Hourglass Body Shape
With Balanced Curves
Meet “Sofia”, the hourglass body shape. An hourglass body type is perfectly proportioned.
Your hips and bust are beautifully balanced, almost exactly or very close in width, with a smaller, shapely waist. This balance is what gives you your unique look.
Because you have such great curves, you don’t want to hide them. Less is more when it comes to the question of how to dress your body shape! Minimalist styles focus on showing off your shape without overwhelming it. Remember: the only thing to watch is overdressing your frame. Your body shape is versatile and can carry off a variety of styles beautifully.
dresses for hourglass body shapes
Your Flattering Fits
Opt for styles that complement your figure, such as snug-fitting, a-line, and wrap dresses. These styles are especially flattering for hourglass body shapes, as they highlight your natural curves. Dresses with belts really accentuate your waist, as do styles that cinch at the waistline, further enhancing the balanced proportions of an hourglass silhouette.
tops for hourglass figures
Curves on Show!
Tops that flatter an hourglass body shape are styles that maintain proportionate curves. Fitted tops, classic wrap tops, and v-neck styles can elongate your frame. Shirts that have seams, like the back view here, highlight your waistline beautifully.
best jeans for hourglass figures
Denim Styles
When choosing denim styles, it’s best to opt for ones that are not too baggy. These classic styles work the best for your hourglass shape: straight-leg, bootcut, and wide-leg jeans look great, but make sure they remain fitted around your butt. High-waisted styles are also a good choice as they fit well around the waistline.
skirts for hourglass figures
Your Skirt Finds
There is a wonderful variety of skirts that suit your hourglass shape. Today, I have chosen these styles: the pencil skirt with a belt to show off your waist, the fuller skirt, which will make your waistline look even shapelier, and the bias-cut skirt, which has a flare at the hem. These skirts highlight your curves without hiding them and show off some of your best assets.
jackets for hourglass figures
Simple Styles
Don’t be fooled by the heading “Simple Styles” because a simple style looks incredible on you. Look for styles that highlight the waist, such as those with one or two buttons. These styles will best complement your shape. You can also wear styles that finish at the waist and those with belts, as they will highlight your waist and show off your beautiful figure rather than just the jacket’s style.
What's Next?
Let’s start with something easy so we can get to know each other better. I enjoy reading magazines and I hope you do too. I’m creating a great magazine specifically for people with hourglass body shapes. If that sounds interesting to you, please click the button below, sign up, and I’ll notify you of the launch date.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
An hourglass body shape is one where your bust and hips are roughly equal in width, with a noticeably smaller waist in between. This creates a balanced, curved silhouette. It is one of the most versatile body shapes to dress because your proportions are naturally balanced.
The key is to highlight your waist and show off your balanced curves. Choose fitted styles that follow your shape rather than hiding it. Wrap dresses, belted jackets, and fitted tops all work beautifully. Less really is more with an hourglass figure. The main thing to avoid is overdressing your frame with too much volume or bulk.
The best dresses for an hourglass figure are:
- Wrap dresses: They cinch at the waist and follow your curves naturally.
- A-line dresses: They skim over the hips without adding bulk.
- Fitted or bodycon styles: They show off your balanced proportions.
- Belted dresses: The belt draws attention to your waist.
Styling Tip: Shapeless or boxy dresses hide what makes your shape so beautiful.
Look for tops that keep your proportions on show. Great options include:
- Fitted tops: They follow your curves without clinging too tightly.
- Wrap tops: Classic and always flattering on an hourglass shape.
- V-neck styles: They elongate your frame and draw the eye upward.
- Tops with seams: Seaming along the back and sides highlights your waist.
The best jeans for an hourglass figure are ones that are fitted through the seat and thigh without being too baggy. Good options include:
- Straight-leg jeans
- Bootcut jeans
- Wide-leg jeans (fitted through the hips and seat)
- High-waisted styles (they sit beautifully on a defined waist)
You have plenty of great skirt options. These three are especially flattering:
- Pencil skirts: Worn with a belt, they show off your waist and hips perfectly.
- Fuller skirts: The volume at the hem makes your waist look even smaller.
- Bias-cut skirts: The flare at the hem follows the curve of your hips beautifully.
Keep it simple with jackets. Look for styles that:
- Have one or two buttons at the waist
- Finish at or just above the waist
- Include a belt or tie at the waist
These details draw attention to your waist rather than covering it. A simple, fitted jacket looks incredible on an hourglass figure because your shape does the work.
Always define the waist. Whether it is with a belt, a wrap style, a fitted cut, or a cinched seam, bringing attention back to your waist is the most flattering thing you can do for your hourglass shape. Everything else flows from there.