Hourglass Body Shape
Hourglass Body Shape Outfits
The hourglass body shape has a balanced bust and hips with a noticeably narrower waist. This guide gives practical outfit ideas and style tips for hourglass body proportions.
Hourglass Body Shape
Bust and hips are roughly equal with a significantly narrower waist. A balanced and curved silhouette.
Overview
Dressing an Hourglass Body Shape
The hourglass figure is defined by proportionate bust and hips with a clearly narrower waist. Style tips for hourglass shapes generally focus on highlighting the waist and choosing clothing that follows the natural curves of the body without pulling or bunching. The biggest challenge for hourglass shapes is often fit — finding clothes that work at both the bust and hips without being too large at the waist.
Tops
Best Tops for Hourglass Body Shapes
Tops that define or highlight the waist work best for hourglass proportions.
Wrap Tops
Wrap tops tie at the side and naturally follow the curve of the waist. They are adjustable and comfortable for hourglass shapes because the tie can be positioned exactly at the narrowest point of the waist. Stretchy wrap tops in jersey or similar fabric are especially flattering.
Fitted and Tucked-In Tops
Fitted tops that follow the body's curves without pulling highlight the hourglass silhouette. Tucking a top into high-waisted bottoms is one of the simplest and most effective ways to show off a defined waist.
Belted Tops and Blouses
A loose blouse or shirt belted at the waist creates a defined silhouette even in a less structured garment. This is useful for hourglass shapes who want a relaxed top that still shows the waist definition.
Stretchy Fabrics
Stretchy knit fabrics move with the body and accommodate the difference between bust, waist, and hip measurements comfortably. They are a practical fabric choice for hourglass shapes who often find that rigid fabrics pull at the bust or hips.
Bottoms
Best Bottoms for Hourglass Body Shapes
High-waisted styles and stretchy fabrics work best for hourglass proportions in the lower body.
High-Waisted Jeans and Trousers
High-waisted bottoms sit at or above the natural waist and emphasize the narrowest part of the torso. They create a clean line between waist and hip and work especially well with tucked-in tops for a classic hourglass look.
Stretchy or Elasticated Waistbands
Because the waist-to-hip difference in hourglass shapes can be significant, rigid waistbands often either fit the hips and gap at the waist or fit the waist and pull at the hips. Elasticated or stretchy waistbands solve this problem comfortably.
Pencil Skirts
Pencil skirts follow the curve of the hips and thighs closely and are a classic choice for hourglass figures. Choose styles with a small slit at the back hem for ease of movement, and look for stretchy fabrics for comfort.
Flared and A-Line Skirts
Flared and A-line skirts fit at the hips and flare outward. They are comfortable around the hip area and create a balanced look with the bust above. Midi length versions are especially elegant for hourglass proportions.
Dresses
Best Dress Styles for Hourglass Shapes
Dresses designed to follow the body's curves and highlight the waist are ideal for hourglass body types.
Wrap Dresses
Wrap dresses are one of the best dress styles for hourglass shapes. They are adjustable at the waist, follow the curves of the body, and create a natural V-neckline. Available in many fabrics and lengths, they suit casual and formal occasions equally well.
Bodycon Dresses
Bodycon dresses in stretchy fabric follow every curve of the body and show off the hourglass silhouette directly. Choose good quality stretch fabric that does not pull or bunch, and look for styles with a small amount of structure to hold their shape.
Fit and Flare Dresses
Fit and flare dresses are fitted through the bodice and waist, then flare outward from the hip or waist. They suit hourglass shapes very well and are available in a huge range of styles from casual to formal.
Fit Tips
Fit Advice for Hourglass Shapes
Fit challenges are common for hourglass shapes. These tips help you get the best fit from off-the-rack clothing.
Size Up and Tailor
When in doubt, buy clothing that fits your largest measurement (usually bust or hips) and have the waist taken in by a tailor. This gives a much better overall fit than trying to squeeze into a size that fits the waist but is tight across the chest or hips.
Look for Stretch Fabrics
Fabrics with a percentage of elastane or spandex have more give and accommodate the differences between bust, waist, and hip measurements more comfortably than rigid woven fabrics.
Related
More Hourglass Resources
Hourglass Body Shape Guide
Read the complete guide about the hourglass body shape including measurements and proportion rules.
Full Guide →Dress for Body Type
See style tips for all body shapes in one place including pear, apple, rectangle, and inverted triangle.
All Body Shapes →Body Shape Calculator
Confirm your body shape using your measurements with our free body shape calculator.
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