Body types, size charts, and material guide
Here you'll find comprehensive measurement charts, information about body shapes, and a small materials guide that helps you understand our garments' fabrics and their properties. Additionally, we explain why clothing sizes may vary slightly and how to find the perfect fit for yourself.
Factory tolerance and its causes:
Handcraft in the machine age
The clothing industry is a rare field - most work stages are still done by hand. Our garments are therefore genuine handcraft, backed by skilled people.
The cutting stage affects measurements
Fabrics are laid out in layers for cutting, done either by hand or by machine under human supervision. The fabrics must rest before cutting so they return to their natural size - otherwise they will shrink after cutting.
Products are cut according to patterns, but the cutter decides where the blade goes: inside or outside the line, or exactly on the line. This small difference affects the final size.
The sewing stage brings its own touch
Sewers join the pieces together, and each sewer's "handwriting" affects whether they sew right at the edge or further away. The machine used also affects the end result.
Materials determine behavior
The fabric's weight, stretch, and composition affect how it behaves at each work stage. Different fabric thicknesses give different results with the same pattern, because seam structures take up space differently.
Human-made quality
Each sewing facility leaves its own touch on the products. A 2 cm measurement tolerance tells that we acknowledge our products are made by human hands - and we're proud of it.
We support skilled makers in Finland and Lithuania. Your product might have been made by Anne, Sanna, Mirka, Emilija, or someone else from our chain of professionals. That makes it special.
Body Types
You lovely, unique and wonderful woman – do you recognize your body type?
We're here to help you identify your body type and find the clothes that suit you best. Let us be your partner on the journey toward your own beauty and confidence!
We at VirQ celebrate the diverse beauty of women – let's start this journey together!
We divide bodies into five different and unique main types:
- A-body (pear)
- H-body (rectangle)
- O-body (apple)
- X-body (hourglass)
- Y-body (inverted triangle)
We women have very different body types – we are all equally lovely and unique. Each of us has our own beautiful curves and shapes to highlight. Clothes are created to bring out your unique beauty.
Once you first recognize your body type, we can together find those clothes from our collection that fit you best.
Every body type is beautiful and unique!
To recognize your body type, boldly step in front of a full-length mirror, preferably in your underwear. Study your body's proportions from both the front and side.
Here's how to examine your body's proportions:
Focus on three main points: shoulders – waist – hips
1. Shoulders
Look at the width of your shoulders. If your shoulders are clearly wider than your hips, you're probably a Y-body type.
2. Waist
Examine your waist shape:
- Clearly narrow and defined? → Points to X-body (hourglass)
- Less defined or round? → Could be H- or O-body
3. Hips
Compare the width of your hips to your shoulders:
- Hips wider than shoulders? → Probably A-body (pear)
- All areas roughly the same width? → H-body
Finally:
Look at your body's overall shape and where the weight center settles. Remember that body typing is just a tool – you are unique exactly as you are!
Body measurement
If you want to confirm your body type, you can use a measuring tape to measure the circumferences of your shoulders, waist, and hips and compare them:
- A-body: Narrow shoulders and wide hips
- H-body: Straight, proportional body where shoulders and hips are in the same line. Little to no waist definition
- O-body: Round midsection without contrasts above or below
- X-body: Balanced proportions and narrow waist
- Y-body: Wide shoulders and narrow waist/hips
In an A-body the hips are wider than the shoulders, and the waist is often beautifully accentuated. This body type radiates femininity and charm. A-line dresses and tunics that flow beautifully from the hips highlight this body's beautiful curves. Strengthen the upper body by choosing striking scarves and lirpukkas with gorgeous details and gentle colors – with these clothes you'll easily bring out your lovely individuality!
The H-body is straight-lined, where shoulders and hips are almost in the same line. This body type's waist may be less pronounced, but let the softness shine! Straight jumper dresses, tunics, and minimalist VirQ dresses where patterns take center stage create a stylish look that expresses strength and beauty. With this style, you can play with layering and boldly find new ways to highlight your beautiful features. Put a relaxed jacket over a mini dress or flutter with a poncho, for example.
In an O-body the shape is open and round, where the waist isn't particularly distinct. This body type is magnificent in its own uniqueness, and its beauty deserves to be highlighted. VirQ collection's A-line dresses are perfect choices that bring out this body's beautiful lines and soft shapes. Enjoy your own special style and wear clothes that draw gazes and boost your confidence!
The X-body is harmonious and balanced, where the upper and lower parts are nearly proportional and the waist is clearly narrow. This body type is a perfect choice for clothes that highlight beautiful lines. Choose VirQ collection dresses with soft fabrics and lovely colorful patterns – let the curves speak for themselves and feel enchanting! Put on your own belt, lirpukka scarf, or satin dress belt at your waist.
The Y-body, or inverted triangle, is known for wide shoulders and a narrow waist. This body type exudes strength and confidence. Highlight your gorgeous waist by choosing VirQ collection H-dresses, tunics, and jumper dresses with gentle colors and beautiful details, such as minimalist necklines. Use striking belts or find lovely lirpukka belts from our collection that bring out your strength and beauty.
When you know your body type, you can choose clothes that highlight your body's best features and help you feel beautiful and confident.
Remember that every body type is unique and beautiful in its own way. Be proud of your body and enjoy clothes that highlight your special loveliness and individual style!
We're here to help you find the style that makes you even more magnificent. Give yourself permission to radiate and shine with VirQ's unique patterns, beautiful colors, and well-fitting clothes.
Let's start this journey toward celebrating your beauty and femininity!
About Materials
What is knit and what is woven fabric?
Knits include, for example, jersey and college/sweathsirt knit. In knitting, loops are formed that bind to each other. The loops create a flat loop structure, knit or knitted fabric. Knit can be made both by machine and by hand – knit doesn't always mean a wool sweater.
Woven fabric is made by weaving, where warp and weft yarns cross each other. Different yarns and weaves create different surfaces. For example, the sateen that appears in our garments is a weave method that makes the fabric surface especially soft and draping well. Sateen is therefore not a fabric type, but a way to weave fabric.
Materials:
Knits:
- Jersey
- Sweatshirt knit/french terry
- Ponte Roma
- Polyester jersey
Woven fabrics:
- Cotton sateen
- Cotton poplin
Size charts and measurement tables - find the right size for VirQ garments
You can best avoid getting the wrong-sized garment by measuring! Take a measuring tape and measure strategic points from your own well-fitting garment, then compare them to the corresponding points in our garments' size charts and measurement tables. The right size is best determined when you measure a garment whose material is similar to the garment you're buying. In addition to this page, you'll find the garment measurement table and body measurement table for each product!
Size selection considering materials and styles
Different garments have different amounts of ease – some of VirQ's garment styles are more fitted, others looser. In addition to the garment style, you should also consider the material when choosing size. Is it stretchy knit or woven non-stretch fabric? This information can be found in the product details, so always check them before choosing your size!
Pattern drawings help understand the styles
For each garment, the webstore images also include a pattern drawing that illustrates whether the garment is straight or A-line in style. This helps in interpreting the size chart.
Body measurement table as an alternative
The measurement tables also include a body measurement table if you prefer to measure yourself rather than a garment – or if you want to confirm your size choice by using both tables.
Size chart and measurement table - the right size is confirmed by measuring
With these tips and measurement tables, you'll surely get refreshing and well-fitting VirQ clothes! Always use the size chart to help ensure the best fit.
