Hourglass Female Body Shape: Complete Guide for Women
The hourglass is one of the five main female body shapes. Learn everything about this body type, from identification to expert styling tips.
Understanding the Hourglass Female Body Shape
The hourglass body shape is one of five main categories used to classify female body types. It is defined by specific proportional relationships between the bust, waist, and hips.
The Five Female Body Shapes
Source: NC State University SizeUSA Study
Hourglass Female Body Characteristics
The hourglass female body shape has specific defining characteristics:
Key Characteristics
Upper Body
- • Bust measurement similar to hips
- • Shoulders align with hip width
- • Well-defined collarbone area
Waist Area
- • Significantly smaller than bust/hips
- • At least 25% difference
- • Naturally defined indentation
Lower Body
- • Hip measurement similar to bust
- • Curved hip line
- • Balanced with upper body
Overall Proportions
- • Creates "X" silhouette
- • WHR around 0.7 or lower
- • Balanced top to bottom
Hourglass Female Body Measurements
Here are examples of hourglass measurements across different sizes:
| Size Range | Bust | Waist | Hips |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS-S (2-6) | 32-34" | 23-25" | 32-34" |
| M (8-10) | 35-37" | 26-28" | 36-38" |
| L (12-14) | 38-40" | 29-31" | 39-41" |
| XL (16-18) | 42-44" | 32-34" | 43-45" |
| XXL+ (20+) | 46+" | 36+" | 47+" |
How to Dress an Hourglass Female Body
The key principle for dressing the hourglass female body is to highlight your natural waist while maintaining balance between bust and hips.
Best Choices
- • Wrap dresses and tops
- • High-waisted pants and skirts
- • Belted coats and dresses
- • Fitted blazers
- • Pencil skirts
- • V-neck and sweetheart necklines
- • Bodycon dresses
- • Fit-and-flare silhouettes
Styles to Avoid
- • Shapeless, boxy clothing
- • Empire waistlines
- • Drop waist styles
- • Oversized tops
- • Shift dresses without belts
- • Stiff, structured fabrics
- • Tent/trapeze silhouettes
- • Very high necklines
Celebrities with Hourglass Female Bodies
These celebrities are known for their hourglass body shapes:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourglass female body shape?
The hourglass female body shape is characterized by bust and hip measurements that are approximately equal (within 5% of each other), with a waist that is significantly smaller—at least 25% less than both measurements. This creates the classic "X" silhouette.
What percentage of women have an hourglass body shape?
According to the NC State University SizeUSA study, approximately 8% of women have a true hourglass body shape. This makes it one of the less common female body types, despite being frequently portrayed in media.
What measurements make a female body hourglass?
A female body is considered hourglass when bust and hip measurements are within 5% of each other, the waist is at least 25% smaller than both, and the waist-to-hip ratio is around 0.7 or lower. For example: 36-26-36 or 38-28-38.
Can any woman have an hourglass figure?
Body shape is primarily determined by genetics and bone structure. While any woman can create the appearance of an hourglass through styling, the actual hourglass body shape is genetic. Other body shapes are equally beautiful and have their own styling advantages.
What clothes look best on hourglass female bodies?
Hourglass female bodies look best in clothing that defines the waist and follows natural curves: wrap dresses, high-waisted pants, belted styles, fitted blazers, pencil skirts, and V-necklines. Avoid boxy or shapeless clothing.