Body Shape Guide
Pear Body Shape
The pear body shape, also called triangle body shape, usually means your hips are wider than your bust or shoulders. This guide explains pear shaped body measurements and simple styling ideas.
Pear Body Shape
A body shape where the hips are noticeably wider than the bust or upper body.
Definition
What Is a Pear Body Shape?
A pear body shape is a proportion pattern where the lower body is wider than the upper body. The hips, thighs, or seat may be more prominent, while the bust and shoulders are usually narrower.
Hips
Hips are usually the widest measurement and create the main pear shape outline.
Waist
The waist may be defined, especially when compared with the hips.
Upper Body
Bust and shoulders are often smaller or narrower than the hip area.
Measurements
How to Know If You Have a Pear Shaped Body
You may have a pear body shape if your hip measurement is noticeably larger than your bust or shoulder measurement.
Simple Measurement Rule
A common rule is that your hips are about 5% or more wider than your bust or shoulders. For example, if your bust is 34 inches and your hips are around 36 inches or more, your proportions may lean pear shaped.
Body shape categories are helpful guides, but many people are a blend of two shapes.
Quick Calculator
Check Your Pear Body Shape Proportions
Enter bust and hip measurements to see whether your proportions match a pear or triangle body shape.
Your result will appear here
Add your measurements to check whether your hips are wider than your upper body.
Style Tips
How to Dress a Pear Body Shape
The common styling goal for a pear body shape is to balance wider hips by adding attention or structure to the upper body.
Add Interest Up Top
Neckline details, brighter tops, patterns, and structured shoulders can balance wider hips.
Define the Waist
Wrap tops, belts, high-waist bottoms, and fitted waistlines can highlight your waist.
Choose Smooth Bottoms
Simple darker bottoms can create a clean lower-body line if you want less hip emphasis.
Try A-Line Shapes
A-line skirts and dresses often skim over the hips while showing waist definition.
Balance With Jackets
Cropped or structured jackets can add shape to the upper body and balance proportions.
Use Necklines
Boat necks, square necks, and off-shoulder styles can visually widen the upper body.
Best Clothing Ideas
Clothes That Often Work Well
Tops
Bright tops, printed tops, structured shoulders, boat necks, square necks, wrap tops, and cropped jackets often work well.
Bottoms
Straight-leg jeans, bootcut jeans, A-line skirts, high-waist trousers, and darker simple bottoms can balance the shape.
Dresses
Fit-and-flare dresses, wrap dresses, A-line dresses, and dresses that define the waist often suit pear body proportions.
What to Limit
If you want less hip emphasis, limit heavy pockets, bulky side details, and very tight light-colored bottoms.
Compare
Pear Body Shape vs Other Body Shapes
FAQ
Pear Body Shape FAQs
What is a pear body shape?
A pear body shape usually means your hips are wider than your bust or shoulders.
Is pear body shape the same as triangle body shape?
Yes, many people use pear body shape and triangle body shape to describe similar proportions.
How do I know if I am pear shaped?
You may be pear shaped if your hip measurement is about 5% or more larger than your bust or shoulder measurement.
What should pear body shape wear?
Many pear shaped bodies suit waist definition, brighter tops, structured shoulders, A-line skirts, wrap dresses, and balanced necklines.
Can pear body shape have broad shoulders?
Yes. Some people still have pear-like hip proportions even with moderate or slightly broad shoulders.