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GuidesJuly 11, 2024·3 min read

Updated: August 1, 2026

Who Is David Kibbe? Creator of the 13 Kibbe Body Types

Who is David Kibbe? Meet the creator of the 13 Kibbe body types and his 1987 book Metamorphosis — the system behind every type and style guide on this site.

David Kibbe book Metamorphosis from 1987 that introduced the 13 Kibbe body types
David Kibbe introduced the 13-type system in his 1987 book, Metamorphosis.
Written by Zohaib Hassan, Independent Creator & Software Engineer
#david-kibbe#history#kibbe#metamorphosis#book

The Kibbe body typing system was created by David Kibbe, an image consultant and author who revolutionized how women approach personal style. If you've been searching "David Kibbe body types" or "David Kibbe body type," you've already found the system he built — these 13 types are his classification framework.

Who Is David Kibbe?

David Kibbe is a New York-based image consultant who developed his body typing system over decades of working with women as a personal stylist. His approach combined elements of:

  • Yin/yang philosophy from Chinese metaphysics
  • Classic Hollywood glamour and costume design
  • Practical personal styling experience
  • Body geometry and proportion analysis
  • The Book: Metamorphosis

    In 1987, David Kibbe published "Metamorphosis: Discover Your Image Identity and Dazzle As Only You Can" — often simply called "Metamorphosis" or the "Kibbe book."

    The book laid out the foundational principles:

  • Every woman has a unique combination of yin and yang in her bone structure and flesh
  • 2. This combination determines which of the 13 types she belongs to

    3. Dressing in harmony with one's natural lines creates maximum impact

    4. Makeup, hair, and accessories must also align with one's type

    Metamorphosis: The Original vs. The Bible New Edition

    The Original 1987 Edition

    The original Metamorphosis has become a cult classic, with used copies selling for hundreds of dollars. It introduced:

  • The 13 body types
  • Yin/yang spectrum concept
  • Style recommendations for each type
  • Hair and makeup guidelines
  • Wardrobe archetypes for each type
  • The Bible New Edition

    David Kibbe released a revised edition with updated information, celebrity examples, and modern interpretations while keeping the core principles intact.

    Why the Kibbe System Endures

  • It celebrates diversity: Unlike many style systems that promote one "ideal" body type, Kibbe's system acknowledges 13 equally valid types
  • It's a holistic approach: Not just clothing — Kibbe covers hair, makeup, accessories, and even personality
  • It's timeless: Based on body geometry rather than trends
  • It's empowering: Teaches women to work with their bodies, not against them
  • The 13 David Kibbe Body Types

    The David Kibbe body type system classifies every body into one of 13 types across 5 families. Here they are, from most yang to most yin:

  • Dramatic family: Dramatic, Soft Dramatic
  • Natural family: Flamboyant Natural, Natural, Soft Natural
  • Classic family: Dramatic Classic, Classic, Soft Classic
  • Gamine family: Flamboyant Gamine, Classic Gamine, Soft Gamine
  • Romantic family: Theatrical Romantic, Romantic
  • Each David Kibbe body type has its own characteristics, best silhouettes, colors, and fabrics. When people ask "what Kibbe body type am I?" they're usually trying to find which of these 13 types they fit into. You can browse all 13 types or take the Kibbe body type quiz to find yours.

    The Kibbe Community

    Since Metamorphosis, an active online community has grown around the Kibbe system:

  • Strictly Kibbe (David's official Facebook group)
  • Reddit communities (r/Kibbe, r/DressForYourBody)
  • YouTube channels analyzing celebrity types
  • Style blogs and podcasts dedicated to the system
  • Internal Links

  • Explore the complete list of 13 Kibbe types
  • Understand the yin/yang theory behind the system
  • Take our Kibbe body type quiz to discover your type
  • ZH

    Zohaib Hassan

    Independent Creator & Software Engineer

    Zohaib Hassan is an independent creator and software engineer who designed and built Kibbe Body Types as an accessible, editorially reviewed resource for learning the Kibbe system.

    Discover Your Kibbe Type

    Take our interactive quiz to find out your body type and get personalized styling recommendations.

    Take the Quiz