BODY TYPE HOURGLASS : YOUR BEST LOOKS

24/9/2013

The Hourglass has the curves that are the very essence of what makes a woman womanly. The boobs are large, a small and short waist, big hips and generous thighs. For the Hourglass it is all about showing what you've got.

Casual clothing may be challenging for the Hourglass figure, and it is usually more flattering to wear smart clothing. This is definitely a dress-figure, and the more tailored and fitted the better. Go for classic styles that won't overwhelm the figure, and supportive fabrics that hold everything in place. Retro dresses are perfect.
Anything to large or bulky will do the Hourglass no favors.

There is no need to over-adorn the Hourglass chest, so keep it simple. A simple chain with something at the end or a brooch is more that enough.
Be careful with large prints. The print on the dress directly above is as big a print as the Hourglass figure can bear without being swamped.

Curvy, cute shoes, with either peep toe, rounded toes, or bows, best compliment the Hourglass curviness. Pointed stilettos are not for you. If you like an edgier look, go for edgy colors and details, but don't forget a heal that can balance the boldness of your curves.

Scoop-necked, fitted tank top.

Scoop-necked, fitted top with shoulder detail. Diverts some of the attention away from the boobs and to the shoulders.

Scoop-necked, fitted sweater.
It doesn't have to be this fitted and the plunge can be more covering. Just remember to not go to loose fitted or too covering, it will hide your figure and make everything look larger.

Peplum tops are very figure enhancing and flatters everything about the Hourglass figure.

Side-fastening shirt with open neckline. Tailored or stretchy. 1.Be careful with pockets on the boobs, and 2. don't button it all the way up. 3. Stretchy material is crucial for a fitted look, because of the Hourglass dramatic curves.
If you love the loose fit look, at least don't break all the three rules at the same time.

Deep V fitted cardigan is one of the most important items an hourglass can own. (Blazers and jackets also do the trick). It breaks up the chest area and shows of the tiny waist.

Firming, figure hugging, pencil dress that lifts the boobs and elongates the waist.

Firming, scoop-neck dress that lifts the boobs and elongates the waist. The shoulder detail diverts some of the attention away from the boobs and to the shoulders.

Stretchy material, fitted, wrap dress. Excellent for enhancing the waist, and to get a dress to fit your curves perfectly without being too large or too small anywhere.

Firming, flared dress that lifts the boobs and elongates the waist. The Three-quarter length sleeves show off the delicate and elegant wrists and gives coverage to any upper arm issue.

Firming, mermaid dress that lifts the boobs and elongates the waist. A small sleeve gives coverage to the upper arm.

Firming, straight-legged dress that lifts the boobs and elongates the waist.
The cut on the arms, enhances and draws attention to the shoulders.

The Pencil skirt exaggerates the curve from the hip to the knee, and is the absolute best shape for an Hourglass.

Drapery trousers is the most flattering way to wear pants for an Hourglass. High-waisted with a top tucked in for those who are comfortable with that, or a flattering crotch-length top to cover any tummy issue, for those who don't.

High waisted, fitted jeans with a top tucked in for those who are comfortable with such a revealing look. It enhances the curves and show of the lovely Hourglass figure. Best paired with heels.

Short jacket cuts the figure in just the right place (the waist). Three-quarter length sleeves show off the delicate and elegant wrists.

Two button jacket, gives support to and elongates the waist.

Fitted jacket with a plunge neckline and a Curved lapel, echo the curves of the hourglass figure. Three-quarter length sleeves show off the delicate and elegant wrists.

The long blazer, is perfect to wear with trousers or skinny jeans. Make sure it's fitted at the waist. Curved lapel echo the curves of the hourglass figure.

Deep V, nipped in waist/belted coat, with full skirt and pockets on hips. The open V-neck breaks up the large chest and the hip pockets and belt emphasize the Hourglass figure.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DIFFERENT BODY TYPES
PRESS HERE

TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE AN HOURGLASS
PRESS HERE

(The 12 body shapes and rules are mostly borrowed from Trinny and Susannah's Body Shape Bible. I have made some alterations. Photos in this post are random pictures from Tumbler, Pinterest or borrowed from Google. Unknown source. The peep toe shoes are from MIU MIU.)

