Understanding the Hourglass Body Shape
The hourglass figure, often hailed as the quintessential symbol of femininity, is marked by its beautifully balanced bust and hips, cinched together by a well-defined waist. It's a shape that's been celebrated in art, the fashion industry, and popular culture for generations, epitomized by the likes of Beyonce,Tyra Banks and Marilyn Monroe whose silhouettes have become nearly synonymous with the term "hourglass."
Yet, with this celebration comes a slew of misconceptions, the most pervasive being that those blessed with this natural symmetry must always dress to accentuate their curves, as if their body shape mandates a specific wardrobe designed solely to highlight their waist or amplify their bust and hips. This notion, while flattering to the hourglass silhouette, can feel restrictive, pigeonholing individuals into a specific style or aesthetic.
It's essential to acknowledge that having an hourglass figure doesn't mean you're obliged to dress in a way that constantly emphasizes your curves. The beauty of fashion lies in its ability to adapt to your personal style, not the other way around. Whether you gravitate towards the classic, curve-hugging lines of a pencil skirt and a fitted top or prefer the comfort and ease of straight-leg pants and boxy styles, the key is to dress in a way that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
The hourglass body shape offers a unique opportunity to play with proportions and styles, from the structured support of high-waisted bottoms that highlight a narrow waist to the relaxed drape of soft fabrics that skim over natural curves without clinging. The goal isn't to conform to an expected standard of dressing for your body shape but to explore and experiment with different styles that celebrate your natural silhouette while staying true to your personal aesthetic.
So, let's move beyond the traditional view of the hourglass figure and embrace a more inclusive approach to fashion, one that acknowledges the diversity of personal styles and the myriad ways to express them, regardless of your body shape. After all, the best way to dress an hourglass figure is in a way that reflects who you are, not just the contours of your body.
What Is The Hourglass Body Characteristics
Balanced Bust and Hips:
The bust and hip measurements are roughly equal, providing a natural symmetry to the body's silhouette.
This balance creates a harmonious proportion that is often considered aesthetically pleasing and versatile for styling.
Well-Defined Waist:
The waist is significantly narrower than the bust and hips, accentuating the body's natural curves.
This well-defined waist is the key feature that distinguishes the hourglass figure from other body shapes, offering a distinct separation that enhances the overall silhouette.
Key Wardrobe Essentials
For those with an hourglass figure, curating a wardrobe that flatters your natural silhouette while catering to your personal style and comfort can transform the way you dress and feel in your clothes. Here's a guide to the key wardrobe essentials for the hourglass shape, focusing on tops and blouses that celebrate your curves, whether you choose to highlight or subtly skim over them.
Tops & Blouses for the Hourglass Figure
Wrap Tops
The quintessential piece for the hourglass figure, wrap tops cinch at the waist, accentuating your narrowest point while accommodating both your bust and hips gracefully. They're versatile enough to be dressed up or down, making them a staple in your closet.
Fitted T-Shirts and Blouses
Look for tops made from soft, stretchy materials that gently hug your curves without constricting. These can highlight your natural shape while providing comfort and ease of movement.
Learn More About The Hourglass Bodyshape
Start with The Bodyshape Manual (if you've got it): Get the 101 on your Hourglass figure and all its glory.
How to dress the Hourglass body shape
Best Workout Clothes for Hourglass Shape
12 Of The Best Jeans For The Hourglass Body Shape
Body Shape Solutions: The Definitive Guide To Styling The Hourglass Body Shape
Peplum Blouses
Peplum tops naturally flare out from the waist, offering a beautiful contrast to your well-defined waistline and further emphasizing the balance between your bust and hips.
Boat Neck and Wide Necklines
Tops with boat necks or wide necklines can beautifully frame your upper body, drawing attention to your shoulders and neck without adding bulk, keeping the focus on your balanced proportions.
Pants & Jeans for the Hourglass Figure
Selecting the right pants and jeans is crucial for accommodating the curvy hips and smaller waist typical of the hourglass shape:
High-Waisted Styles
High-rise jeans and pants are a natural fit for the hourglass body type, cinching at the smallest part of the waist and gracefully accommodating wider hips for a smooth, flattering look.
Stretchy Materials
Look for pants with a bit of stretch to comfortably fit both the waist and hips without gaping or squeezing. Skinny jeans, straight-leg styles, and even wide-leg options can all work well when they're made from flexible, forgiving fabrics.
