THE BODY TYPE : HOURGLASS

28/7/2013

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.

YES

GOOD FOR YOUR SHAPE:
Scooped or V neck fitted t-shirts with shoulder detail.
Cardigans with plunging V necks.
Fitted dresses that elongates the waist.
Elastic shirts and blouses with an open neckline.
Double button jackets and blazers.
Cropped waist-length blazers and jackets.
Deep V, fitted waist, full skirt, pockets on hips coat.
Pencil skirts.
Elastic high-waisted skinny jeans.
Drapery trousers.
Simple necklace.
Curvy, cute shoes.

NEVER WEAR:
Baggy or batwing sleeves.
Blouses with bows or flounces.
Too big, bulky clothing.
Smocks.
Flap side pockets on trousers.
Big belts.
Flat, lace-up shoes.
Ankle strap, pointy shoes.
Chunky Cowboy boots.

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
bust 39 inches (32FF)
waist 29 inches
hips 39 inches
my shoulders 39 inches as well but they look really big and quite masculine. I have really generous thighs and i feel like my arms are huge. I have no problem dressing in the winter but i don't how to dress in summer. How do i accentuate my curves without making my arms look huge?
I think i'm an hourglass but hourglass shaped women don't have big shoulders, what shape am i?

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.

IDEALIST STYLE link

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.

http://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/the-body-type-cello

http://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/body-type-cello-your-best-looks

Other than that a Brick also has wide shoulders and wide hips, but they don't have much of a waistline, so it all comes down to proportion.

http://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/the-body-type-brick

http://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/body-type-brick-your-best-looks

Also, I'm a Skittle (bottom heavy) with equal hip and shoulder width, but I'm still a Skittle. So, because my hips, thighs and but is meaty and curvy, and where I put on most of my body weight, and my shoulders, waist and chest is skinny(ish) and less prominent because of that, I'm still bottom heavy. This can apply to most body types. I'ts all about the details, but put together in an overall look.

I hope this answered your question. Sorry to you too for the late answer. Better late than never, I hope :-)
Have a lovely Valentines weekend.
Xxx, Sun.

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.

IDEALIST STYLE link

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.

http://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/the-body-type-cello

http://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/body-type-cello-your-best-looks

I hope this answered your question. Sorry for the late answer, I just came over it now. Better late than never, I hope :-)

Have a lovely Valentines weekend.
Xxx, Sun.

naga

13/8/2016 12:18:44 pm

You could be an inverted triangel too.

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?

IDEALIST STYLE link

25/6/2016 05:57:04 pm

Hi, Li! Thank you so much for the lovely feedback.
First of all, there is no shame in not wanting to flaunt your body all the time. That's a personal choice and you should dress in a way you are comfortable with.
If you feel insecure about your body, try to remember that women used to be less bothered with appearance and weight before some jerks in the mid 20th century decided they weren't selling enough beauty products and started what we now know as body shaming. The ideal shape and size changes all the time. For example, what we today call chubby and pear shaped, was the Kim Kardashian body of the Renaissance era.
Just saying...

As for your clothes, I would go for loose fitted styles and use a belt in the waist to enhance the Hourglass shape. A dress is a great look for Hourglass shape and a very forgiving look for the female body. You could also look at the Cello body type, to get some pointers on the drapery looks there. The Hourglass and the Cello are quite similar (sister groups), so it's possible to borrow some things that apply to the same issues. The Cello styles are a little bit more forgiving and loosely fitted.

http://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/body-type-cello-your-best-looks

The rules you should try to avoid breaking, is: No boxy shapes, try to emphasize your waist, and use the right neckline for Hourglass types. No turtlenecks and so on.
You can wear figure flattering shapes, but just avoid the figure hugging tight look. Something that follows your shape without being very tight would still show your figure, but give you space to breathe and be comfortable.
Another tip is, if you wear larger tops, pair it with figure hugging skirts or pants, and full skirts and wide pants can be paired with fitted tops in a size too large. Use clothes that is loose enough to be comfortable, but follows your silhouette so that you can still see the Hourglass shape.

Here are some examples.

https://no.pinterest.com/pin/175640454188522921/?from_navigate=true

http://images.asos-media.com/inv/media/1/2/1/5/4985121/white/image1xxl.jpg

https://gingertwine.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/image1xl-3.jpg

http://woman.hotnews.bg/static/uploads/content/51/Kim-Kardashian-wearing-Givenchy-Birds-of-Paradise-T-shirt-and-Christian-Louboutin-Pumps-Out-in-Miami-2.jpg

http://www.stylebistro.com/lookbook/Wide+Leg+Pants/XSu42Z5B4QH

http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1464548/thumbs/o-KIM-KARDASHIAN-570.jpg?6

http://picture-cdn.wheretoget.it/me5ts6-l-610x610--kim+kardashian-yeezus-black-black+leather+jacket-skinny+jeans-kimye-t+shirt-jacket-shoes-bag-leather-leather+luxe.jpg

I hope this helped :-)
Xxx, Sun.

naga

13/8/2016 12:17:45 pm

sounds more like a lollipop body shape

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!!!!

