have access to unlimited analysis and full style reports for all types.
What’s different about your app compared to a Kibbe test online?

Unlike text-based tests, our app uses AI to analyze your actual proportions and essence, providing a more accurate result.
Does the app help if I’m between two Kibbe types?

Yes, we recognize unique traits and offer a personalized analysis to clarify between similar types.
What if my Kibbe type changes over time?

Typically, Kibbe types remain consistent, but you can re-analyze if you feel your type may have shifted.
Can the app help me with style recommendations?

Yes! Once you know your Kibbe type, you can purchase a detailed style report within the app. We also offer a monthly subscription where we curate an in-app shopping cart for you with clothes that suit your type, available in various styles.
Does the app provide specific outfit suggestions?

Yes, our monthly subscription includes a shopping cart feature where we showcase clothes and items currently available that suit your Kibbe type and style preferences.
Is there a community feature in the app?

Not yet, but we’re working on it! We plan to add friend groups where you can share style insights and tips. We’re also building 13 communities—one for each type—to swap style advice, top purchases, and get feedback.
Will the app remember my Kibbe type for future logins?

Currently, the app saves your Kibbe type and all information to your device. However, it is device-specific, so results are only accessible on that device. Cross-Device logins will come soon!

Who Is David Kibbe?

David Kibbe is more than a stylist—he’s a style visionary who transformed how people think about personal fashion. In the 1980s, Kibbe became a pioneer by introducing a style philosophy that wasn’t about strict body types but about finding what makes each person unique. His approach focuses on working with your natural shape, not against it, making him a major influence in the world of fashion and style.

The Kibbe movement began in the 1980s with his groundbreaking book, Metamorphosis, which transformed how people viewed personal style. This book, now out of print (and often priced at $800 for a used copy!), encouraged readers to embrace their natural beauty rather than conforming to trends. With his fresh approach, Kibbe quickly gained national attention, appearing on shows like Oprah and in top magazines. His philosophy reached millions, making him a key figure in the world of self-discovery through style.

1980s Style Icon

The Kibbe Comeback

Today, David Kibbe’s ideas are seeing a resurgence, especially among Gen Z and TikTok enthusiasts who love his authentic, empowering approach to style. With a new book coming in January 2024, Kibbe’s wisdom is reaching a whole new generation, allowing anyone to explore their personal style identity from anywhere. While Kibbe himself remains mostly offline, he continues to offer private sessions for those looking for a hands-on style transformation. Kibbe’s timeless ideas are more accessible than ever, proving that great style truly has no expiration date.