Body Type Series Part 3: The Hourglass

Last week we tackled the apple body shape and I mentioned in that post that I would be discussing the hourglass shape next. If you happen to have this body shape you are very lucky! Curves are still in, so if you naturally have a curvy shape then you pretty much have the pick of litter when it comes to your fashion selections.

In my other posts regarding the different body shapes I have shared tips on how to create the illusion of an hourglasss body shape. This is mostly because hourglass shapes tend to be the most proportionate, and therefore the most desirable (according to todays beauty standards) shape. If you are already lucky enough to naturally have curves in all the right places then this post will help you figure out what you like and don’t like flaunting on your own body.

What is an Hourglass Shape?

If you have an hourglass silhouette than you have some of the following characteristics.

1. You are generally well proportioned
2. You have a defined waist
3. Your hip and shoulders measure roughly the same
4. Hourglass shapes also tend to have larger chests and hips

How to dress this body shape

Avoids

When is comes to pieces you may want to avoid with an hourglass shape, there really isn’t much that you can’t wear. Anything super flowy or baggy may not be your best friend simply for the fact that you have a killer figure. That being said, just add a belt to define that small waistline of yours and you’ll look absolutely fantastic! When in doubt add a belt! You may also want to lean away from anything that has a lot of embellishment near the hips or shoulders as these types of pieces may created an unbalanced look to your figure.

If there is any particular part of your body that you don’t want to flaunt then of course you can wear pieces that camouflage the areas that aren’t your favorite. For example, if you don’t like showing off too much chest then just opt for tops with a higher neckline, but not too high because that can throw everything off balance. High halter neck tops, like ones with bows or embellishments aren’t the best option for an hourglass shape. If you don’t like super form fitting pieces then go for a slim straight cut so you can still see your beautiful curves without fully accentuating them.

 

 

How to best dress this body shape

The key to looking your absolute best when you already have an hourglass figure is to make sure you’re maintaining your body’s natural proportions. You don’t want to wear anything that will make you look top or  bottom heavy. You want to wear pieces that follow your natural silhouette and really accentuate your waist.

Necklines

slightly rounded or small v-necks are the best options for this silhouette. Oval, deep oval, round, or jewel necklines are great because they keep everything in balance. If you like showing off your chest then scoop or sweetheart necklines are the way to go! It all depends on your personal preference. If you don’t want to how off your bust then a small v-neck or crew neck are really great options.

Sleeves

The absolute best sleeve option for an hourglass figure is a fitted one. The length of that fitted sleeve however is completely up to you and how much of your arms you want to flaunt. Again, the key to dressing this figure is to keep everything in balance so large puff sleeves or bell sleeve that widen the shoulders or upper body are not always the best options.

Tops/Tees

Tops should be fitted for an hourglass shape. You want to really accentuate your natural waist and show off those curves. Some really great options for this body shape are fitted tees, peplum tops, fitted wrap tops, and of course a belted top.

Knitwear should be fitted as well. Aim for lightweight knitwear pieces as these will really compliment your shape.

Try to steer clear of anything boxy, oversized, or that has a lot of embellishment like ruffles and bows that will add volume to your upper body.

Bottoms

Sorry to any Gen Z lady that reads this post but low rise bottoms are not the best option if you have an hourglass shape. High waisted trousers and jeans are the way to go simply because the rise of these bottoms really accentuates your curves and natural waistline.

When it comes to the actual silhouette of bottoms that you should be looking for it is my opinion that is doesn’t truly matter. From skinny,  straight cut, and even a flare leg, any silhouette will flatter this body shape. It is all up to your own personal preference.

Dresses

Just like with the tops, you want to accentuate your waistline when selecting a dress to wear. Nipped or belted dresses are amazing, but wrap dresses are a great option as well. Voluminous skirts will make the waist appear even smaller so try to find dresses with a full circle or tulip shape. Just make sure to keep things simple on the bottom half of the dress and don’t wear anything shorter than knee length.

I hope that you found this post helpful and learned more about the hourglass body shape and how to dress it. If you haven’t seen them already make sure to check out my apple and inverted triangle body shape posts! Make sure to subscribe to this blog so you never miss out on new content.