IDEALIST STYLE link

14/7/2016 01:05:09 pm

Hi, Mariam. Thank you so much for the lovely feedback. Makes me happy to hear.
About your body type, I do think you fit in the hourglass description and it is quite possible that you are just an Hourglass on the slimmer side. An Hourglass will gain most of their weight to their chest, hips, thighs and upper arms, and will have a more dramatic figure the more they gain (fat and muscles). I do need a little more information in order to determine if you are a Vase og an Hourglass. They are both hourglass types, but the vase is a stretched hourglass with a long waistline, and the Hourglass has a short and small waistline.

The Vase is the most elegant body type, and the signature features are big boobs, gently curving longer waist, hips equal bust, slim thighs and legs. They can also have a bit chunky upper arms.
http://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/the-body-type-vase
http://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/body-type-vase-your-best-looks

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.
http://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/the-body-shape-hourglass
http://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/body-type-hourglass-your-best-looks

I do think we can cancel out the Cello, because they have a broad back and shoulders, and the have a short waist, and not really a small waist. Just small in comparison to their curves (chest, hips)
http://www.idealiststyle.com/the-body-types.html

Check out both of these, maybe all three types if you'd like, and figure out what kind of waistline you have, and that will help you pin point the exact type. If you have any more trouble you can always send me a photo on idealiststyledotcom@gmail.com . It is always easier to determine a body type using a visual aid, as measurements sometimes can be deceiving. You have to separate bone structure from fat and muscles, as these can alter what group you fall under.

I hope this answered you question :-)
Xxx, Sun.

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?

IDEALIST STYLE link

14/7/2016 02:13:15 pm

Hi, Rosy :-)
Your family is correct in that big belts isn't the best look for an Hourglass. The wide belt is great for the Cello, as they need to elongate their short, not as small waist.
But, belts in general can work fine. For an hourglass the most important thing is to show of your tiny and short waist, so the best look is to wear something fitted, but a belt can do the trick too. Go for the normal width belts or skinny belts. The main rule is to not use big belts. A big belt will hide your tiny little waist.
As for short, breaking up your figure in sections, as a belt would do, as well as wearing different colors on your top and bottom, will cut your length into pieces. An all one colored outfit and vertical stripes will elongate your figure. Also, short skirts are great for petite sizes. If you feel insecure about your legs, use shaping panty hose. It helps. Small prints are right for someone petit, as large prints will make you look smaller, and vise versa. So, consider if you want to look bigger or smaller and make sure the type of print/pattern matches that.
An Hourglass (and a Cello) has a gorgeous shape, so the worst thing you can do for your look, is to hide it. Be proud, you are one of the lucky ones with all the cures in the right places :-)

If you are indeed a Cello, they do have a small waist in way. They have a broad back and shoulders, full thighs and hips, and they have a short waist, and not really a small waist. Just small in comparison to their curves (chest, hips)
The Cello is all woman and the defining features are big boobs, short waist, big hips, big bottom, big thighs, broad shoulders and slim lower legs.
http://www.idealiststyle.com/the-body-types.html

To sum it up, my advice to you is to embrace your curves, and if you'd like, it might help to send me a photo of you on idealiststyledotcom@gmail.com , and then I can tell if you are indeed an Hourglass or a Cello. And when you know for sure which one, it will be easier to figure out your business attire.
But, in general, I would say peplum-tops, fitted but not super tight clothes, Skinny jeans or wide legged hight waisted pants and tunic-tops is a very forgiving look for a curvy Hourglass/Cello if they don't want to show to much. The cropped length so it hits the waistline is very good for the Hourglass, for the Cello a mid thigh lengt is better, and a good guideline to pick a blazer that suits your figure.

I hope this helped :-)
Xxx, Sun.

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...

IDEALIST STYLE link

14/7/2016 01:27:11 pm

Hi, Amna :-)
I sounds like you fit in the hourglass description, but you could also be a Vase. They are both hourglass types, but the vase is a stretched hourglass with a long waistline, and the Hourglass has a short and small waistline. So the type of waistline is the biggest difference between these two.

The Vase is the most elegant body type, and the signature features are big boobs, gently curving longer waist, hips equal bust, slim thighs and legs. They can also have a bit chunky upper arms.
http://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/the-body-type-vase
http://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/body-type-vase-your-best-looks

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.
http://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/the-body-shape-hourglass
http://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/body-type-hourglass-your-best-looks

It's not completely impossible that you are a Cello either since I have limited information. The Cello is the Hourglass type with a broad back and shoulders, and they have a short waist, not really a small waist. Just small in comparison to their curves (chest, hips)

The Cello is all woman and the defining features are big boobs, short waist, big hips, big bottom, big thighs, broad shoulders and slim lower legs.
http://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/the-body-type-cello
http://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/body-type-cello-your-best-looks

http://www.idealiststyle.com/the-body-types.html

I hope this helped :-)
Xxx, Sun.

