Hourglass Shape Women: Guide for Women with Hourglass Bodies
For women with hourglass shapes, understanding your body is key to dressing well. This guide covers everything from identification to styling.
What Defines Hourglass Shape Women?
Women with hourglass shapes share specific proportional characteristics:
Hourglass Shape Characteristics
Bust and hips balanced (within 5%)
Defined waist (25%+ smaller)
WHR around 0.7
Balanced shoulders and hips
How Rare Are Hourglass Shape Women?
Body Shape Distribution
Source: NC State University SizeUSA Study
Styling Guide for Hourglass Shape Women
Best Styles
- • Wrap dresses and tops
- • High-waisted bottoms
- • Belted styles
- • V-necklines
- • Pencil skirts
- • Bodycon dresses
- • Fit-and-flare dresses
- • Fitted blazers
Avoid
- • Shapeless clothing
- • Empire waistlines
- • Drop waist styles
- • Boxy cuts
- • Oversized everything
- • Shift dresses
- • Stiff fabrics
Famous Hourglass Shape Women
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a woman have an hourglass shape?
A woman has an hourglass shape when her bust and hip measurements are approximately equal (within 5%), with a waist that is significantly smaller—at least 25% less than both. This is determined primarily by genetics.
How common is the hourglass shape in women?
The hourglass shape is relatively uncommon, found in approximately 8% of women according to the NC State University SizeUSA study. It is one of the rarer female body shapes.
What should hourglass shaped women wear?
Hourglass shaped women should wear clothing that defines the waist and follows their natural curves: wrap dresses, high-waisted pants, belted styles, V-necklines, and fitted silhouettes.
What should hourglass shaped women avoid wearing?
Hourglass shaped women should avoid shapeless clothing that hides curves, empire waistlines, drop waist styles, oversized tops, and stiff fabrics that do not follow the body.
Can any woman become hourglass shaped?
Body shape is primarily determined by genetics and bone structure. While clothing and styling can create an hourglass appearance, the actual body shape cannot be fundamentally changed.