30 Comments

ETHICAL AND PERSONALIZED STYLE, FOR A "GOOD FOR YOU" WARDROBE.

Idealist style is a website and "slow blog" dedicated to ethical fashion and personalized style, including tips on how to find your very own "slow fashion" style by using color analysis, the body types system, and other slow fashion tips.»
Created by an idealistic fashion designer, stylist, writer, and illustrator with a passion for "good for you" fashion.
Very nerdy about it.
Born in Norway, educated in Milan, Italy.

I decided to name my page "Idealist Style", because I'm an idealist. On both a creative. environmental, and a humanitarian level. So, I feel the title suits my message well.
i·de·al·ism
-The act or practice of envisioning things in an ideal form.
-Artist who treats subjects imaginatively.
-Belief in or pursuit of one's ideals, of high or noble principles, purposes, or goals.

The work on this site is mine unless specified.

Christins link

9/4/2017 11:04:36 am

Thanks really helps when purchasing new clothes

IDEALIST STYLE link

30/4/2017 10:07:51 am

You are very welcome, Christins :-)

Xxx, Sun.

callas

30/4/2017 09:45:32 am

All of these women (except) Scarlett have fake breasts - before, they all were more of a pear.
Better hourglass examples are/were Betty Page or Nigella Lawson.

Real hourglasses do not have small upper arms and have a medium bum, also you do not see the collarbone (sign for small upper body).

30/4/2017 11:15:54 am

Hi, Callas. Thank you for your comment. As far as my research has shown, the only one with fake breast on this post is actually Kourtney Kardashian. I don't know what she looked like before, as she did it before fame. She might have still been an Hourglass, and maybe not. Hard for us to know, that don't know her. She has an Hourglass figure now, so she will look her best in Hourglass shapes, so that's what matters. About Hourglass upper arms, it depends on general weight and if they work out a lot. I don't see that any of these have unusually slender upper arms. I also don't agree on your take on the collarbones for this body type. I have seen many Hourglasses with not so sharp collarbones. About the bum, I think that depends on the genetics from one Hourglass to another, and again weight and exercise (Especially body sculpting exercises). I've seen Hourglass bums and bodies in general, in many variations. I use the 12 body type groups, but there is probably 12 million in reality. So, there is possibilities for many variations. The best would be to assess one body part at a time and then everything as a whole, for a personalized and most accurate result. However, on a page like this, it's easier for the general reader that I use a standard system. This is not a post about who is an Hourglass, but about what clothes look the best on a figure that fits the closest with the description of an Hourglass. In other words, if it's hard to determine someones body type, you go with what clothes look the best on them, and there is your answer. I say this, because as I mentioned before, there is not only one way to be a body type. Me myself, is a Skittle with a little wider shoulders than the usual. So, I follow all the Skittle rules, except for the the part about widening the shoulders. Everything else is spot on for me, as my shoulders are still less heavy then my lower body. My collar bones are also very visible, because I have little body fat on my upper body compared to my lower body. About half of my pear shaped friends also have very visible collarbones. In a perfect world, this would be be 12 million body types, but that's not attainable. The most important thing in my take on the body types, is that if for example Hourglass clothes look the best on your figure, and this type is the closest to what your figure looks like, you're an Hourglass. People that contact me for help, often have a personal twist to their shape, and have a hard time finding themselves perfectly in any type. So making the standards more rigid is not helpful for everyone. A good example of this is Geena Davis, as she is/was a very slender Vase. So, slender and tall that most people would have pegged her for a Column or a Cornet. I also, have a friend with that same figure, and she looks like a tall, slender, but yet curvy Column. However, she fits the do's and dont's perfectly with a Vase, and not with a Column. In the end, it's all about helping people figure out their bodies, and what works the best with it.
You might get your info from a different system, as I know there are many out there and that's fine, but in this one these women above are Hourglasses. The good thing about different systems, is that people can find one that speaks to them. This one didn't speak to you it seems. I would recommend seeing if any of the others is a better fit for you :-)
Betty Page and Nigella Lawson are other good examples of the Hourglass body type. Thanx for the tip! I'm always looking for more body type "poster girls", and will keep them in mind as I'm planning on adding a list of more examples of the body types. I wan't there to be a wider range of sizes and variations represented.