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

IDEALIST STYLE link

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.
As for what body type you might be, or which two, it does sound like you might be a Cello with just less broad shoulders. I've seen it before. It's like Khloe Kardashian is a Vase with smaller than typical chest. Even though she looks pear shaped, she has long and slender legs, and broader shoulders, so when it comes to how to dress, the Vase shapes is more flattering for her. So look at your details. If you have slender lower legs compared to the size of your hips and thighs, that's another big point for Cello. If you have heavy lowe legs, and ankle strap shoes looks unflattering on you, that point's more to Pear, or more likely a Bell or Skittle (because of the short waist and or larger chest). I think you should check out the Cello (go to the overview to see all the body types), because it's so typical for Cellos to consider themselves a Mix between an Hourglass and a Pear. Well, because that's what that type kind of is. Also, not all body type systems have the cello in it, so that ca explain why you don't always fit in. Your measurements also points to the Cello. If the Cello doesn't fit, you could just be an Hourlglass with slightly more on the bottom (just like a Kardashian). It's more about what clothes fit you best and secondly about what you look like. Also, look at Bell, Skittle, and maybe evn Brick, just to have left no stone unturned.

I hope this helped :-)
Xxx, Sun.

cynthia johnson

28/6/2017 12:02:03 pm

Sorry meant to say plus size hour glass

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!

Stephanie

12/8/2017 12:01:58 pm

oh, forgot to mention that I have a short torso!

IDEALIST STYLE link

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.

http://www.idealiststyle.com/the-body-types.html

Xxx, Sun.

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!

IDEALIST STYLE link

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 :-)

Xxx, Sun.

Lily

26/10/2017 06:31:09 pm

Yes! Thank you so much!

IDEALIST STYLE link

26/10/2017 06:49:08 pm

You're very welcome. I'm glad I could help.

Xxx, Sun.

Gisela

31/10/2017 04:41:28 am

Hi Sun,
I love you website so much! I'm absolutely overwelmed how much love and heart you put into your posts and how detailed they are. Thank you for investing so much work!

When I found your website it was like a relevation to me. Regardless how much weight I might lose, I will never have a sporty or skinny figure.
But I'm still a little confused about my body shape, so I hope you might help me. My gut says I'm an hourglass, maybe a plus size one ;) I'm short 5″3 (1,60 m) and my weight is 161 lbs (73 kg). My measurements are 39 - 32 - 43 (100 - 83 - 110 cm) and my bust is 75 G (German size, I guess it's a 34 E American size).
When I lose weight I lose my tummy first thing.

I was declared as a Pear, because I do have saddlebags, but this simply feels right. My shoulders are about the same width as my hips, but because of the saddlebags my hip measurement is wider and my legs look shorter. And because of my big bust I can't emphasis my upper body and I do have a bit of a tummy right now, which is not typical for Pears as I understood.
So it sounds like I might be a Cello, but I can't wear bold jewellery and big prints. As I have a small face, I simply would disappear. Can I still be a Cello?
I would be so glad, if you could help me!

IDEALIST STYLE link

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.

It's not the first time I've heard or seen someone with a Vase, Hourglass, or Cello figure, being types as a Pear. A lot of people only focus on the hips and but being larger than the tops, but the actual deciding factor is slender or heavy lower legs. A Pear shape will be bottom heavy, someone in the Hourglass family will be more balanced and will therefore have a different all together look. For example, a Cello will often be described as a Pear and Hourglass mix, Khloe Kardashian is a Vase, even though she seams bottom heavy like a Pear because of her hips and but. However, Khloe have slender legs, a long waist, so that makes her a Vase.

Do you have a long waist the way a Pear does, or do you have a short waist? A Vase has a long waist too, and long legs. A Cello has a short waist that's small because of hip and chest size more than because it dips in. They also have large thighs with visibly smaller lower legs. An Hourglass has a short and small waist. Legs may not be slender, but not as heavy as Pear legs, especially in the ankle area. It's sometimes only noticeable if you wear the wrong clothes though.

To sum it up. You could stil be a Cello, only the large prints are to big because you're short, as that also counts. Large prints will make someone small look smaller.
It's hard to give a 100% accurate answer without seeing you, but it sounds like you're either a Cello or Hourglass, and maybe even a Vase or Skittle. Pear seems less likely because of your chest size. A Pear will usually have a slender upper body paired with a curvy lower half.
Check out the body types i mentioned above, and let me know if you still can't figure it out.

Xxx, Sun.

Gisela

15/11/2017 02:08:37 pm

Hi Sun,
thank you so much for the fast answer! You are so kind in answering on all the comments and giving so thoroughly advices!

I'm definitly no Vase, as my legs aren't long and slender ;) I would say their length is quite balanced to my upper body, but because of the saddlebags they look shorter and more bottom heavy. My ankles are neither heavy nor slender, and my lower legs are ok.
My waist is more on the shorter side. It looks quite long when I "lift" my breats, but in real life even a good bra can't lift them so much, that it works. Because of their natural position my waist looks shorter (does this make sense to you?).
My waist isn't small, as I'm plus size, but still clearly recognizable relativ to my bust and hips.
So, after all I would say it sounds more like I'm a Cello, but I have always been put off by the large prints.

Oh! And I discovered that Nadia Aboulhosn's measurements are nearly the same as mine, including height and weight.

