Table of Contents
CHARACTERISTICS
Some say hourglass figure is the most feminine body type, thus it is considered the most attractive by both men and women. If you have the following body characteristics, most likely you are an hourglass.
- Your hips and shoulders are well balanced, i.e. they are roughly about the same width. That is, your shoulder and hip measurements are within 5 % of each other. Many women with hourglass figure have round and sloping shoulders that align nicely with the hips.
- You have full chests and hips. Typical hourglass figure means you are quite well-endowed, which is one of your best assets.
- You have a well-defined waistline that is significantly smaller than your shoulders or hips. The rule of thumb here is 75%. That is, your waist is at least 25% smaller than your shoulder, hip and bust measurements. Normally, when translated into inches, that means your waist is 8 to 12 inches (or 25 to 30cm) smaller than the hip or bust measurement.
- You tend to have a short waist.
- You have a rounded bottom.
- You have a beautiful front and side profile. And, from top to bottom, your figure is in harmony and balance.
- You may have full thighs, but they are narrower than your high hips. You gain weight above hips and through waist.
TOPS
The hourglass shape has a full bust and a significantly smaller waist. The distinct features of the hourglass body type would help determine the pattern of tops to be worn. To choose the right top for your body shape, make sure the top has a defined silhouette that helps to balance your shape.
Belted
- Be careful while choosing the belted tops by putting into consideration the size of the belt. The best width of the belt for the waist of the hourglass body type is a smaller-sized belt with a contrasting color from the dress.
- You should make the belted top a go-to style for your shape because it is one of the most flattering outfits for the hourglass body type.
- Wear belted tops if you have an hourglass shape, because belts are often used to cinch the waist and that is a feature you must take note of in your tops.
Wrap
- The top draws attention to the waistline where the wrap naturally sits to rightly accommodate your hourglass frame.
- It is essential for you to have the wrap top as a part of the wardrobe staple because it is an incredibly flattering top.
- It is a design that has a v-neckline that pulls the focus to the chest region without giving room for discomfort.
- This top design helps you embrace your shape and creates room for versatility in your everyday style.
Peplum
- It is a perfect accommodating silhouette. The peplum top helps you appear elegant and sophisticated to any occasion.
- It is a top that helps flatter your gracious curves and conceal any lump around the waist region in your shape. The top style is a simple way to boost your confidence because it defines the waist and accentuates the curves.
- If you have the hourglass body type, then you should love your shape and beautify it with the peplum top.
- For you to appear well-defined, make sure the peplum flare hits the waist and not above or below it.
Fitted
- Rock fitted tops on your shape because they are known for adding edgy and stylish structure to any body shape. The hourglass body type needs a top that is fitted in the bust and waist region.
- Hourglass body type is known to have some form of visual width in the bust and hip region so it is best to define your figure with a fitted top.
- Fitted tops are great in attaining balance in the body so make them your most preferred choice and stay away from boxy styles.
Empire waist
If you want a dramatic effect to enhance your feminine figure, wear tops with added volume to the bust and shoulders and a snug-fitting empire waist.
You can it paired with a proportionally voluminous bottom to balance out the top.
What to avoid
- Don’t wear oversized tops because they would overwhelm your naturally balanced figure. An oversized top would only make your bust appear bigger.
- Your shape is unique so don’t attempt wearing a top that would conceal your shape. If you want your figure to appear well structured then avoid oversized tops. These types of tops would also leave your waistline undefined so avoid adding them to your wardrobe.
- Avoid wearing a top with horizontal stripes on your hourglass body frame. It would only add width to your upper body. Proper balance in your body proportion cannot be attained with the horizontal striped top.
- Avoid tube top as it looks like it can fall off any time, and it just doesn’t have enough support for your full chest. Even though they could look chic on someone with bony feature like Kate Moss, it could look like a disaster on someone with full curves.
DRESSES
The key in choosing the best dresses for the hourglass is to define the waist. Because of your curvy figure, it is critical that you should always look for dresses that cinch your waist.
Here’s the best dresses for your body shape:
Wrap dress
The reason is they accentuate your waist and hips while enhancing your small waist. If you happen to be one of those girls who are concerned about highlighting your curves too much and looking low-class, you don’t have to worry about that with wrap dresses.
Wrap dresses are flattering to almost all women, and they are especially more so if you have an hourglass figure.
