Kibbe Type Comparison
Flamboyant Natural vs Soft Natural
Can't decide if you're a Flamboyant Natural or Soft Natural? You're not alone—this is one of the most common points of confusion in the Kibbe system.
Flamboyant Natural and Soft Natural are both in the Natural family, sharing the characteristic width and blunt bone structure. The difference is vertical line and yin flesh: Flamboyant Naturals are tall with a long vertical line and more yang throughout, while Soft Naturals are moderate in height with soft, curved flesh. Understanding this distinction helps you choose between these related but different types.
Flamboyant Natural
Dominant Yang with bluntness
Free-spirited and statuesque. Flamboyant Naturals have broad, blunt bone structure with a long vertical line.
Full Flamboyant Natural GuideSoft Natural
Soft Yang
Approachable and feminine. Soft Naturals blend the Natural's relaxed bone structure with soft, curved flesh.
Full Soft Natural GuideWhy Flamboyant Natural and Soft Natural Get Confused
Both types have the Natural family's signature width and need for relaxed, unconstructed silhouettes. Both look best in effortless, unfussy clothing. The confusion happens when someone has width but isn't sure about their vertical line or degree of softness. A tall Soft Natural might think she's Flamboyant Natural; a curvy Flamboyant Natural might think she's Soft Natural.
The Key Difference
Two key differences: vertical line and yin flesh. Flamboyant Naturals have a LONG vertical line (they're tall with elongation) and their flesh is more yang (athletic, moderate, not particularly soft). Soft Naturals have a MODERATE vertical line (not particularly tall) and their flesh is YIN (soft, curved, feminine). Think of it this way: Flamboyant Natural is width + length + yang flesh. Soft Natural is width + moderate height + yin curves.
Bone Structure: The Foundation
Both types have Natural width—broad or blunt bones, particularly at the shoulders. This is the defining characteristic of the Natural family and both types have it. Flamboyant Natural adds vertical: long arms and legs, elongated torso, overall length. The bones may be larger throughout. Soft Natural stays more compact, with moderate bone length and a less elongated overall impression.
| Flamboyant Natural | Soft Natural |
|---|---|
Broad, blunt shoulders | Moderate vertical line |
Long vertical line | Slightly wide shoulders |
Wide bones throughout | Blunt bone edges |
Angular but blunt edges | Moderate frame |
Large hands and feet | Slightly square silhouette |
Body Flesh and Curves
Flamboyant Natural flesh tends toward athletic or moderate—not particularly soft or curved. Even with curves, there's a sportier, less yin quality to the flesh. The body may appear muscular or straight. Soft Natural flesh is noticeably soft and curved. Gentle curves at bust and hips, soft arms and legs, and an overall feminine softness that Flamboyant Natural lacks. The curves are a defining feature, not just present but prominent.
| Flamboyant Natural | Soft Natural |
|---|---|
Moderate to lean | Soft, curved flesh |
Athletic build | Gentle curves at bust/hips |
Straight hips | Soft arms and thighs |
May have some curves | Slightly fleshy waist |
Muscular tendency | Rounded overall |
How to Tell Which Type You Are: Quick Tests
The height test: Are you 5'7" (170cm) or taller with a long vertical line? That suggests Flamboyant Natural. Are you moderate height (5'5"-5'7" / 165-170cm) or shorter? That suggests Soft Natural. The curve test: Do you have noticeable soft curves that need accommodation? Soft Natural. Is your body more athletic or straight, without pronounced softness? Flamboyant Natural. The draping test: Do long, flowing pieces look effortlessly amazing? Flamboyant Natural. Do pieces that gently accommodate curves while staying relaxed look best? Soft Natural.
Celebrity Comparison: Seeing the Difference
Compare Julia Roberts (Flamboyant Natural) with Scarlett Johansson (Soft Natural). Both are Naturals with that characteristic width. Julia Roberts has the Flamboyant Natural vertical—she's tall, elongated, and her flesh is more athletic than soft. She looks amazing in long, flowing, unconstructed pieces that honor her width and length. She doesn't need curve accommodation because her curves aren't her defining feature. Scarlett Johansson has the Soft Natural softness—moderate height with noticeable soft curves over her Natural width. She needs pieces that honor her width AND her curves—relaxed but with softness and gentle draping that shows her feminine shape.
Flamboyant Natural Celebrities
Jennifer Lawrence
Cameron Diaz
Julia Roberts
Princess Diana
Cindy Crawford
Soft Natural Celebrities
Scarlett Johansson
Gigi Hadid
Jennifer Lopez
Kate Winslet
Sydney Sweeney
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is thinking Soft Natural means "short Flamboyant Natural" or vice versa. Height is part of the distinction, but yin flesh matters equally. A tall woman with soft curves might still be Soft Natural if her curves are the dominant feature; a moderate-height woman without soft curves might be Flamboyant Natural if she has the elongated, athletic quality. Another mistake is ignoring the flesh difference. Both types need width accommodation, but ONLY Soft Natural needs curve accommodation. Adding soft, curve-honoring details to a Flamboyant Natural looks wrong; keeping things too straight on a Soft Natural ignores her defining softness.
How Styling Differs Between These Types
Flamboyant Naturals need long, flowing, unconstructed pieces that honor their vertical line and width. Think maxi lengths, long layers, oversized coats, and pieces that move. The key is length + relaxation without needing curve emphasis. Soft Naturals need relaxed, unconstructed pieces that ALSO accommodate curves. Think flowing but with waist definition, soft fabrics that drape over curves, and moderate lengths that don't overwhelm their shorter vertical line. The key is width accommodation + curve accommodation.
Flamboyant Natural Style Recommendations
- Relaxed, unconstructed pieces
- Oversized silhouettes
- Long, flowing layers
- Natural fabrics
- Effortless, undone looks
- Bold accessories
Soft Natural Style Recommendations
- Relaxed, draped fits
- Soft, flowing fabrics
- Gentle curves (not tight)
- Unconstructed jackets
- Casual elegance
- Soft layers
Frequently Asked Questions
Still Not Sure Which Type You Are?
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