Petite Hourglass Figure: Style Guide for Short Hourglass Body Shapes
Having a petite hourglass figure means you have beautiful balanced proportions on a shorter frame. Learn how to dress to enhance your curves and elongate your silhouette.
Understanding the Petite Hourglass Figure
A petite hourglass figure has all the hallmarks of the classic hourglass shape—balanced bust and hips with a well-defined waist—but on a shorter frame (typically under 5'4"). The proportions remain the same:
Petite Hourglass Characteristics
Height under 5'4" (163 cm)
Bust and hips balanced within 5% of each other
Defined waist at least 25% smaller than bust/hips
Waist-to-hip ratio of 0.7 or lower
Best Styles for Petite Hourglass Figures
The key to dressing a petite hourglass is twofold: define your waist like any hourglass, and create vertical lines to elongate your frame.
Best Choices
- • High-waisted pants and skirts
- • Wrap dresses and tops
- • Fitted blazers at natural waist
- • V-necklines (elongates torso)
- • Vertical stripes and seams
- • Monochromatic outfits
- • Knee-length or midi hemlines
- • Pointed-toe shoes
Styles to Avoid
- • Oversized, boxy clothing
- • Very long hemlines
- • Wide horizontal stripes
- • Drop-waist styles
- • Overwhelming large prints
- • Ankle straps (shortens legs)
- • Cropped wide-leg pants
- • Empire waistlines
Dress Styles for Petite Hourglass
The right dress can beautifully showcase your petite hourglass proportions:
Best Dress Styles
Wrap Dresses
Define waist and create V-neckline for elongation
Fit and Flare
Cinched waist with flared skirt balances proportions
Bodycon
Shows curves without overwhelming small frame
A-Line
Fitted bodice with gentle flare from waist
Styling Tips for Short Hourglass Bodies
Create Vertical Lines
Use vertical seams, stripes, and long necklaces to draw the eye up and down, creating the illusion of height.
High-Waisted Everything
High-waisted pants and skirts elongate legs while defining your waist. Tuck in tops to enhance the effect.
Proportional Prints
Choose small to medium-sized prints that match your frame. Large prints can overwhelm a petite figure.
Strategic Hemlines
Best hemlines: above knee, at knee, or midi hitting at the narrowest part of your calf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a petite hourglass figure?
A petite hourglass figure combines the classic hourglass proportions (balanced bust and hips with a defined waist) with a shorter stature, typically under 5'4" (163 cm). The body shape is determined by proportions, so petite women can absolutely have hourglass figures.
How do I dress a short hourglass body?
Dress a short hourglass body by emphasizing your waist with high-waisted styles, choosing vertical lines to elongate, wearing heels or pointed-toe shoes, and avoiding overwhelming prints. Fitted clothing that follows your curves works best.
What should petite hourglass figures avoid wearing?
Petite hourglass figures should avoid oversized clothing that hides curves, very long hemlines, wide horizontal stripes, drop-waist styles, and overly busy patterns that can overwhelm a smaller frame.
Can you be petite and have an hourglass figure?
Yes! Height does not determine body shape. A 5'0" woman with measurements 34-26-34 has the same hourglass proportions as a 5'8" woman with 38-29-38. Body shape is about the relationship between bust, waist, and hip measurements.
What is the best dress length for petite hourglass?
The best dress lengths for petite hourglass figures are above the knee or midi lengths that hit at the narrowest part of your calf. Avoid lengths that cut at the widest part of your calf, as this can make you appear shorter.