Tailored Fit
Given the variance in waist and hip measurements, finding pants that offer a tailored fit can make all the difference. Look for brands that cater to curves or consider getting your pants custom-fitted for the perfect silhouette.
Skirts & Dresses for the Hourglass Figure
Navigating skirts and dresses for the hourglass figure is all about celebrating those natural curves while keeping true to your personal comfort and style. Here's how to pick the right styles:
Shift vs. Sheath Dresses
Understanding the subtle differences between these two can significantly impact how your waist is highlighted. Sheath dresses are tailored closely to the body, often with a nipped-in waist that accentuates the hourglass silhouette. Shift dresses, on the other hand, fall straight from the shoulders with less definition at the waist, offering a more relaxed fit that can be belted for added waist definition if desired.
A-Line Skirts and Dresses
These are a fantastic choice for the hourglass shape as they cinch at the waist and flare out, balancing the bust and hip ratio without clinging too tightly to the body.
Wrap Dresses
With their adjustable ties and natural waist emphasis, wrap dresses beautifully accentuate the hourglass shape, allowing for customization in fit and comfort.
Empire Lines
Dresses and skirts with an empire waist can offer a comfortable fit while still suggesting the curve between the bust and hips, ideal for those who prefer less focus on the waist.
Outerwear for the Hourglass Figure
Choosing the right outerwear can enhance the hourglass silhouette, providing warmth and style without compromising the natural balance of your proportions:
Belted Coats and Jackets
Outerwear with belts can cinch at the waist, showcasing the hourglass figure's defining feature. Look for trench coats, wool coats, and even belted blazers that offer this flattering detail.
Structured Fits
A structured coat or jacket that's fitted at the waist and perhaps flares slightly at the hips can complement the hourglass proportions, whether in a more formal or casual style.
Avoid Boxy Styles
Boxy, oversized outerwear can obscure the waist, diminishing the natural hourglass shape. If you prefer a looser fit, ensure the piece has some definition at the waist or consider layering over a fitted base to maintain your silhouette.
Swimsuits for the Hourglass Figure
When it comes to swimwear, the hourglass figure can be beautifully complemented by a variety of styles, focusing on balance and personal preference:
Look for swimsuits that feature ruching, belts, or color blocking at the waist to emphasize your narrowest point.
These can offer a retro flair while highlighting the waist and accommodating curves, providing both style and comfort.
Balanced Top and Bottom
Ensure your swimwear top and bottom are in harmony with your proportions, perhaps opting for pieces that offer support for a larger bust and balance wider hips.
Special Occasions for the Hourglass Figure
Dressing for special occasions offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate your hourglass figure in elegant, sophisticated styles that make you feel confident:
Choose gowns that highlight your waist, whether through design details like peplum or strategic seaming and draping.
Soft, Flowing Fabrics
Fabrics that drape fluidly over your curves can offer a glamorous, red-carpet-ready look without clinging too tightly, maintaining a balance between elegance and comfort.
Tailored Suiting
For a non-traditional approach, consider tailored suits that accentuate the waist, paired with a fitted blouse or top to maintain the hourglass silhouette.
Overcoming Common Styling Challenges
Tackling the wardrobe of an hourglass figure, especially for those with a "top hourglass" shape, can sometimes present its own set of styling puzzles. From balancing a more pronounced bust to choosing the right patterns and crops, here are some solutions to common styling challenges faced by hourglass figures.
Balancing a Top Hourglass Figure
For those with a "top hourglass" figure, where the bust is slightly more prominent than the hips, creating balance is key:
A-Line and Full Skirts: These can add volume and visual interest to the lower half, balancing a larger bust. Skirts with box pleats or soft gathers can also add the right amount of flare without overwhelming your frame.
Peplum Tops: A peplum silhouette can create an illusion of wider hips, harmonizing with a larger bust. Opt for peplum styles that start at the natural waist to accentuate your smallest point.
Wide-Leg Pants: High-waisted, wide-leg pants can give the appearance of fuller hips, creating a more symmetrical look in relation to the upper body.
Navigating Prints, Colors, and Crop Tops
Prints and colors can play a significant role in how your outfit highlights your hourglass shape, while crop tops offer a modern twist to traditional silhouettes:
Strategic Use of Prints and Colors: Utilize brighter colors and bold prints on parts of your body you wish to emphasize. For a balanced hourglass look, consider printed or brighter bottoms paired with solid, darker tops to draw attention to your lower half.