They show off your assets without overdoing them.
Please own at least a few in your closet, if you don’t live in wrap dresses already.
Fit and flare dresses
Fit and flare dresses are the close runner-ups when it comes to the best dresses for hourglass-shaped women.
The form-fitting top emphasizes your nice curves, and the flared-out bottom balances it out without being too revealing.
A Line dresses
This is a close cousin of the fit and flare silhouette, and sometimes it can be used interchangeably. The A-line dress fits close to your body at the top and flares out under your waist.
The A shape silhouette also creates a vertical line that lengthens your short frame, which is most flattering for women with hourglass body shapes.
Sheath dresses
These are good for the hourglass figure as it is a form-fitting silhouette from top to bottom.
If your goal is to highlight your curves, these can certainly make you look elegant and feminine.
Belted dresses
Any dress that has a belt works great for the hourglass, as it cinches your waist and controls the volume of the dress, no matter what silhouette the dress has.
What to Avoid
Hourglass should avoid any dress that goes straight up and down, such as a baggy T-shirt dress, or any dress that de-emphasize the waist, such as the baby doll dress. These dresses will only make hourglass look “pregnant”, and will make you look heavier than you actually are.
JEANS
Your choice of jeans for the hourglass shape is one that should have a little bit of stretch contained in it and this is because it would accommodate the hips comfortably.
Curvy fit
- Curvy-fit jeans are warm jeans designed to have no gap at the back of the waistband and are made to hug the curves in the right places. This type of jeans has a small waist but creates room for your hourglass body type.
- The curvy jean styles are often times the most flattering jean style that works well for your shape. It is recommended as a part of the wardrobe essential because it is designed to fit amazingly well at both the hips and waist.
- There is also a visual lengthening effect that the curvy fit jean adds to your body frame as most of them are high-waisted. Make sure to get brands that have a curvy fit so your naturally balanced figure could be more defined.
High rise
- High-rise jean is another jean style suitable for the hourglass shape because it has a way of slimming down the body frame. It hits the slimmest part of the torso and elongates your legs so you can appear taller than normal.
- Style your body frame with the high-rise jean as it is designed to be positioned slightly above the natural waistline of the woman. You would always have a feel of confidence whenever this jean style.
- The jean is a classic piece that brings focus to the waistline of the hourglass woman so they should be a major part of the wardrobe.
- Pair the jeans with the right tops that would uplift your feminine figure.
Boot cut
- You can also try styling the hourglass body frame with the bootcut jean as it would also improve your balanced shape. It gives your hips a good fit because it hugs and structures you appropriately.
- The bootcut jeans have a subtle flare that is not too exaggerated for the hourglass body type. It is great for accentuating the curves as its wide hem helps to further create balance with the hips.
- It is a unique jeans that helps to show off your curves and create a well-defined waistline for your hourglass shape. The jean also offers a lengthening effect to the whole body frame because it also creates a visual element on the legs.
Straight leg
- It is a great jean choice that gives you a well-defined structure while still highlighting the waist and accentuating the curves.
- The jean has a way of retaining your natural shape without having to cling tightly to your body.
- Straight leg jean is a simple jean that works in line with your body and not against it so it leaves you with less reasons to worry. You can always rock the straight-leg jean for any occasion and still look edgy and stylish.
- Do not forget to opt for those styles with either a mid-rise or a high rise because they would give your figure the best fitting.
Flare
- Because it fits narrow on the thighs and widens under the knees, the flared leg creates the illusion of longer legs.
- A must-have for your wardrobe as the volume in the leg shape balances out the full hips of an hourglass figure.
Dark wash
- Dark wash jean is a very unique and trendy style that adds class to the figure with a high level of versatility in fashion. It is incredibly polished jeans known to flatter the woman with an hourglass body type.
- Never attempt switching them up for the bright wash designs if you intend to maintain elegance and class with your jean. The jean with a bright wash would create an unpleasant contrast that doesn’t work well with your figure.
Caution with skinny jeans
- The perfect skinny jean for you is one that does not hug you tightly to build restrictions around your figure. They are fitted from the waist to the ankle as they help to highlight every bit of your curvy frame without causing any form of discomfort.
- Skinny jeans that are too close-fitting are not the best styles to accommodate and structure the hourglass body type. The jean is structured to allow you to appreciate your curvy feminine frame.
