Just as Kim Kardashian, you lucky Hourglass ladies have the curves that are the very essence of what makes a woman womanly. You have large boobs, a small and short waist, big hips and generous thighs. These extreme measurements can make it difficult to find clothes that fits nicely, as your breasts and hips can be a size large, and your waist a size small. With Hourglass ladies, its simply a case of realizing you have nothing to hide and to accentuate everything you have. The most important guidelines. - Classic lines and styles such as V neck knitwear and pencil skirts are your secret weapons. - Elastic material shapes to your body. You don't want your clothing being too wide in the waist and too small elsewhere. - Your big bosom and short waist can contribute to making your whole body look shorter and larger than it really is. So make sure to wear clothes that "lift" your breasts, this will elongate you waist. - Think 50′s glamour and dare to show your curves! - Don't cover your body in bulky clothing. But if you do, make sure you know what you're doing. I know some Hourglass ladies that rock that oversize look. Just never wear too loose-fitting clothes and never on more that one body part at a time. Remember! The larger the curves, the more important to show your waist. - Big decorations and excess fabric add volume, which you don't need. - "The Body Shape Bible", says that pants are difficult for Hourglass women and they suggest drapery wide legged pants as the best alternative. But I love a pair of high-waisted skinny jeans on that tiny waist and nicely rounded bottom. Just look at Marilyn Monroe and Scarlett Johansson. Leave the straight-figured to rock that runway look, because your attributes are equally desirable. In my opinion, the only thing that's completely wrong for the Hourglass is to wear big and shapeless clothing, that covers your figure. The more you show of your fantastic body, the more flattering. Just to clarify, by showing your figure I mean figure hugging. Showing too much skin can easily become vulgar because of your dramatic curves.
Other Hourglass ladies: Salma Hayek, Scarlett Johansson, and the great Marilyn Monroe. (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 borrowed from Google. Unknown source.) Curves rule!
86 Comments
nene
10/4/2015 06:37:18 am
Hi, My measurements are
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Sara
22/7/2015 01:07:18 pm
Hi nene, I think hourglass shapes can actually have wider shoulders (look at the photos of Scarlett Johansson). I have wider shoulders too and am trying to figure out which shapes can have wide shoulders AND hips.
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13/2/2016 09:27:14 am
Hi, Sara. Yes, an Hourglass can have wide shoulders, but it can also mean that you too are a Cello. Cellos are similar to the Hourglass, but they have more of a short waist than a small waist, and they also have broader shoulders.
Simone
22/6/2017 11:06:51 am
Well Sara, having an hourglass shape is about a noticeable difference between your shoulders, waist, and hips. If have wide shoulders and hips with a noticeable or even slight difference in your waist, yes you have an hourglass figure. I hope that helps. 13/2/2016 09:17:46 am
Hi, Nene. Just as Sara commented below, an Hourglass can have wide shoulders, but it can also mean that you are a Cello. Cellos are similar to the Hourglass, but they have more of a short waist than a small waist, and they also have broader shoulder. But your measurements does sound mostly like an Hourglass, I would say. I think I would take a good look at the waist, and figure out if it's very tiny and short, or more of a "just short" waist and the Hourglass look mostly comes from the boobs, shoulders and hips being so full/curvy.
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naga
13/8/2016 12:18:44 pm
You could be an inverted triangel too.
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Li
24/6/2016 07:55:30 pm
Hello, I really like your website and would like to ask a question. For a while, I've been really self-conscious about my body and its curves. My measurements are 35(32DDD bust)-25-35. But I'm barely 5"0 and not really well...as big I guess you can say. And I'm not broad-shouldered either. Although I can fit easily into smaller sizes, I often have problems finding shirts that don't emphasize my chest. I know I should embrace my curves but looser and drapery clothing just looks more appealing to me (and comfortable as well). Fitted clothing just makes me feel more anxious about my body so is there any clothing that can be looser without it looking unflattering?
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25/6/2016 05:57:04 pm
Hi, Li! Thank you so much for the lovely feedback.