Xxx, Sun.

Vicky

31/3/2018 11:53:38 pm

Your answer shows how much research and love you pour into this, Sun! Thank you so much for this, you've helped me overcome my fear of fitted clothing! <3

12/4/2018 07:47:00 am

Thank you so much for that lovely comment, Vicky! That made me so happy hear, and I’m so glad I could help! 💋

Xxx, Sun.

Neha Jain link

9/1/2018 12:39:11 am

Great blog, good information given about hourglass body, was very useful, thank you for sharing this blog with us.

14/1/2018 12:56:11 pm

Hi, Neha! Thank you so much for your kind feedback. This makes me so happy!

All the best to you,
Xxx, Sun.

Becca

3/4/2018 01:45:10 pm

Hi! I have always been a little confused about my shape. I am 5'1. My vertical body shape is balanced. I was told that I am slim but very curvy. I think my bra size is 30DD. I have a 25 inch waist and 36 inch hips. I have sloping shoulders but my arms look chunky so sometimes I appear heavier on top than I actually am. My calves naturally have well defined muscles. I don't have saddlebags but my thighs are heavier around the upper part. Can you help me find my shape? I am lost at this point. Thanks!

12/4/2018 07:39:01 am

Hi, Becca! From what you sre describing, it sounds like you are might be a slender Vase, like a short Geena Davis. From your measurements it definetely sound like you’re one of the curvy types, and Hourglass and Cello sound like they’re too dramatic for you. The bottom heavy types could possibly be an option too, depending on your chest measurements compared to hips. In that case, a Skittle or Bell would be the most likely. You sound too curvy and your waist too small compared to hips to be any of the Straight figures or the top heavy figures.

I hope this helped!
Xxx, Sun.

17/4/2018 11:34:51 am

Thank you for your reply, this blog helps a lot :) My ribcage is very tiny so that's why my arms or my boobs can look bigger than they are.( I might have given the wrong bra size, but the one that fits me the best is a European sizing 70C) Actually my torso is a lot shorter than average (I was told recently) but my legs don't really look long at all. (that's why I thought I am balanced). so I am still figuring this out but once again thank you so much!

5/5/2018 11:18:06 am

Ah! Here's the reply I sent. I knew I remembered answering you.
It sounds like a petite Vase might be right, but if you don't have a long waist, but rather a short one, you might be a petite Hourglass instead. Think of Kourtney Kardashian.
You are very welcome :-)

Xxx, Sun.

Angie

5/5/2018 12:54:43 pm

I have a similar body type. I am approximately 5ft tall, 30 inch waist, 42 inch bottom, but also thick thighs to go with it. I have the hardest time finding the perfect pair of trousers. Still on the hunt. Hoping to find a pair in time for my trip to Paris in August. Please help!

6/5/2018 06:31:16 am

Hi, Angie. It definitely sounds like you're either a Cello or an Hourglass, depending on your chest size. For these types of body types the best pair of pants are high waister elastic skinny jeans. Even though most typical body type advice recommend wide legged pants, we no longer live in a time where curvy legs should be hidden. The high waisted skinny jeans will be the most comfortable and flattering pants for a curvy body type, but drapery wide legged trousers is the most flattering way to wear other types of pants for an Hourglass. High-waisted with a top tucked in for those who are comfortable with that, or a flattering crotch-length top to cover any tummy issue if that's what you feel like. Pants should fit the way a skirt would fit. Either it's a fitted waist and then it flares out, like a 50's skirt, or it should have a fitted waist and fitted legs, just like a pencil skirt.

I hope this helped.
Xxx, Sun.

6/5/2018 11:38:20 am

My chest size is 34DDD, or 36DD. Unfortunately I strongly dislike the appearance of thick legs. And all I own are skinny jeans, although not high waist ones. I just don’t know where to look for the perfect pair of wide leg trousers. Thanks for the advice!

14/7/2018 08:15:56 am

Hi again, Angie. You're very welcome.