- Don’t shove them off your wardrobe because they are part of the recommended designs that work well with your shape. Pick those with the right wash so it could give your frame a more slimming effect.
What to avoid
- Avoid low-rise jeans because the hourglass body frame has a wide hip. The low-rise jeans would accentuate the hips and make them appear wider than normal. It could also draw close attention of the eyes to the hip region and that could cause you to feel uncomfortable. In fashion, that’s a key thing you should avoid.
PANTS
The most flattering pant styles for the hourglass shape are those that define your lower half without clinging to your hips and thighs. Meanwhile, they should always emphasize your slender waist.
Straight cut
- Straight-leg pant have a pleasant silhouette that works well for the hourglass body shape. The pant has a straight cut that prevents it from clinging tightly to any part of the body.
- If they extend far below your anklebone, they could become overwhelming to you. The type of cut in the pant also gives the illusion of length to the hourglass body type.
- It is a very comfortable pant style for your shape so do not hesitate to add them to your wardrobe.
- The most recommended straight-leg pants are those that hit right at the anklebone or those that are slightly above the anklebone.
High waisted
- The high-waisted pant extends above the natural waistline and hits the slimmest part of the torso. This effect it gives to the body makes the lower body appear longer than normal.
- There is also some form of professional look that the high-waisted pant gives to the figure that makes you appear classy. You should avoid the low-waisted pant because they would not properly define your waistline.
- The high-waisted pant is another pant style with its own special uniqueness that flatters the hourglass shape.
- They are one of the trendy and sort after pant rise styles for any body shape.
Wide leg
- Consider wearing the wide-leg pant if you are looking for comfort and elegance for your hourglass body type. This pant properly defines your waist and improves your general appearance making you stand out for any occasion.
- Wide-leg pants do not make the eyes keep a keen focus on your lower body but it still helps you retain your shape.
- The pant has a well-designed silhouette that accommodates the hips effortlessly without causing any form of discomfort in your figure.
- They should be one of your most cherished pant styles if you have the hourglass body type. Wide-leg pants are great for balancing both the upper and lower body part so style them in your most preferred way.
What to avoid
- Avoid adding pocket details to your hip region because they add excessive volume and make you appear too heavy in your lower half.
- Avoid trousers with seamed or diagonal pockets as they would add width to the figure.
- Avoid cargo pants as they are not designed to give the best fit for your shape because of the extra fabric they contain, which adds volume to the figure and that is not necessary for your shape.
- Avoid paper bag pants, another overwhelming pant style that could make you look disfigured in your lower half. The pant lacks the waist definition feature that is important in your overall appearance. It does not accentuate the hips but gives width to your bottom figure.
COATS
Like every other recommended outfit for the hourglass body type, the coats should also have a feature that would properly define the waist and nicely fit your upper half.
Single breasted
- It is no news that the belted coat has a high waist definition effect on any body shape and the hourglass shape is not excluded. One very interesting thing about the belted coat aside from waist definition is that it can be adjusted to give comfort.
- The belted coat also gives you a taste of class in winter so make them one of your favorite coat styles for your shape. They highlight the waist properly and also accentuate your curves to give you the best fit.
- The coat is structured to accommodate the figure without creating any form of restriction on the body.
- Make sure that the belt is fixed slightly higher than your natural waistline so you could also have an illusion of length in your figure.
Fit & flare
- The fit and flare coat is also recommended because it works best for your hourglass shape. It is designed to help you embrace your figure because the coat fits and defines your waistline.
- This coat pattern also has a lengthening effect on the body because it fits above your natural waistline before flaring out over the hips. The flare helps to conceal concerned areas but still structures your naturally balanced frame.
- If you wear the fit and flare coat, peering eyes would not focus their attention on the curves.
- Instead of making you feel too conscious about your shape, a fit and flare coat allows you to appreciate your assets.
Trench
- Trench coats are great coats that could be used to style your hourglass shape. Trench coats are long enough to give the eyes an illusion of length on your overall body frame.
- This coat pattern creates a visual vertical line that runs along your body without ruling out your well-defined figure. It also helps to hide any lump that gives you a reason to worry around your body.
- The length of the trench coat should not hit the ground so you do not appear drowned in it.
- It is best if it hits an inch or two above the ankle so you could get the best out of it whenever you style your frame.