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naga
13/8/2016 12:17:45 pm
sounds more like a lollipop body shape
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Mariam
1/7/2016 09:23:34 am
hey, i love your website and it really has opened my eyes to the different body one can fit into and so consequently, aid the person to dress their best!!! I was wondering; im not sure where i belong, although i do find the hourglass very appealing, my measurements are 17 inches on the hips, 10 inches around the waist,14 inches on the shoulders and 17 around the bust. I dont have really massive boobs but they are obvious and so is my booty!!! Therefore i was wondering, am i an hour glass or not and if not where do i fit!!!!
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14/7/2016 01:05:09 pm
Hi, Mariam. Thank you so much for the lovely feedback. Makes me happy to hear.
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Rosy Johnson
8/7/2016 05:19:22 pm
Hi! I'm in my early twenties and starting to slim down since a rather chubby childhood. As far as I can tell I'm an hourglass shape. I've always liked the belt look, but my relatives who keep track of body types and style have consistently warned me away from them, saying they make me look shorter. I also am currently trying to develop a business wardrobe, but I try to avoid skirts because my legs still appear somewhat flabby to me. I'm only 5'2" and 130 lbs, so I'm not overweight, but most tight clothes tend to make me appear larger than I am. I do have a small waist though, so I shouldn't be a cello, which was my initial thought. Do you have any advice for me?
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14/7/2016 02:13:15 pm
Hi, Rosy :-)
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Amna
14/7/2016 12:33:27 pm
My bust rn is a 36-37 inches B cup with a 27-28 waist and 38 inches hips...
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14/7/2016 01:27:11 pm
Hi, Amna :-)
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cynthia johnson
28/6/2017 08:54:18 am
Is it possible to be mixed with 2 shapes. Some online calculations put me as a pear shape and some say that I am an plus hour glass shape it gets so confusing. I have average shoulders not to narrow or broad they are in between my waist is short and defined and I have high hips like a shelf and my bust is big. I will give you my measurements 40.5 inches in the breasts, 35 inches in the waist and 45 inches in the hips and my stomach is not that flat and I love wearing wrap tops and dresses any help would be appreciated thanks
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2/8/2017 04:20:26 am
Hi, Cynthia. Yes, it's very possible to be a mix of two body types, or more likely one body type on the cusp of another/ one body type with one feature that's not typical and you have to treat differently that what the rules say. People are so unique, so no body shape calculator can account for the slight differences and quirks each person have.
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cynthia johnson
28/6/2017 12:02:03 pm
Sorry meant to say plus size hour glass
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Stephanie
12/8/2017 12:00:06 pm
I've always been confused about my body type. Some websites tell me i'm an hourglass but looking in the mirror i've always felt my waist just doesn't appear THAT defined. Others tell me i'm a pear but I'd say my upper body is definitely not lithe enough for that. My measurements are 34 26 35, shoulders proportionate to hips, and I carry weight mainly in the thighs, tummy and upper arms. My rib-cage is a little bit on the thicker side, my breasts / calves small and my bottom normal. Help!
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Stephanie
12/8/2017 12:01:58 pm
oh, forgot to mention that I have a short torso!
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25/8/2017 02:31:22 pm
Hi, Stephanie! I think the Hourglass-pear shaped appearance with a less defined waist and short torso, sounds a lot like a Cello body type. If not that, even a soft Brick. Some Bricks can have a bit more curve that the stereotype, such as Eva Longoria and Jennifer Hudson. The short torso can fit with all these, but also Bell, however I think Bell is the least likely. I have seen Bell body types with larger chests, just a lot bigger hips. So, I would check those out. Let me know if you're still stuck, but I think maybe Cello will be a good fit.
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Lily
19/10/2017 07:47:35 pm
I always have trouble with my clothing and what looks flattering. My measurements are 35-25-31 but I have wide shoulders 38in. I also have wider thighs, a bigger butt, a long torso and shorter legs (for my height). My stomach is flat for the most part and I carry most of my hips up like above my actual hip bones. I am 5’8” and weight about 135lb as well. I just started running and lost weight in my hips and breasts (i was previously 37-27-35). I have trouble finding swimsuits (bikinis in particular) that look good on me. I don’t really know what body shape I am because people tell me I look curvy but my shoulders don’t match my hips. I like high waisted things because I feel like it makes my hips look bigger. Thanks!
