As a fashion lover, I’m excited to share with you everything you need to know about the hourglass body shape. This beautiful shape is all about having a smaller waist and a bigger bust and hips. 

In this guide, we’ll explore how to figure out if you have an hourglass shape, and how to dress and style it to look amazing.

What Is Hourglass Body Shape?

The hourglass body shape is one of the five traditional female body shapes, along with rectangular, inverted triangle, apple and spoon/pear. This shape is defined by a woman’s body measurements, with a wide bust, a narrow waist, and wide hips that are roughly equal in size. 

The hourglass figure gets its name due to its resemblance to an hourglass, with the upper and lower parts being wider and the middle being narrower.

How to Tell That You Have a Hourglass Body Shape?

Identifying your body shape is crucial in understanding how to dress and style yourself. To determine if you have an hourglass body shape, measure your bust, waist, and hips. 

If your bust and hips are roughly equal in size, and your waist is significantly narrower, you likely have an hourglass shape.

Traits of the Hourglass Body Shape

Hourglass figures are known for their curvy silhouettes, with a well-defined waist and balanced proportions. Here are some common traits associated with this body shape:

• Curvy hips and bust: Hourglass figures have a larger bust and curvier hips, which are roughly equal in size.
• Narrow waist: The waist is significantly narrower than the bust and hips, creating a defined curve.
• Proportionate legs: Hourglass figures often have proportionate legs that are in harmony with the upper body.

What to Avoid for the Hourglass Body Shape

While dressing an hourglass figure can be a breeze, there are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Avoid boxy tops and dresses: These can hide your curves and make you appear shapeless.
• Steer clear of low-rise pants and skirts: These can accentuate the hips and thighs, making the waist appear even smaller.
• Don’t overdo it with volume on top: Avoid adding too much volume to the bust area, as this can throw off the balance of your silhouette.

How to Dress an Hourglass Body Shape?

Dressing an hourglass figure is all about accentuating your curves while maintaining balance. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Accentuate your waist: Use belts, high-waisted pants and skirts, and tops that cinch at the waist to draw attention to your narrowest point.
• Balance your silhouette: Pair fitted tops with flared bottoms or A-line dresses to create a balanced look.
• Show off your curves: Emphasize your bust and hips with body-hugging dresses and tops that skim your curves.

How to Style the Hourglass Shape

Styling an hourglass figure is all about highlighting your curves while maintaining a balanced silhouette. Here are some tips to help you style your hourglass shape:

• Emphasize your waist: Use a belted dress or top to draw attention to your narrow waist.
• Balance your silhouette: Pair a fitted top with a flared bottom or A-line dress to create a balanced look.
• Show off your curves: Emphasize your bust and hips with body-hugging dresses and tops that skim your curves.

Best Tops for the Hourglass Body Type

When it comes to tops, hourglass figures look stunning in:

• Fitted tops: Look for tops that skim your curves, accentuating your bust and waist.
• Wrap tops: Wrap tops are a great way to emphasize your waist and create a balanced silhouette.
• Peplum tops: Peplum tops add a touch of femininity and can help balance out your silhouette.

Picking the Right Neckline for a Hourglass Body Type

The right neckline can make or break an outfit. For hourglass figures, here are some necklines to try:

• V-neck: V-necks draw the eye downwards, creating a longer, more balanced silhouette.
• Scoop neck: Scoop necks are a great way to emphasize your bust and create a feminine look.
• Boat neck: Boat necks add a touch of elegance and can help balance out your silhouette.

Ideal Blazers for the Hourglass Type

Blazers can add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. For hourglass figures, look for:

• Fitted blazers: Fitted blazers accentuate your waist and create a balanced silhouette.
• Cropped blazers: Cropped blazers draw the eye to your waist and can help create a more defined curve.
• Tailored blazers: Tailored blazers add a touch of elegance and can help balance out your silhouette.

Choosing the Flattering Shirts

When it comes to shirts, hourglass figures look stunning in:

• Fitted shirts: Fitted shirts accentuate your bust and waist, creating a balanced silhouette.
• Tailored shirts: Tailored shirts add a touch of elegance and can help balance out your silhouette.
• Ruffled shirts: Ruffled shirts add a touch of femininity and can help create a more defined curve.

Best Dresses for the Hourglass Type

Dresses are a great way to show off your curves. For hourglass figures, look for:

• Body-hugging dresses: Body-hugging dresses accentuate your curves and create a stunning silhouette.
• A-line dresses: A-line dresses add a touch of elegance and can help balance out your silhouette.
• Wrap dresses: Wrap dresses are a great way to emphasize your waist and create a balanced silhouette.

Picking Your Ideal T-shirt

T-shirts are a wardrobe staple. For hourglass figures, look for:

• Fitted T-shirts: Fitted T-shirts accentuate your bust and waist, creating a balanced silhouette.
• Tailored T-shirts: Tailored T-shirts add a touch of elegance and can help balance out your silhouette.
• Ruffled T-shirts: Ruffled T-shirts add a touch of femininity and can help create a more defined curve.

What Bottoms Work Best for the Hourglass Type?

When it comes to bottoms, hourglass figures look stunning in:

• High-waisted pants: High-waisted pants accentuate your waist and create a balanced silhouette.
• Flared pants: Flared pants add a touch of elegance and can help balance out your silhouette.
• Skirts: Skirts are a great way to show off your curves and create a feminine look.

Best Shorts for the Hourglass Body Type

Shorts can be a great way to show off your legs. For hourglass figures, look for:

• High-waisted shorts: High-waisted shorts accentuate your waist and create a balanced silhouette.
• Flared shorts: Flared shorts add a touch of elegance and can help balance out your silhouette.
• Cropped shorts: Cropped shorts draw the eye to your waist and can help create a more defined curve.

Tips on Finding Your Best Skirt

Skirts are a great way to show off your curves. Here are some tips to help you find your best skirt:

• Look for A-line skirts: A-line skirts add a touch of elegance and can help balance out your silhouette.
• Try flared skirts: Flared skirts add a touch of elegance and can help balance out your silhouette.
• Emphasize your waist: Use a belted skirt or a skirt with a defined waistline to draw attention to your narrowest point.

How to Choose the Most Flattering Jeans?

Jeans are a wardrobe staple. For hourglass figures, look for:

• High-waisted jeans: High-waisted jeans accentuate your waist and create a balanced silhouette.
• Flared jeans: Flared jeans add a touch of elegance and can help balance out your silhouette.
• Bootcut jeans: Bootcut jeans draw the eye to your waist and can help create a more defined curve.

FAQs

What is the ideal waist-to-hip ratio for an hourglass figure?

The ideal waist-to-hip ratio for an hourglass figure is 0.7, meaning the waist measures 70% of the circumference of the hips.

Can I have an hourglass figure if I’m petite?

Yes, you can have an hourglass figure regardless of your height. It’s all about the proportions of your body.

How can I emphasize my waist if I have a larger bust?

Use a belted dress or top to draw attention to your waist, and pair it with a fitted bottom to create a balanced silhouette.

What if I have an hourglass figure but carry extra weight around my midsection?

Focus on dressing to accentuate your curves while creating a balanced silhouette. Use high-waisted pants and skirts, and tops that cinch at the waist to draw attention to your narrowest point.

Conclusion

Embracing your hourglass body shape is all about accentuating your curves while maintaining a balanced silhouette. By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to dressing and styling your hourglass figure with confidence and flair. 

Remember, it’s all about celebrating your unique shape and finding what works best for you. Happy styling