A shape
- A-line coat has a style essence with a visible structure that enhances your curves and boosts your confidence. It is one coat style that you can never go wrong with when you have them layered on your frame.
- It is a coat with no form of complications in its designs and that is why it would always be among the most flattering coat styles for your shape.
- This coat has a lengthening effect on your feminine frame because of the way it was designed.
- The coat also defines the waist and structures your overall frame without creating any form of constriction around your body.
What to avoid
- Avoid the double-breasted coat because of the structural defect it could give to your upper half. The coat has an overlap with buttons at the front that would make you appear bulky.
- The large buttons at the front of the coat create a visual clutter that overshadows your waist definition. There is no fashionable feature that a double-breasted coat would give to your overall frame.
- If you intend to achieve class while wearing your coat then do not try opting for the double-breasted coat. Keep them aside by not including them as a part of your wardrobe staple.
SKIRTS
Skirts are a way to show off your curves and create a defined waistline for your unique hourglass figure. The best skirts that are recommended for you are those that emphasize perfection in your frame.
Mermaid
- Mermaid skirts are very simple skirts that further help to structure your balanced figure so the width of the hips could sync with the lower part of the skirt. It helps to define your waist and elongate the legs.
- It is also a versatile skirt that is fashionable to offer you an amazing summer appeal. This is a skirt that has an incredibly stylish way of uplifting your look so you could appear outstanding for any occasion.
- The skirt is designed to be fitted around the hips without clinging tightly to it before having ruffles in the hemline.
- Mermaid skirts are very beautiful skirt styles that are very classy especially when styled rightly to fit your shape.
A line
- Styling your figure with the A-line skirt would never throw you off balance because they are very flattering on any body shape. The skirt also has an overall lengthening effect on your legs so embrace them as a major part of your wardrobe essential.
- It helps to balance out the body proportion and that is a very necessary feature for the skirt to be worn by the hourglass figure.
- It does not add extra width to the hip region though it doesn’t cling tightly to your figure.
- The A-line skirt is a design structured to give room to your natural curves whenever in motion. They create a visual vertical line along the figure that would make you confident.
High waisted
- High-waisted skirts are particularly flattering, as they elongate your legs and draw even more attention to your waist. Add a flounce around the bottom to balance fuller tops and jackets.
- They are flattering when paired with a top that adds fullness to your bust and shoulders while accentuating your waist.
- This look creates a very dramatic hourglass effect.
Pencil
- This style follows your natural curves and that is most preferable. Pencil skirts are well-structured skirts that accentuate your curves and define the waistline.
- Pencil skirts have a more flattering effect if the length hits right above the knee or slightly below the knee.
- They are a classic skirt silhouette that syncs with the S shape of your body and readily eliminates any form of a horizontal line across the body.
- The skirt also creates the illusion of length in your hourglass shape.
What to avoid
- Miniskirts may appear to be overly stiff and may disrupt the curved lines in your body so make sure you avoid them. They would effortlessly make your shape appear unbalanced because they extend far above the knee length.
- If you put on a miniskirt you may tend to give the eyes the wrong impression. The skirt gives your shape no form of class even if they have a good lengthening effect.
- Be very intentional with the choice of skirt you find most desirable on your hourglass figure if you must appear elegant. Mini skirt seems to be a little provocative for your body frame and would not flatter you.
CASUAL STYLE
The best casual styles for the hourglass are those that are well-fitted because the oversized styles would make you look less fashionable in your everyday style.
Low neckline tops
- Your best casual tops should be those with a lower neckline because they break up your wide chest. Lower necklines like the deep V neck and the sweetheart’s neck would reduce the width around the bust and make you appear slender.
- They should be your best pick because they tend to be more flattering on your shape. Tops with lower necklines reduce the attention of the eyes on the bust by creating a visual balance in your body proportion.
- On the contrary, higher necklines like the halter neckline would not work well for the woman with the hourglass shape.
- Necklines with such designs would lay too much emphasis on the bust and make them appear bigger.
Fitted sun dress
- Wear fitted dresses that hit above the natural waistline and give your shape the best definition. One of these styles is the A-line dress with a subtle flare that is not too exaggerated.
- Fitted dresses are well structured to properly highlight your waist and eliminate any form of volume in your upper body.
- A well-fitted dress would hit the slimmest part of your torso and elongate the lower part.
- It is known that most hourglass body shapes have a shorter waist that’s why the waist of the dress should not be on your natural waistline.
