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YOUR BODY SHAPE IS

Hourglass

Balanced bust and hips with a defined waist

What Does Hourglass Mean?

The hourglass body shape has bust and hips that are close in measurement with a noticeably narrower waist creating a symmetrical, curved silhouette. Clothing that follows and acknowledges the waist tends to look most balanced and intentional on an hourglass shape.

Hourglass proportions are defined by the balance between the upper and lower body combined with a defined waist. This natural waist definition means that fitted clothing tends to look clean and deliberate. Very boxy or shapeless pieces can hide the natural balance of this shape without adding anything in return. Equally, very tight clothing is not necessary. The goal is simply to acknowledge the waist rather than ignore it. Wrap styles, fit and flare silhouettes and tailored pieces all work naturally with hourglass proportions.

Recommendations

Silhouettes and Fits That Work Well

  • Wrap dresses that tie at the natural waist
  • Fit and flare skirts and dresses
  • Tailored blazers that follow the torso
  • High-waisted trousers and skirts
  • Belted styles that define the waist
  • Bodycon in quality fabric when appropriate
  • Pencil skirts at any length

Necklines and Details

  • V-necks and sweetheart necklines both work well
  • Avoid very high necklines with no definition below as they can make the torso look boxy
  • Wrap tops are a reliable choice
  • Empire waist only works if the fit is precise since a loose empire can lose the waist
  • Details at the waist like ruching or seaming work naturally

What to Be Thoughtful About

Very oversized or boxy tops worn untucked can hide the natural balance. This is not wrong if that is the intention but it does work against the natural silhouette. Very stiff fabrics that do not give at the waist can make dressing harder. Softer structured fabrics tend to work better.

Style Inspiration

  • Sofia Vergara
  • Scarlett Johansson
  • Marilyn Monroe

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Frequently Asked Questions

The hourglass shape has bust and hip measurements that are close to each other with a waist measurement that is noticeably smaller. The symmetry between the upper and lower body with a defined waist creates the characteristic hourglass silhouette.
Clothing that acknowledges the waist tends to look most balanced. Wrap dresses, fit and flare styles, tailored pieces and high-waisted bottoms all work well. The key is recognising the waist rather than hiding or over-emphasising it.
Yes. Oversized clothing is a valid style choice for any body shape. The consideration is that very boxy pieces can make it harder to show the natural balance of hourglass proportions if that is something you want to highlight.
High-waisted jeans of any leg width tend to work well because they sit at the natural waist and acknowledge the proportions. Mid-rise can work when the fit through the hips is right.
The proportional relationship between measurements can shift with weight changes but many women find their general shape tendency stays consistent. The important thing is working with current measurements rather than a shape from years ago.