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26/10/2017 05:56:37 pm
Hi, Lily. At first, it sounds a little bit like a Cello body type, but they have a short waist? Is your torso long included everything from your hip bone and up and is your wait short or long. Also is it smal like an hourglass, or more small because your hips and chest is larger? That is a good way to separate a Cello from an Hourglass. The wide shoulders, large chest, short waist, and wide hips, large bottom, large thigs, and somewhat slender lower legs, is very typical for a Cello, more than an Hourglass. Your chest sounds too large to be a bottom heavy type, like Pear, Skittle and Bell, so your long torso could then mean Vase, if Cello is not a match. I'm also thinking about Goblet or a Brick, but your thighs and bottom sound a bit too large for a Goblet, and your tummy a bit too flat for a Brick with that size chest and bottom. A Brick, Hourglass, Vase and Cello should also have a balanced figure. This leads me to think you should check out the Goblet body type. If not, you might be a Cello with wider than usual shoulders. I have seen body types that are supposed to have long legs, have short legs instead. They still fit with their body type, the short legs (combines with wide shoulders) just makes the rules even more important to follow, if you want to balance your shape. It all comes down to which of these body types clothing styles you feel flatter you the best. It's difficult to give you a very accurate answer without seeing you, but I hope this helped :-)
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Lily
26/10/2017 06:31:09 pm
Yes! Thank you so much!
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26/10/2017 06:49:08 pm
You're very welcome. I'm glad I could help.
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Gisela
31/10/2017 04:41:28 am
Hi Sun,
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2/11/2017 12:48:38 pm
Hi again, Gisela. Thank you so much for your kind words, that made my day :-) I'm so glad I could be of help to you, and to hear that you have been able to embrace your incredible body type.
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Gisela
15/11/2017 02:08:37 pm
Hi Sun, about my body type i have no idea what type am I. my boobs are 30 inch waist is 24inch and hips are 32 inch and my shoulders are 32 inch as well. I always considered my self column or type of hourglass my sister thinks I'm a pear but it depends on what measurements I use because every website says rectangle, hourglass or pear and I don't know what shape I am. I have broad shoulders so my to size is bigger than trousers because I have a really small waist so i wear 10 -11 yrs old and 2xs in tops. So I could even be an inverted triangle. It's hard for me to tell. Pls can you help me. 19/11/2017 04:05:36 pm
Hi again, Gisela. You're very welcome, and thank you so much.
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Elizabeth
20/12/2017 12:54:00 pm
Hello Idealist Style and many sincere greetings.
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21/12/2017 11:44:55 am
Hi, Elizabeth! Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm so happy I could help.
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Elizabeth
1/1/2018 02:38:30 pm
Dear Idealist Style and Sun, 14/1/2018 01:27:41 pm
Hi again, Elizabeth! I’m so happy to hear that the advice was helpful, and that you’ve figured it out. You do sound a lot like an Hourglass, but feel free to e-mail that photo if you want to :-). What you discovered about your chest size and gaining weight as a curvy type, is actually a very common phenomenon. My sister in law also thought she had a small bra size, as she didn’t wear bras. In reality she was an 70F (European sizes).
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Glamour Girl
16/1/2018 07:34:29 am
Hello Idealist Style,
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16/1/2018 04:06:07 pm
Happy New Year :-) and thank you.
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Glamour Girl
17/1/2018 06:43:26 am
Thank you so much for your quick reply. 26/2/2018 10:07:21 am
Hi, again :-) I checked out Bella Thorne, and she looks like she's either a Column as they do have a little waist, or a very slender Vase. I would have to look through a lot of photos in a lot of different outfits to be sure. She has different chest sizes in different photos, but maybe she's just very young and in development? So if the curvier versions of her is the way she looks now, I would say she's most likely a very slender Vase. Try to check out young Geena Davis, as she is a very slender Vase too. I have a friend with this type of curvy but very slender and long body too, and everyone thought she was a Column, until we realized she was in fact a Vase. Barbie would be a Vase, Lollipop or a Goblet. Not easy to type her accurately, as she doesn't have a realistic figure. By the sound of the Barbie comment, I would think that could point to one of these three though. The fact that your thighs are curvy too, points more to the Vase if you have a defined waist, or the Goblet if you have a more straight looking waist. The Vase has similar legs to the Goblet and Lollipop, but usually more thigh and but, without it being as dramatic as an Hourglass. This is what makes the Vase more difficult to type. It's kind of like you merged an Hourglass with a Goblet, to get a Vase, in a way.