As I sent you the picture I'm really curious about the result ^^
Gisela

aaliyah link

11/5/2021 03:50:23 pm

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.

IDEALIST STYLE link

19/11/2017 04:05:36 pm

Hi again, Gisela. You're very welcome, and thank you so much.

It sounds like you're a Cello. I will answer in more detail on the e-mail you sent me. Nadia Aboulhosn is either a Cello or a Bell. Probably a Cello flowing into Bell, as she's a Cello with a smaller than usual chest size. The rest fits though.

Xxx, Sun.

Elizabeth

20/12/2017 12:54:00 pm

Hello Idealist Style and many sincere greetings.

I always used to believe that there was something wrong with my body, and now I realise, having looked at your really brilliant site, that it is because I do not really have any clothes that fit me properly. When I try on clothes, nothing looks good, and hangs wrongly or is too tight on other places, and it is a nightmare having to buy tops especially, as my chest is considerably bigger than my waist, though I do not have large breasts.
I do not know if I am an hourglass. I am 41-28-41, 39 shoulders, but I have b-cup breasts that mean that I do not have an issue with elongating my waist, but i do have a rather protruding rib cage which can make me appear to be generously busted, and this is something that i have always felt discomfort about. I do emphasise the wrists and ankles as they are my favourite parts, but I am paranoid that my hands and feet are too small for my body. I basically feel that i have a big frame though technically I may not, and so I get stuck on what I wish to emphasise or hide, and just end up wearing baggy clothes but with a belt in the middle.
I wear skirts and dresses, but tops are a real issue. I was wondering, what dresses would be the best in getting a skirt, if the waist is a size ten but hips a size fourteen (uk sizes) and a top where the bust is a size sixteen but waist a size ten (again uk sizes)? I think that it is dress sizes that really throw me, and which mean I dress quite badly, as nothing seems to really fit.

Yours faithfully,
Elizabeth

IDEALIST STYLE link

21/12/2017 11:44:55 am

Hi, Elizabeth! Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm so happy I could help.

From your measurements it does sound like you are one of the three curvy types for sure, but which on depends on the length and curve of your waist mostly. Since you don't have large breast, my first thought is that you might be a Vase, as Khloe Kardashian is a good example of a Vase with a much smaller chest that bottom. Still her legs and waist is typical of that of a Vase, so she is not a Pear type. If your waist is straight, short, but small compared to your chest area and hips, bottom, thighs and so on, you might be a Cello. Cellos can also sometimes look like a mix between a Pear and an Hourglass as not all Cellos have very large chests. If you have a short a very curved waist, that probably means that you are an Hourglass and that you just have a smaller chest than the stereotype. The most important thing is which clothing, accessories and shoe styles that look the best on you, and that's more important than what your body looks like when determining your body type. So, you best bet, is to start trying out clothes from these three types, depending on which description fit you best, and see how that feels. If not, than maybe you are another type, like a Pear, Skittle, or Bell shape. See if your lower legs are a bit heavy compared to your top half. It doesn't have to be by much, but just enough that ankle straps and knee length pants enhance that look and make them look heavy, even if they don't come of that way when wearing full length pants or no pants.

Fining clothes that fit the curves of a curvy figure can be really challenging, as many brands make straight shapes or less dramatic shapes. I have a Skittle body type, and have a small waist compared to the rest of my body as well, so I've just gotten used to taking in the waist on the clothes I buy or using a belt. Another option is to get things made to your measurement, or if you find a brand that works, stick to it. It's not ideal, but luckily there are some brands that do have smaller waists on their clothes and still space for curves. Khloe Kardashians "Good American" brand, and also J'Lo have done clothes like that. Levis have a "bold curve" style jeans, and so it may be possible to find other places too.

About your hands and feet, that is not an uncommon feeling for curvy body types, the way slender and straight body types may feel like their feet and hands look large. I have small hands and feet compared to my 6 feet/182 cm height, but I'm the only one that notice. Everyone else thinks I look completely normal, so it might not be as noticeable as you feel.

My best advice is to buy elastic materials, and or buy a size that fit the chest and hips, and take in the waist. It's not a difficult as it sounds. It's also not very expensive to get done at a tailor. The belt trick is also a great trick.

There is unfortunately not an easy answer to this besides looking for brands that have styles made for curves, using a tailor, or taking in the waist and such on your clothes. I have a sewing machine and do it myself at home. It takes about five minutes as long as it's not a very complicated piece of clothing.

I hope this helped! Happy Holidays!
Xxx, Sun.

Elizabeth

1/1/2018 02:38:30 pm

Dear Idealist Style and Sun,

Seasons Greetings!

Oh my God, thank you for the reply. I was literally waiting everyday to see your reply, but I was using my phone and I do not think that the page refreshed at all! I am so happy about your comment regarding the stretchy clothes. I just bought some stretchy, short tops and it works. I never used to wear pencil skirts until I read this page, and they do suit me - I never thought they would. I used to try to elongate or make slender my torso by wearing long tops. I always assumed that high waisted things were not great for those with large hips/butts/thighs and short waists, but actually you are right, they are flattering and even slimming as they emphasise the smallest parts like the waist and knees.

