Hourglass Body Shape

Hourglass

Perhaps the most coveted of all body shapes is the hourglass shape.  You have an hourglass figure if your bust and hip are approximately the same sizes, and you have a narrow, defined waist, giving you a proportionate look with feminine curves.

When dressing an hourglass figure, you may want to define your waist and show off your feminine curves without looking boxy. It’s also good to elongate your legs for a sleek and slim overall shape.

LOOK FOR:

• Supportive bra
• Snug tailored pieces
• Wrap dresses and tops
• Soft fabrics like knits and silk blends that gently drape over your natural curves
• Low slimming necklines like V necks, deep scoop, and sweetheart
• Solid colours

AVOID:

• Boat neck and square necklines
• Shapeless or boxy styles like tunics, babydoll dresses, and oversized cardigans
• High necklines, like a polo neck, can make your boobs look disproportionately large
• Volume-enhancing details on tops and bottoms like ruffles, frills, bows, pleats, and embellishment
• Stiff fabrics will make you look boxy

STYLES THAT LOOK GOOD ON YOU:

Dresses - Wrap dresses and fit and flare styles are great for hourglass figures because they pull in the waist at its skinniest part, drawing the focus to your naturally slim waist.  Sheath and body-con dresses in soft, stretchy fabrics are also great options for accentuating your curvy shape.

Tops - Choose fitted tops that show off the curve of your waist. Stretchy, body-hugging fabrics that gently hug your curves are flattering, especially if you have a flat stomach.  Look for tops with low necklines such as V necks, halters, deep scoop and sweetheart as these slim down your bust and draws attention to your narrow slim waist. Cropped tops that end just below the waist accentuate your curves but if you want to tone down a bit, opt for tops that fall just below your hip bone as these elongate your torso and make you look taller.  Wrap-style tops, tailored shirts, peplum blouses, form-fitting knits and those with banding and shaped waists perfectly highlight your curves.

Trousers - Having a balanced hourglass shape gives you so many options for trousers and pants.  Your best bets are the flat-fronted ones that come up to a mid- or high-rise with wide waistbands.  The most flattering for your shape are those with a slight flare such as bootcut, straight or wide-leg styles.

Jeans - Choose jeans that have a slight flare to the leg, such as bootcut or flare. Look for ones that have no details on the hips and thighs like embellishments, embroidery, large pockets, and whiskering as these add bulk to your already curvy hips.  Skinny jeans may work on your figure if you are tall; wear them with high heels to add extra length to your leg.

Skirts - Pencil skirts are made for your beautiful curves so feel free make this your go-to choice.  A-line, full or tulip skirts are also nice when worn at knee-length or slightly longer.

Outerwear - The most flattering outerwear for hourglass women are those that accentuate the waist.  With this in mind, look for belted jackets, short, shaped jackets with a nipped-in waist and tailored single-breasted coats.  Those with a shawl collar or wide lapels are also nice options.