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Glamour Girl
11/3/2018 02:55:38 pm
Thank you for your reply. I should have mentioned that not all of the Bella Thorne pictures are recent. On another note, what body type is Raven Symone? Lindsay Lohan? Their bodies have changed throughout the years but I thought that body type remains stable. 5/5/2018 10:07:06 am
I think Raven Symone and Lindsay Lohan are both Goblets. As mosts Goblets, they both have a broad back, large and heavy chest, great long legs, hips that are more narrow than their shoulders, but yet they still gain weight on the stomach, hips and thighs. Mostly stomach, but it does have a bit more on the lower half than the typical Lollipop for example.
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Becca
3/4/2018 04:45:11 pm
Hi! I might have sent this comment twice, sorry if I did.
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5/5/2018 10:57:18 am
Hi, Becca! I think I might have answered this question for you a while back, but if you haven't gotten one, let me know and I will :-)
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gogo
11/5/2018 04:56:42 am
i have 38.5 inch hips , 26.5 waist , 38.5 shoulders but 34.5 bust .. is that considered hourglass ?
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23/5/2018 10:00:36 am
Hi, Gogo. Hi, yes that could sound like an Hourglass. It comes down to if your waist is long and curved (The Vase), short and very small (Houglass), or short and more small because hips and chest is so much larger (Cello)? Check out these three types on the body types overview, as it sounds like you're one of the Hourglass types at least.
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13/7/2018 09:41:48 am
Hi, Gogo!
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Pauline
31/5/2018 03:53:32 am
Hey there,
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12/8/2018 11:52:54 am
Hi, Pauline! A Pear will have a top body with less body fat on it that the lower body (including legs), and an Hourglass will usually have more arm fat. It's a lot about fat and muscle distribution, as much as it is about bone structure. Also, a Pear will have a long was it and an Hourglass a short waist. There is also a chance that you could be a also short waisted Cello, or a long waisted Vase or Skittle. As you have large breast, but smaller than hips, it's quite likely that you may be a Skittle, Cello. A Pear will usually have small breast. You could also be a Vase or an Hourglass, but it really depends on you waist length, how slender your arms or lower legs are or aren't. Look into this, and hopefully that will clear things up for you.
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Kayla
11/7/2018 04:53:26 pm
Hi, I'm Kayla. Before I take any advices I would like to know if I'm an hourglass shape. My measurements are 36-27-36. My waist could also be a 26 because I lose weight a lot. You blog is nicely made. If you say that curves are the very essence of what makes a woman 'womanly' does that mean you are saying the girls that don't have hourglass figures aren't womanly or as good as women with that shape? I gave body image problems so that kind of struck me.
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Kayla
11/7/2018 05:04:00 pm
Also, nice article.
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13/7/2018 09:28:41 am
Hi, Kayla! Thank you!
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Nora
28/7/2018 05:14:50 pm
Hello! I'm an hourglass and often struggle to find casual cover-up layers (not button-up sweaters/cardigans) that will keep me warm and comfortable at school with the AC, but will also be flattering.
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19/8/2018 08:33:00 am
Hi, Nora!
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chacha
18/8/2018 05:59:57 pm
Hello!
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19/8/2018 08:23:57 am
HI, Chacha! Thank you so much for your lovely feedback.
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chacha
26/8/2018 04:11:44 am
Thank for your reply :) I have average boobs (36B size) and it doesn't look big on me cause I have a prominent rib cage. I read the cello, vase and skittle description and I feel I'm closer to the skittle one ( average boobs, round thigh, low hips) 28/8/2018 10:42:06 am
Hi again, Chacha! I'm so glad you figured it out :-D. Skittle sounds like the right one! Try on the styles and see how it fits. That will usually be the deciding factor and make you feel sure.