And I found out that I do not necessarily have that small breasts. After I wrote my comment, I re-read it, and it occurred to me that I needed to get remeasured, for my weight has changed since the last time I had been. According to the +4 method, I am a 40B, but I researched all of this after re-reading what I wrote, and I am also a 34F/FF, if I was to go by the underbust measurement. 40B and 34F are the equivalents. This has so changed my perception of myself, that I had to inform you of this, as what I stated before of "appearing to be larger breasted", has become ascertained that I AM more larger breasted than I thought. I just never noticed as I have never really worn bras, and have not worn one in six years. When I put on weight, it spread evenly so I just did not notice as everything stayed the same proportion.

This all being said, I think I needed to find your website, as I used to feel abnormal. I have taken on the V-necks, wide scoop necks. I am open again to wearing high waisted trousers. I would say that my body is like a shorter version (i'm 5'5") of a vase with a shorter, more abrupt waist, more circular and pronounced bust and hip/bust/thigh, I would not look so elegant in vase clothes! My legs are wider, fuller top of the thigh, like a chicken drumstick, In fact I will just send you a photo in private if it helps.

But thank you very much for your time,

Yours sincerely,
Elizabeth :)

IDEALIST STYLE link

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).

With body types looks can often be deceiving, and trying on the clothes is the only accurate measuring device. Which I think is a good thing, as this society focus too much on what the body looks like, while it should be about making the best of what you have. Clothes should be fun, comfortable, expressive and or practical, so leaving our bodies be and focusing on what clothes work for you, is a great way to start feeling good in our bodies and apreciating how beautiful diversity and being unique can be.

Again, I’m so glad I could help, and thank you so much for your lovely feedback.

All the best,
Xxx, Sun.

Glamour Girl

16/1/2018 07:34:29 am

Hello Idealist Style,

Happy New Year. I like your entries. I found them a while ago. Please excuse me for sounding immodest or for bothering you. Please answer honestly. I am still confused about my body shape:

My bosom(which is at least a 36DDD) is significantly larger than my derriere (though my derriere is not flat).

I am around 5'8. My legs are significantly longer than my torso(though I am unsure if my torso length is exactly tiny).

My thighs are significantly larger than my lower legs(though my thighs are not necessarily "huge" they are not skinny). My hips are wide, and my legs are gradually thinner as they go down.

I have been told my waist is defined. My stomach is flat, and my arms are also slim(though I am not underweight).

Would you happen to know which body shape I approximate?

IDEALIST STYLE link

16/1/2018 04:06:07 pm

Happy New Year :-) and thank you.

It sounds like you could be a Vase, Cello, Hourglass, Goblet, or a (soft) Brick, from what you're describing. Are your shoulders the same width as hips, and or is your upper half slender compared to lower half, or the other way around? Is your back wide, and what body part is the most dominant one? Your chest is large, you have wide hips, full thighs, a waist, long legs. This sounds the most like a Vase or a Goblet at this point, since it seems like you're either top heavy or balanced, but not in any dramatic way. This also fits with the chest vs. rest description too.

Check those out and see if any of them feels familiar.
I hope this helped :-)
Xxx, Sun.

Glamour Girl

17/1/2018 06:43:26 am

Thank you so much for your quick reply.

I took into consideration everything that you mentioned. While I still struggle to identify with any of the celebrity body types posted on this website, the celebrity that my body is fairly close to is Bella Thorne(though there are still differences between my body and hers).

My mother tells me that my thighs are proportionate with my upper body. In her words she said that if my thighs were skinny I would look like a Barbie doll since my bosom is so large.

When looking at the widest part of my back in the mirror, I have to keep turning around to fully capture it. My hips are wide too. The diameter of my ankle is much smaller than the diameter of my upper thigh. The diameter of my wrists are tiny.Sometimes when trying on skinny jeans, they cannot go up my legs.

There is a contrast between my breast size and my stomach size. My stomach is very flat. When going shopping, a top could be too tight on my breasts. Sometimes for this reason, I would go a size up. But then, it is baggy on my stomach area.

Thank you for your help.

IDEALIST STYLE link

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.

I would say the facts are pointing the most to Vase, then Goblet, and then last Lollipop.

:-)
Xxx, Sun.

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.

IDEALIST STYLE link

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.

I hope this helped clear things up further :-)

Xxx, Sun.

Becca

3/4/2018 04:45:11 pm

Hi! I might have sent this comment twice, sorry if I did.

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!

IDEALIST STYLE link

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 :-)

Xxx, Sun.

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 ?

IDEALIST STYLE link

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.

I hope this helped :-)
Xxx, Sun.

IDEALIST STYLE link

13/7/2018 09:41:48 am

Hi, Gogo!