The perfect wide legged pants can be hard to find, so if you find a great pair, maybe get one in each color or at least get two. I really hope you learn to love your thick legs, because curves are beautiful. In my experience, problems with a full or small body part is usually more about what your wear on it or pair with it. If you use the right top, shoes style and jacket with your skinny jeans, that should also help a lot. I'm a tick legged Skittle myself, and I just wear either a wide bottom with a fitted top, or a loose fitted top with a fitted bottom, so I don't feel like my legs take all the attention, or that the clothes swallow my body shape. An Hourglass or Cello can do both that, as well as rocking an all fitted style. Just avoid hiding your waist at the same time as wearing wide clothes.

You should really try highwaisted pants and skirts, as the best thing for your body type, is to always highlight your waist, as that draws attention to your small waist. One of my Hourglass friends, likes to wear wide sweaters that are cropped right at the waist when she wears skinny jeans, as she then get the comfort of the elastic pants and large sweater, but it still works with her figure, as the outfit still cuts her in the right spots.

I hope this helped :-)

Xxx, Sun.

Khadijah

31/10/2018 10:43:24 am

I can't seem to find my body type. I have small boobs, large butt, small waist, wide hips and equally wide shoulders.

Please help!

22/3/2019 10:25:20 am

Hi, Khadijah! The fact that you're bottom heavy, with a small waist, but shoulders still equal hips, sounds a lot like you're a Skittle. Could be a Pear too. They have a long to medium waist and usually have heavy lower legs. If you have slender lower legs or a short waist I would look at the Bell, Vase, and Cello. The description doesn't fit with these as well, but not all people fit the mold perfectly. Geena Davis is a Vase that looks more like a Column on first glance, Khloe Kardashian a Vase that people think is a Pear. So, look at all these types and see which one fits you the best.

I hope this helped!
Xxx, Sun.

Mira

13/2/2019 04:54:40 am

Hi, I'd like to ask for your help regarding body shapes as I am currently flip-flopping between two of your described body shapes: hourglass or brick. I have slopping shoulders at 39 inches, 34C (37 inches) across my chest, 29 inches on my natural waist which sits rather high on my body, and 38 inches on the widest part of my hips. I am also technically petite (barely scraping 5'2") but I don't look slim like other petites. My shoulder to waist ratio is around 0.74 but my waist to hip ratio is 0.76. When I wear dresses, I look like an hourglass but when I wear skirts, I look rather boxy. So with all this information can you tell me what body shape I am closest to? Is it a combo of the two? Or is it a different shape entirely? Answers would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

18/8/2019 11:24:17 am

Hi, Mira! It sounds a lot like you're actually a Cello. If not you might be a Soft Brick, which is a Brick, but a Jennifer Hudson and Eva Longoria type of Brick. Looks good in both fitted dresses as well as the best Brick looks, Also less good in the empire line as it's a Brick flowing into a more curvy type. As I don't know if your lower legs a slender or fuller, or long or short, it's hard to be a 100% sure. Also, Goblet would be a possibility. But I think most likely you're a Cello or a Soft Brick.

Here's the overview so you can check them out: https://www.idealiststyle.com/the-body-types.html :-)
I hope this helped!
Xxx, Sun.

Gabriella

5/11/2019 06:11:02 am

Hi! I’m a little confused about my body type. My bust size (with bra on) is 43 inches, my band size is 35 inches, my waist is 31 inches and my hips are 43 inches. I can fit into a 34GG bra size as well as a 36DDD. My high hip measurement is 40 inches (I have slight hip dips). My waist to hip ratio is 0.72. I have big, toned thighs, a perky butt, and my calves are toned and quite thick. I have a little fat on my upper arms but it’s not too noticeable and they still look pretty slender. I’m curious as to what my body shape is. I have a well defined waist and some saddlebags. My torso is balanced with my legs even though my legs are quite long for my height of 5’4”. Because of my hip dips, my waist looks shorter and I have some love handles. I’d really appreciate your help. Thanks in advance!

2/1/2020 06:22:41 pm

Hi, Gabriella! From what you're describing it sounds like you're an Hourglass. However it is also possible that you could be a Skittle, or even a non typical Vase. I would say you mostly sound like an Hourglass or a Skittle though.

I hope this helped!
Xxx, Sun.

ashleah

18/11/2019 05:26:04 pm

Hey Sun, you seem to do a very thorough job with your recommendations. Please help me, I've been trying to find out what body type I have. My shoulders are about 38", my bust is 36" (however I wear a 34D bra), my waist is 28", upper hips are 37" and my hips are 38". my weight is 125 and I'm about 5'3". I have a not so large butt but my legs are very shapely and proportional to my body, I also have small hands and feet. Let me know what body type you think I am, it would be really helpful to me. Thank you!

