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Yin/Yang Balance

The philosophy of contrasting opposites that informs your unique aesthetic.

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.

Kiki - Yang shape

Yang Traits

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

Bouba - Yin shape

Yin Traits

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

The Philosophy of Opposites

Yin and Yang are contrasting forces that exist in everything around us. Neither is better than the other, they are complementary opposites that create balance.

In the Kibbe system, understanding where you fall on the Yin/Yang spectrum helps you discover silhouettes, details, and aesthetics that harmonize with your natural essence.

This isn't about being one or the other, most people are a unique blend of both qualities.

Yin & Yang Qualities

Yang

Sharp, angular, strong

Sharp

Angular edges and defined lines

Angular

Geometric, straight shapes

Bold

Strong, pronounced features

Elongated

Vertical, linear forms

Minimal

Clean and unadorned

Structured

Architectural and precise

Yin

Soft, curved, yielding

Soft

Rounded edges and gentle curves

Curved

Flowing, circular shapes

Delicate

Fine, intricate details

Rounded

Spherical, organic forms

Ornate

Decorative and embellished

Lush

Rich, full, and abundant

Connection to Image Identity

Your Yin/Yang balance is one of the core components of your Image Identity. Combined with your Personal Line, it defines the silhouettes and details that create harmony with your natural appearance.

Understanding this balance isn't about measurements or analysis, it's about feeling. Which qualities resonate with you? What aesthetic speaks to your soul?

Discover Your Kibbe Identity

Our photo analysis uses the sketching method to identify your type automatically.

Photo Analysis

Full Body Front
Full Body Front
Full Body Side
Full Body Side
Next

Our AI creates a 3D mesh of your body for precise measurements, then sketches your silhouette shape overtop to define your type. You can optionally receive your mesh and sketch with your results.

Take the Quiz

Results

Flamboyant Natural

Flamboyant Natural shape
FN
Flamboyant Natural body icon

Description

Flamboyant Naturals have a tall, broad look with relaxed, strong features. There's a natural strength and openness in this frame.

Nickname

"The Nonchalant Showstopper"

Yin-Yang

75% Yang
Flamboyant Natural Yin-Yang Balance

Personal Line

Vertical+Width

Characteristics

  • Usually 5'6" and over
  • Broad and strong frame
  • Relaxed, defined structure
  • Wide shoulders
  • Subtle curves

Similar to

Mistaken for

Physical Features of a Flamboyant Natural

Broad, blunt bone structure with wide shoulders and muscular build. Long limbs with athletic frame and natural width through upper body. Strong facial features with broad jawline, large nose, and wide-set eyes.

Note: Modern Kibbe emphasizes overall line, silhouette, and how fabric drapes on the body rather than checking off individual features. These physical descriptions serve as general guides to understand each type's accommodation needs (vertical, width, curve, petite), not as strict checklists. Your Kibbe type is about what your body needs in clothing, not matching every listed trait.

Strong Broad Shoulders

Strong Broad Shoulders

Long Broad Limbs

Long Broad Limbs

Tapered Wide Hips

Tapered Wide Hips

Broad Muscular Shape

Broad Muscular Shape

The traditional approach to Kibbe typing. Answer questions about your bone structure, body flesh, and facial features. Still accurate, just not the modern visual method.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
David Kibbe originally defined 13 types, but has since discontinued Pure Natural, Pure Classic, and Pure Gamine. He found that most people who identified with these 'pure' types actually fit better into one of the related subtypes. Those who previously identified with these types are encouraged to explore Flamboyant Natural or Soft Natural, Dramatic Classic or Soft Classic, and Flamboyant Gamine or Soft Gamine respectively.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Love-Based Beauty is David Kibbe's philosophy that emphasizes self-acceptance and enhancing your natural beauty rather than trying to change or hide who you are. Instead of following rigid rules about what you 'should' wear, it invites you to discover what truly resonates with your unique essence. The vitals are Self-Love, Acceptance, and Celebration.
Style is Personal Art: a visual language to express your entire being that's timeless and uniquely yours. Fashion is the current offerings from the industry that change seasonally. It's a tool, not a dictator. Trends are fleeting moments in fashion that are fun to play with but shouldn't be the foundation of your style.
It's a core philosophy reminding you that YOU ARE THE STAR OF YOUR LIFE. Not a celebrity, not a model, not an influencer. Your unique combination of features, coloring, and essence is as rare and beautiful as a star in the sky. Style is about celebrating your own star quality, not copying someone else's.
Intelligent Subjectivity is using your personal experiences to inform your style development. Instead of relying on external 'typing' or rigid formulas, you learn to trust your own feelings and responses. This leads to Enlightened Subjectivity, the 'AHA!' moment of true style empowerment when everything clicks.
There is no universal standard of beauty that applies to everyone. What matters is your subjective experience, specifically how YOU feel when you look in the mirror. The Kibbe approach encourages you to develop your own eye for what works for you, rather than following external rules that may not apply to your unique beauty.
The DIY Method is David Kibbe's guided journey of personal discovery through exercises and games. Rather than being 'typed' by others, you work through 15 interactive games and an 8-step journey to discover your own Image Identity, Personal Line, and Color Season. It's about self-discovery, not external labeling.
Image Identity (what many call 'Kibbe type') is your 'sculpture': complementary outlines that combine your Yin/Yang Balance and Personal Line. It's the overall harmony between your natural physical presence and the silhouettes that complement you. The modern system refers to Kibbe Types as Image Identities.
Personal Line is the relationship between your body and complementary silhouettes. It includes your Dominant element (either Vertical or Curve) and your Additional element (Narrow, Width, Double Curve, Petite, or Moderate/Balance). Understanding your Personal Line helps you choose clothing shapes that create harmony.
HTT stands for Head-to-Toe, meaning you view your complete outfit as a whole rather than separate pieces. This is a key concept in Kibbe styling. You're not just picking a top or bottom, but creating a complete visual story. The three keys to HTT are Color, Silhouette, and Situation.
Your Season is your 'painting': the harmonious colors that complement your natural coloring. There are four seasons (Winter, Autumn, Summer, Spring), each defined by Base (warm/cool), Depth (clarity/dimension), and Contrast level. David Kibbe's contemporary approach is called Color Magique.
Shop-Portunity is David Kibbe's approach to shopping with an open mind, like a treasure hunt. Instead of rigidly sticking to a list, you stay ready to discover unexpected gems that speak to you. The best finds often surprise you! Learn more on our Victorious Shopping page.
The Closet Rule is a key Kibbe principle: "If it's not in your closet, it CAN'T be in your life." Your wardrobe is the foundation of your daily style expression. What you own shapes what you can be, so choose wisely and let your closet reflect your fullest self. Explore this concept on our Victorious Shopping page.
Pregame Warm-Up consists of centering exercises you do before style activities like shopping or trying on clothes. The three main techniques are: Go to Zero (clearing the mind to reach mindfulness), Pull Up Your Awe (evoking wonder and inspiration), and Susan's Breath (a specific breathing technique for centering). Practice these in our Style Games.
The Three Loves is a foundational self-acceptance exercise in the Kibbe system. You stand in front of a mirror, identify three physical features you love about yourself, and write them down to keep visible. This builds the self-love foundation essential for your style journey. Try it and other exercises in our Style Games.
Victorious Shopping is David Kibbe's approach to transforming shopping from overwhelming to empowering. It's based on three keys: Have a Plan (know your goals before entering the store), Shop by Outfits (HTT) (think in complete Head-to-Toe looks), and Shop-Portunity (stay open to unexpected discoveries). Learn more on our Victorious Shopping page.