Those measurements sound a lot like an Hourglass shape, as your top and bottom are balanced with a small middle. But, it could also mean you are a bottom heavy body type, like the Skittle for example (since your shoulders are as wide as your hips, but chest is slightly smaller. Check out the Skittle, and to be sure if you're one of the balanced curvy type, like the Vase, Cello, or Hourglass, try to compare the typical features. A Vase has a long waist and more slender legs. A Cello has broad shoulders, and a short, but more of a straight waist that is small because hips and chest is larger, and slender lower legs compared to thighs. An Hourglass has a small and short waist and legs that are curvy too. Compare and see which one of these balanced and curvy types you fit the most, if not look at the bottom heavy type, Skittle, or maybe you're one of the balanced and straight type, like a Brick, but more like a Soft Brick like Eva Longoria and Jennifer Hudson. Or even a Column, but this one is less likely. Start with the Curvy types, and see which ones feels more like you :-)

https://www.idealiststyle.com/the-body-types.html

Xxx, Sun.

Pauline

31/5/2018 03:53:32 am

Hey there,
I am always very confused, as to wether im a pear or an hourglass. My shoulders and my hips are equal in width, balancing each other out. My waist is fairly small (27 inches) in comparison to my hips (41 inches) but my boobs are smaller in circumference (37 inches). They look very big on me, because my thorax is very small (30H bra size). Am I a pear, even though my waist is small, my shoulders are as wide as my hips and my boobs are pretty large ?

IDEALIST STYLE link

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.

Xxx, Sun,

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.

Kayla

11/7/2018 05:04:00 pm

Also, nice article.

IDEALIST STYLE link

13/7/2018 09:28:41 am

Hi, Kayla! Thank you!

Those measurements sound a lot like an Hourglass shape, as your top and bottom are balanced with a small middle. To be sure if you're a Vase (long waist and more slender legs), Cello (broad shoulders, a short, but more of a straight waist that is small because hips and chest is larger, and slender lower legs compared to thighs), or an Hourglass (has a small and short waist and legs that are curvy too), compare and see which one of these balanced and curvy types you fit the most.

The part about womanly and curves is referring to some of the beauty standards of western society. However, there are a lot more things that defines you as a woman or makes you a woman and feminine. In some parts of the world, they prefer a 0.9 hip to waist ratio instead of the western 0.7, which is more of a straight waist. This is often connected to if having lots of food or being able to diet and exercise is perceived as having acieved wealth and success. Some places they prefer small breast and large hips, some prefer a lot of fat on women.

In my personal opinion, I think that if you identify as a woman, you are a woman, and having curves or not does not make you any more or less like a woman. Apple body type Rebel Wilson, Cornet Naomi Campbell, and Brick Kate Moss, are also very womanly, and definitely not less gorgeous or feminine than someone who is an Hourglass. For example, the Cornet is the supermodel body type, but that doesn't change the fact that plus size/natural size models are just as much models and supermodels. Also, most Cornets are not working as models at all.

I just added a little positive sentence to each of the body types, about what is the most typical thing about that particular body type, to highlight the positives.
I think diversity is beautiful, and the fact that the body types are all so different, is what makes it so magic.

I hope that clarified that for you, as I can see why you would wonder when you read that. I'm glad you asked for an explanation, as I would never want anyone to feel like any woman would be less for not having a certain type of look.

Xxx, Sun.

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.

I've noticed pear shaped girls pull off the 'long, drapey, buttonless cardigan' look pretty well. That same look is half-decent on me and only if the fabric is very thin and soft AND I wear a column of colour beneath. Any suggestions other than my go-to hoodie? :)

IDEALIST STYLE link

19/8/2018 08:33:00 am

Hi, Nora!

I would go for a long cardigan, blazer, jersey blazer look, trench kind of look with either a belt or a style that has a defined waist on it, so you can define your waist or leave it open. How long depends on your height. Tall can go long and short should stick to mid thigh at the most. Middle height can do both. You can also do a oversized open jacket look even without a defined waist or belt, as long as you can see you waist underneath. High waisted pants or skirts, or dresses with a defined waist underneath will do the trick. Or waist-cropped sweaters and high waisted or fitted pants, skirts or dresses underneath. The most important thing is to just not hide your narrow bits, like waist, and lower arms. Even ankles depending on the style.

I hope this helps!
Xxx, Sun.

chacha

18/8/2018 05:59:57 pm

Hello!
Thanks for your website it helps a lot. But I'm a bit confused about my body shape sometimes i'm a pear or an hourglass. Can you tell me what you think?
Shoulders: 42 inch
Bust: 38
Wait:30
Hips:42
Size: 5'7
Thanks

IDEALIST STYLE link

19/8/2018 08:23:57 am

HI, Chacha! Thank you so much for your lovely feedback.
From your measurements and the pear-cello thing you are describing, it sounds like a Cello to me. In fact, many Cello's have this same dilemma about what type they are. Other than that, depending on how long your waist is, how large or small your chest looks on you, and the heaviness of your lower legs, also even your upper arm look, you could also sound like a Vase (Hourglass with a long waist and long legs), Bell (short wasist Pear type), og a Skittle (less dramatic Pear type with larger chest, more belly and upper arm fat than a typical Pear).

I hope this helped! :-)
Xxx, Sun.

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)

IDEALIST STYLE link

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.

Xxx, Sun.

Kelsie

3/9/2018 07:05:19 am

Hello idealist style!