2/1/2020 06:29:48 pm

Hi, Ashleah! Thank you for that! From your description it sounds like you're a curvy type. So an Hourglass, Vase, or Skittle most likely. Other options would be a Cello or maybe even Pear. Pear is the least likely one. It also depends on your lower legs and it they're slender or heavy, and how they are in comparison to you thighs. Also, if your legs are long or short, and if you have a long or short waist. Or, if it's about the same.

I hope this helped!
Happy New Year! Xxx, Sun.

Healthn wellness link

29/2/2020 05:20:57 am

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Tshirtideal link

5/5/2020 11:50:28 pm

Very nice! I love to read your article. Thanks and keep sharing.

Diana link

6/5/2020 12:20:05 am

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28/11/2020 09:56:01 am

Hi, Diana! Thank you for your lovely feedback! :-)
Xxx, Sun.

Sharlene

17/9/2020 06:55:31 pm

Hi. I’m a tall thin hourglass, I can’t find any clothes to wear. It is best I belt everything over the clothes as my waist is higher than any pants waist. My body is very balanced. I feel like a fish out of water. Everyone wearing skinny jeans with a straight body and tucked in top here is me I’m lucky half my hips fit in skinny jeans even high waisted ones than to top it off I have to wear plus size tops to fit my breasts and belt over it. Ugh. I hope I’m not alone

15/10/2020 07:17:11 pm

Hi, Sharlene! I can relate to the tall and and small waist thing, as a almost 6 foot/182 cm Skittle. Most of the female population are actually more straight in shape even when full figure, or Pear shaped, so most brands don't make cloths for bold curves. Which is why some people famous for their curved have made brands with clothes that have a bolder curve fit. Like J'Lo, Khloe Kardashian, and also Levis has bold curve fit jeans. As for the tall part, that is also difficult for us above the average. However, Scandinavian brands tend to have longer fits, and some brands even have Tall collection, or a tall version of a piece. I'm not normally about promoting fast fashion, but as there are few options for people who don't fit the mold, I know that Asos and Top shop have tall collections, but there are many more who specialize for tall. If you give it quick google, I'm sure it will pop up.
Here's at least one article with good options: https://www.whowhatwear.co.uk/best-stores-for-tall-women/slide10

Personally, I have come to accept that it is hard for me to find clothes that fit me right. So, I have just started to tailor my own clothes to my figure. I usually take in the waist on everything, so that the size fist for the rest of me. Or use belts like you. This also means that I often have to fix the armhole openings as they tend to be too open as my upper half is smaller than my lower half. For my height I also often just make my own pants or skirts. Get mostly midi or maxi dresses, or add length to dresses, skirts and pants, or let the pant leg down. Some pants have extra length so you can let i down. I have even also raised the waist on one of the pants I inherited from a relative. It gave me a wedgie, as my hip area was too long for them, even though the waist fit. It takes more work, but it has made me a lot happier with my clothes and how I feel in them.
I have also noticed that HM and Zara have quite long pants and skirts/dresses. And I found a dress so long on Zalando that it was almost too long for me. Except my waist was lower than on the dress. So it seems someone made a dress for tall people with a regular wasit and all the length in the legs. I even have way longer legs that above waist, so that was weird. But, I just altered it, to fit me and it was fine.

I would also consider if maybe you're a Vase instead of an Hourglass, as it kind of sounded like you might have a long waist. A Vase is like a stretched out Hourglass. That said, I do have a good friend who is a 6 feet/185cm Hourglass, with very similar problems as you. She sticks to highwaisted pants that are called extra high waist and always super elastic skinny jeans. That way the waist and hips fit. I wish more brands would make clothes tailored for different body types, as there are so many women who struggle with this. Especially when it comes to the chest size.

Geena Davis is a very tall and slender Vase, so maybe she could be fun for you to check out? Vase and Hourglasses are after all almost the same.

You are for sure not alone, and I think many can relate to this.
Xxx, Sun.

BODY TYPE HOURGLASS : YOUR BEST LOOKS

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