V neck sweaters
- The best casual sweaters and jackets for the hourglass figure are those with a deep V-neckline. They are very comfortable and not overly sexy on your frame.
- Also, if the sweaters and jackets have a ¾ sleeve then your fashion sense is on point because they would make you appear slender.
- These styles do not create any form of expansion in the front of your upper body so you can attain confidence in fashion. They do not counterbalance your figure but flatter your overall shape desirably.
What to avoid
- Avoid styles with bold prints on the hourglass body shape because they are not incredibly stylish patterns. When there is a very visible print on your cloth, it would tend to visually create width around the body.
- You would also give the eyes the illusion that the figure is not balanced. Keep the prints on your clothes minimal if you intend to appear classy and sophisticated.
- The smaller the prints the slender your frame would appear. The best way to therefore style yourself with prints is to wear smaller-sized designs and avoid larger print designs.
- Because you already have voluptuous curves, it’s better for you to stay away from any more girly designs in the clothing such as frills. Those tend to add more volume to your already curvy figure. Your natural figure is already very feminine, which is why you really don’t need more complicated design to add anything to your figure.
SHOES
Another essential detailing you can give to your hourglass frame to crown your look is the shoe. They are also as important as your clothes so give them equal attention that would suit your figure.
Peep toe
- Peep-toe heels are one of the most universally flattering shoes for the hourglass body frame. They are not too weighty for your frame and also help to extend your leg because of the peep at the front of the shoe.
- They further help to add beauty to your legs without creating any form of discomfort when in motion. A peep toe heel has a vertical line that runs down your body frame so rock them to your taste.
- This shoe style is designed to complement your general appearance because they work in line with your gracious curves.
Rounded toe
- Try on the round-toe heel instead of the pointy-toe heel on your hourglass body frame. They are much more defined to fit your body shape.
- Round toe heels should be one of your best picks because they are well-structured for your shape. They also offer you stability and comfort so feel confident whenever you wear them.
- If you want to stay chic then stay put with shoes that are rounded and avoid wearing the pointy-toe heels because they are less flattering on your figure.
What to avoid
- Do not wear stiletto heels on your feminine figure if you want to appear more defined and confident. They should not be a part of your favorite shoe designs if you have an hourglass body frame.
- Wedges should never be your go-to style option of shoe because they appear to be too weighty and bulky in your lower half. They can also be seen as attention seekers because of their shape.
NECKLINE
Because hourglass figure has full bust, you look the best with a lower neckline and or show some skin in the neck and chest.
- Anytime an hourglass shaped lady is wearing a high neck, or a neckline that fully covers the chest, it actually makes your chest look even fuller.
- If you have the hourglass figure but you do not want your chest to be the focus of people’s attention when you are wearing the lower neckline, you can use the puffy sleeves to draw attention away from the chest.
- If you’d like your chest to appear less prominent, your better choice is wear a deep V neck instead of covering them up with a high necK.
- The rationale behind this is that the deep V cuts your chest in half, so that visually will make them look less full.
FABRIC CHOICE
Hourglass figure overall looks fleshy vs boney. Therefore, the best fabrics for you are flowy and light waited materials such as knits and silk.
- Flowing tops that are banded at the waist will show off your amazing curves and create a dramatic hourglass effect.
- You should by all means avoid cheap and thin fabrics. They might look ok on a flat chested girl, but for some reason they just look even cheaper on the hourglass shaped body!
- Avoid any fabrics that tend to stretch too much on the hourglass figure, which makes them look worse on you.
Janine says
5’2 is not petite!
Chi says
Hi Janine- thank you stopping by my blog! America brands make petite sizes for women under 5’4″ or sometimes 5’3″, so we are going with that definition. I’m 5’2″ and I’ve found even the petite brands are too long for me sometimes. If you are under 5’2″, that’s even more petite.
Jamie says
All the height sizes listed are somewhat considered average height….4’10, 4’11, 5’0 are petite height
Chi says
Hi Jamie- thank you commenting. America brands make clothes according to women of app. 5’5″ as regular sizes, and make petite sizes for women under 5’4″ or sometimes 5’3″.
Canadian Girl says
Of the many guides for petite hourglass figures out there, this is comprehensive and clear. Very helpful and thank you Chi.
Chi says
Glad you find it helpful!