I've already learned more on your site than any of the others that I've visited but like the rest I'm still a little confused, I'm 5'11 and this has always given me some trouble when trying to dress myself and I tend to feel overwhelmed easily when I try, which is why I've started the challenge of trying to determine my body type in hopes of finding motivation to finally understand how to properly dress myself.
Shoulders = 40
Bust = 35
Waist = 28
Hips = 40
Height = 5'11

From what I've read I thought I might be a vase or hourglass but my boobs aren't voluptuous which makes me doubt that I am those. I would be so grateful to hear what you think!

IDEALIST STYLE link

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.
If you're a Vase or an Hourglass depends on if you have a long waist and long legs (balanced figure) or a short waist and more curvy legs. I have a friend who is a 6'1 Hourglass, so it's still possible. She just has a short waist and very long legs. So, some people just break the mold a little and that makes them harder to type, but they still have a group if we just figure out the details.
From what you're describing, is sounds like you might be a Vase. If you look at Geena Davis, you can see that not all Vase body types have generous curves. Geena David comes off as a Column or a Cornet, because of her slender figure (especially in the 80's) and tall body. But she is actually very curvy, and is a Vase.
You measurements sound like a curvy body type, so figure out the length of your waist especially, but leg length can add some info too. I think that will help you determine your body type a bit more accurately.

I hope this helped!
Xxx, Sun.

Esther link

16/11/2018 07:56:54 am

I have 39inches burst, 28inches waist and 40inches hip. Am I an hourglass? If I am, I really have a weird posture of pushing my neck forward and I'm working on it but will it affect me in my dressing because my friend told me I should wear baggy clothes.

IDEALIST STYLE link

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.
If you are one of these three types, wearing clothes that highlight your waist and show off your figure is your best look. Baggy clothes doesn't do much for a curvy figure other than hiding it.
Sometimes people tell us weird stuff that is more based on their own issues than the actual facts and truth. As women, we have all gotten comments like that in our lives. I hope this helped you pin down what your body type is, and if you did, wear what makes you feel good. That's the most important thing <3

Xxx, Sun.

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
bust = 37 inch
waist = 25 inch
hip = 38 inch

I have a lil fat under my hip, and around my upper thighs... I tend to loose and gain weight faster , and it easier for me to build muscle.. Im confuse what is body type?

thank you for your help ⭐

IDEALIST STYLE link

22/3/2019 10:42:36 am

Hi, Sophia! Thank you so much for your kinds words. That makes me so happy to hear.
From your measurements it sounds like you're either an Hourglass, Vase, or Cello. Do you have a long or short waist? Is your shoulders balanced or broad? Are your legs long and slender, curvy, or curvy thighs with slender lower legs? Look at these three types and see which of these features better fit with yours. You sounds like a petite curvy type, so it can sometimes be harder to see what your type is, to just look at the overall look of your figure and pick the one that fits the best.
Cellos are often more athletic looking when slender, so maybe start there :-)

I hope this helped!
Xxx, Sun.

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.

IDEALIST STYLE link

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.

I hope this helped clear things up.
Xxx, Sun.

Leia

22/12/2018 04:24:09 am

Hey there, I was wondering what body shape I am.
I have a bust of 42 inches, 32 inch waist and 42 inch hips/bottom. I have broad shoulders and short chunky upper thighs of 25 inches and small lower legs.
Thank you.

IDEALIST STYLE link

30/3/2019 11:07:53 am

Hi, Leia! It sounds a lot like you're a Cello from that description.

https://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/the-body-type-cello

https://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/body-type-cello-your-best-looks

I hope this helped!
Xxx, Sun.

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 :)

IDEALIST STYLE link

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.

Xxx, Sun.

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?

Jordan

6/2/2019 03:19:25 am

Forgot to add round hips and small frame

IDEALIST STYLE link

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.

Here are the links so you can check out the Cello body type.
https://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/the-body-type-cello
https://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/body-type-cello-your-best-looks

I hope this helped clear things up.
Xxx, Sun.

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 :)

My measurements are

5’1

Bust: 42 (36E)
Waist: 31
Hips: 42.5/43 (including bum)
My actual hip bones measure only around 40 inches though.

From my waist and hips there doesn’t seem to be a dramatic difference but my thighs are larger than my hips so when wearing dresses this shows this.

I have short/ medium legs chunky upper thighs and upper arms and slim lower legs. My shoulders are also broad (42 inches).

Thank you. :)

IDEALIST STYLE link

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.

Here are the links so you can check out the Cello body type.
https://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/the-body-type-cello
https://www.idealiststyle.com/blog/body-type-cello-your-best-looks

I hope this helped!
Xxx, Sun.

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?

IDEALIST STYLE link

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.

Here's the overview of all the body types and posts about body types, so you can check them out: https://www.idealiststyle.com/the-body-types.html
Also, your body is definitely not too curvy for dresses. You just need to embrace the curves and show them off, because it's beautiful :-)

I hope this helped!
Xxx, Sun.

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.

IDEALIST STYLE link

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!

Happy New Year!
Xxx, Sun.

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

IDEALIST STYLE link

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.