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Kelsie
3/9/2018 07:05:19 am
Hello idealist style!
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3/10/2018 11:05:29 am
Hi, Kelsie! Thank you so much for your kinds words, and I'm so glad you thought my page was helpful.
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22/3/2019 10:35:37 am
Hi, Esther! From your measurements it does sound like you're either an Hourglass, Cello or a Vase. Depends on the length of your waist and shoulder width.
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Sophia S
20/11/2018 02:16:36 am
Hello, I enjoy reading your websites, it really helpful.. I wanted to ask you something, I always confuse with my body types. I'm 5'5 tall, weight around 127lbs. my measurements are
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22/3/2019 10:42:36 am
Hi, Sophia! Thank you so much for your kinds words. That makes me so happy to hear.
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Kate
14/12/2018 12:56:52 pm
Late comment but I have a question regarding my body type. I’m overweight and short with big boobs (32D), broad shoulders for a petite girl, a tiny waist, big belly and a big butt with big things and smaller lower legs. I don’t have any measurements except for 32D for bra size, 28 for waist and 37 for hips but last time they came out as a pear. I remember getting angry thinking “I am not a pear!” Because I have broad shoulders and big belly unlike a pear. I’m wondering If it’s possible that I’m a cello with a bit more of a butt and that if I could slim down into an hourglass.
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5/6/2019 06:42:12 am
Hi, Kate! It sounds liker you're perectly describing a Cello. It's not uncommon for a Cello be mistaken with a Pear in systems that only have the standard groups. Or sometimes even a Goblet, because they are not the typical Hourglass. I think that it's sounds like you absolutely can be a Cello. A Cello would still be a Cello when slimmer, and they often do have large buts and don't have to be 100% same width in top and bottom. A Cello is just an Hourglass with a short waist that is more small because hips and chest is so much larger, than the very heavily typical dipping inward one. Then they have the slender compare to the rest lower legs, broad back, and often bigger but and thighs than many Hourglasses. So, yes. i think you types yourself correctly.
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Leia
22/12/2018 04:24:09 am
Hey there, I was wondering what body shape I am.
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30/3/2019 11:07:53 am
Hi, Leia! It sounds a lot like you're a Cello from that description.
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Jisselle
18/1/2019 06:09:37 am
Hey there im jisselle, im 5 foot 26 inch wiast,39 inch hips and size 34D chest :)
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5/6/2019 07:07:27 am
Hi, Jisselle! That sounds like an Hourglass type yes. Depending on your waist length, shoulder width, and legs, you could be either a Vase, Hourglass, and Cello. Could also even be a Skittle, again depending on how the rest of your features are.
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Jordan
5/2/2019 07:31:23 pm
Hello! I’ve been pretty confused about my body type because it seems like it’s in between many others. My measurements are 35-27-35 (30G/32F) and my shoulders are broad compared to the rest of my body (~36in). I’m 5’4 and my waist is fairly short. I’m confused because my waist is almost defined, but I also have a big chest, rounded butt, and shapely legs. Would I be under a more rectangular body type?
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Jordan
6/2/2019 03:19:25 am
Forgot to add round hips and small frame
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18/8/2019 11:08:23 am
Hi, Jordan! Your measurement definitely describe a balanced and curvy body type, so that will narrow it down a bit. From what you're writing I would say it sounds a lot like you're a Cello, so i would say I'm pretty sure that's your type. All of the things you mention are typical Cello body type traits.
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Jordan
22/3/2019 11:13:24 am
Heyy, I’ve been confused about my body shape for as long as I can’t remember. I was wondering if you’d be able to help clear my confusion up :)
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18/8/2019 11:01:41 am
Hi, Jordan! It looks like you're describing pretty much the definition of a Cello body type. So, I would say that there is a huge chance that the Cello is your body type.
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Nisaiba
8/6/2019 08:47:23 am
I am 14 years old female. My height 5 feet 2 inches. My shoulder is 36.5 inches. My bust 34.5, waist 27, hips 35 inches. My weight is 52 kg. What dress is good on me? Is my body too curvy?