Vertical Stripes: Vertical lines can elongate your figure and slim down any areas where you might feel more conscious. A striped pencil skirt or a pair of vertically striped pants can work wonders.
Crop Tops: When styled correctly, crop tops can beautifully highlight the narrow waist of an hourglass figure. Pair them with high-waisted skirts or pants to maintain the balance between your upper and lower body without showing too much skin. Opting for crop tops with details like ruching or wrap styles can also add texture and interest to your look.
General Tips for the Hourglass Shape
Fitted Over Baggy: Choose garments that follow your natural silhouette rather than oversized, baggy clothes that can hide your shape. Tailored pieces should skim over your curves without pulling or gaping.
Layering: Smart layering can help balance your proportions. Consider a fitted base layer with a structured blazer or cardigan that nips in at the waist.
Accessorizing: Use accessories to draw the eye to your best features. Belts can emphasize a small waist, while long necklaces can help elongate your torso, balancing your proportions.
What To Wear If You Have An Hourglass Figure
Crafting outfits that accentuate the hourglass figure while catering to various occasions can be both a creative and enjoyable process. Here are some outfit ideas designed to flatter the hourglass shape, ranging from professional settings to casual weekend outings.
Relaxed Professional
For a look that's polished yet not too stiff, pair a tailored button-down shirt with high-waisted, wide-leg trousers. This combination offers structure and sophistication, ideal for professional environments or teaching settings. The high waist of the trousers highlights your narrow midsection, while the wide legs balance broader shoulders and hips, creating a streamlined, elegant silhouette. Complete the look with low heels or flats for comfort and style.
Casual Tomboy Chic
Embrace a laid-back, androgynous vibe without losing the definition of your hourglass shape with this casual ensemble. Opt for a fitted tee or sweater that subtly hugs your curves, tucking it into a pair of relaxed boyfriend jeans. This pairing maintains your waist definition while offering a comfortable, loose fit through the hips and legs. Add a pair of sneakers for an effortless finish, perfect for running errands or a casual meet-up with friends.
Classic Elegance
Combine a sleek pencil skirt that accentuates your curvy hips and small waist with a fitted top or an off-the-shoulder blouse. This outfit not only highlights your best features but also offers a nod to vintage sophistication. Accessorize with heels and simple jewelry to elevate the look for dinner dates or sophisticated gatherings.
Weekend Casual
For those leisurely weekend days, nothing beats the comfort and style of a wrap dress. With its adjustable waist ties, the dress can be cinched to perfectly define your waist while the fabric gently skims over your hips and bust, offering a flattering fit that's both comfortable and stylish. Choose a dress in a soft fabric and a playful print to add a touch of fun to your weekend wardrobe. Pair with sandals or ballet flats for a relaxed yet chic look.
Wrapping it up
You've journeyed through the ins and outs of dressing the hourglass body shape, and now it's time to give yourself a round of applause and perhaps treat yourself to something delightful, like your favorite cup of coffee or a leisurely stroll. If this guide has served its purpose, you're now equipped with valuable insights:
Key Takeaway #1: The hourglass figure, with its balanced bust and hips and well-defined waist, offers a versatile canvas for various styles, from classic elegance to casual chic.
Embracing your natural silhouette with tailored fits and strategic styling can enhance your natural proportions, making every outfit work in your favor.
Related Post: Workout Clothes for the Hourglass Shape
Key Takeaway #2: Choosing the right pants and jeans is crucial for the hourglass shape, focusing on styles that honor your curves without sacrificing comfort.
High-waisted and stretchy materials can be particularly flattering, ensuring a perfect fit that highlights your small waist and curvy hips.
Related Post: 12 of the Best Jeans for the Hourglass Body Shape
Key Takeaway #3: Accessorizing and selecting the right shapewear are subtle yet powerful ways to refine your look, adding polish and poise to your hourglass silhouette.
Belts, long necklaces, and the right shapewear can accentuate your waist and elongate your figure, bringing harmony to your natural curves.
Related Post: Find Your Body Shape Guide
Shop the hourglass body shape outfit guide: Hourglass Figure Style Solutions Guide
If you're navigating any challenges in dressing your hourglass figure or simply want to delve deeper into mastering your personal style, click here to download my Are You Styling Your Body Shape Correctly? PDF This guide is packed with insights and tips tailored to celebrating your hourglass shape.
Disclaimer: This blogpost was originally published June 16,2021 but was updated February 28,2024