From what you're describing, as it seems you have a very small waist, wide hips, wide shoulders. That fits with the Hourglass shape, The Vase, and The Cello. The Vase and Cello usually 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. So, you still sound the most like one of these types to me. What you need to think about, is if you have a long or short waist, or if you lower legs are slender or heavier. If you thighs are very thick or if you have long and slender legs. As that would help separate the three balanced curvy types.

If you're still not sure, I would also check out the Skittle, or even the Bell and Pear. The Bell and Pear are the least likely, as they should have the smallest shoulders. Skittle can have shoulders same width as hips, but instead is just thinner up top for example. That said, you have Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce who are Pears that can be mistaken as Hourglasses by some.

About the Vase again, take a look at young Geena Davis, as she was so slender back then that she is mostly a Vase because of her curvy hips, small waist, and wide shoulders. Almost like an hourglass-cornet hybrid. Her chest was very small compared to a lot of Vases. However, she is still a Vase, as your bone struckture also determines quite a bit. Body fat just makes it easier to tell.

A Vase with a large bottom, small waist, and wider shoulders, and not large chest, is Khloe Kardashians. I've seen people saying she's a Pear, however she has very slender legs. And bottom heavy body types are defined a lot by heavy lower legs. Even bottom heavy types with not dramatically heavy lower legs, have quite curvy and strong looking lower legs. Khloe Kardashian have very slender lower legs, also she absolutely looks best in Vase clothes and not Pear styles.

My best guess is that you're probably a Vase or a Cello, depending on your waist length. You could also just be a less bust Hourglass, as long as your bone structure still has that shape.
If none of those fit, check out the bottom heavy body types too, like Skittle, Bell, and Pear.

I hope this helped!
Xxx, Sun.

Bbb

8/5/2020 11:32:08 pm

Hello,

Why is Kim Kardashian considered to have an hourglass figure if her lower half of her body is larger than her upper half? I am confused. Thanks in advance.

IDEALIST STYLE link

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.

A Vase with a large bottom, small waist, and wider shoulders, and not large chest, is Khloe Kardashians. I've seen people saying she's a Pear, however she has very slender legs. And bottom heavy body types are defined a lot by heavy lower legs. Even bottom heavy types with not dramatically heavy lower legs, have quite curvy and strong looking lower legs. Khloe Kardashian have very slender lower legs, also she absolutely looks best in Vase clothes and not Pear styles.

You also have Pears that get mistaken as Hourglasses, like Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce. However, if you look at their best outfits vs. outfits that make their body type more noticeable by highlighting their shape. You can tell that they're Pears. I think a lot of the confusion might come from people not separating body types as what someone looks like, and body types as in what clothes that suit you best. The first is more of an observation and description, and the latter is more of a science used to determine what suits some one. So in body types used for clothing purposes, it is always most important what suits someone. So to figure out someones body type, the most important information is in what looks good, and what can end up overdramatizing or under-dramatizing certain features. The clothes that suit you, should never make you look more dull and should not caricaturize you. However, if you're a woman wanting to look androgynous or male, or maybe you want to caricaturize yourself. Then you would follow a different set of rules than the ones listed in these posts. Sometimes the opposite. I hope to get around to do a post about that some day too.

Kim Kardashian has way too big of a chest, and too much upper body and shoulder width to be a Pear. Her waist is also too short, and lower legs are way to slender compared to the rest of her to be a Pear. So, she is a perfect fit for the Hourglass. She just happens to seem a little bit bigger on the bottom. However, her curved are very balanced, and I don't think her upper body looks unbalanced compared to her lower body.
You can also tell by what suits her. She looks amazing in fitted, high-waisted everything, and a full skirt and a top with a tight neckline and frills, paired with a furry gilet, would make her chest look much larger and very dominant, and her figure more dull, as it would hide and highlight her figure in a way that does not do her justice. On a bottom heavy body type however, that is just another cute look.
Also, she looks amazing with ankle strap shoes and classic heels, and a bottom heavy and even a Cello would be their best in a sturdy thicker heel.

The only other types Kim Kardashian could be confused for is the Vase or Cello, however her figure is too dramatic and waist too short for the Vase. And her waist is too dramatically small and shoulders not properly broad enough for a Cello.

A body type that is bottom heavy, has heavy calves and lower legs too, and shoulders that are thinner and or smaller than their hips. And the clothes they are suggested to wear are to make the upper body seem larger.

So to figure out a body type by looking at someone, you need to add shoulders, arms, waist length, hips, thighs, lower legs, ankles, lower arms, hip length, leg and torso length in comparison to eachother, as well as chest and bum size.

I hope this helped and explained it.
Xxx, Sun.

BBB

19/4/2021 12:43:06 pm

Thank you for you thorough explanation!

yashu

21/10/2020 10:39:15 am

Hi,
my body measurement is 35-25-36 its an hourglass ;but i have huge thigs like 24 inch ,i dont know how much should i measure , can u please help me ,
thank you sir/mam

IDEALIST STYLE link

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.

I hope this answered your question and was the help you were looking for.
Xxx, Sun.

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?

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:)

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.

THE BODY TYPE : HOURGLASS

Leave a Reply.

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

Archives