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18/8/2019 12:00:36 pm
Hi, Nisaiba! Your body type sounds like an Hourglass, Vase or a Cello. Actually the most like a Cello, because of your shoulder measurements compared to the rest. I think that all the best dresses looks on the posts about your body type (Cello/Vase/Hourglass) is a very good look for you. Just remember that short dresses are better when you're short. If you wear long dresses, make sure their completely floor length so you use all of your length. There are two posts per body type. One called "Cello" (for example), and then below it on the overview there is one called "Best looks: Cello". So look at both of them for you best dresses, and then add on the info about being short. Another tips is that small print is better for petite bodies and large print better for large bodies. So short lengths and small prints is the best for you, combined with the best dresses looks in the two posts about the body type you decide is the best fit of the ones I mentioned.
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Tammy
19/10/2019 06:37:30 pm
10-19-19. I have always thought my body type is not in any particular type at all, is its own type altogether. Basically, it seems as if very petite muscular lady. 5 foot 3 inches. 34 inch shoulders, 31 to 32 chest B, 24 inch waist, 32 1/2 inch hips, but full and muscular thighs. Seems to me combinations of bottom hourglass and skittle body type, if it were not for the weight in the thighs or my back curve I would definately be a straight body type! I do not have much of anything else and do not carry much weight on my frame altogether. Have been fairly muscular and petite all my life, but would not mind for less muscle and a bit extra off in the thighs.
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2/1/2020 06:07:50 pm
Hi, Tammy! My first thought when I read your description of your body type was that you sound like a petite Cello. A Cello that is just more slender than the "easier to type version". You could possivbly be a Skittle too, but the shoulders seem to wide. An other option, could be a Cornet too, but again you might be too bottom curvy for that. Last but not least, check out the Vase too. You could be a fit Vase. I hope this helped!
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amy
29/3/2020 01:40:24 pm
i have very wide shoulders and hips but a small waist and i think i am an hour glass. however i have b cup boobs and as far as i have been able to understand hour glass figures have larger boobs. so im not completly sure what shape i have
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28/11/2020 11:32:34 am
Hi, Amy! Sometimes we don't fit perfectly into the stereotypical mold, but that doesn't mean that you can't be an Hourglass. As there are so many variations of each body type. The most important thing is if these clothes fit you or not, and if you look like the description matters way less.
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Bbb
8/5/2020 11:32:08 pm
Hello,
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29/11/2020 11:59:01 am
Hi, BBB! Most body types don't have perfectly equal measurements when it comes to chest size vs. bum size, and that includes the Hourglass. It is most commonly seem/or most commonly noticed for the Cello or Vase, as they often have larger shoulders than the Hourglass, and more often have either a bum or a chest smaller than the other. So much so, that some people think they're Pears. However, they have slender lower legs, and upper body is still in balance to lower body by either shoulders or general mass.
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BBB
19/4/2021 12:43:06 pm
Thank you for you thorough explanation!
yashu
21/10/2020 10:39:15 am
Hi,
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9/12/2020 03:49:13 pm
Hi, Yashu! From your measurements, you do for sure sound like an Hourglass, or maybe a Vase or Cello. Cellos and Houglasses usually have the largest thighs of the balanced curvy body types.
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Amira
6/4/2021 08:30:04 pm
I have a petite body with very broad shoulders of 38 inches and wide hips with a very big butt 38 inches as well and my waist is 26 inches. I’m really confused because my boobs are so small to be an hourglass and my shoulder is so broad to be a pear shape. Also, i don’t carry weight in my thighs. So what is the body shape that combines shoulders and hips?
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Heather
24/11/2021 10:23:20 am
Thank you for this its so helpful I've been struggling with what looks good on me after gaining weight I use to be very underweight 99pounds now that im healthier I am not use to how clothes look on me and tend to feel fat although I'm 5foot 61/2 inches tall 120 pounds and my measurements are 35-25-35 does that make me an hour glass figure ? not sure but I'm trying to love my body, and stuff like this helps me a lot thanks for the post:)
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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.» Archives
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