Hourglass body shape: measurements and style guide
An hourglass shape has a bust and hips of similar size with a clearly narrower waist.
How to spot the hourglass shape
- Bust and hip measurements are within about 5% of each other
- The waist is at least a quarter smaller than your widest measurement
- Clothes tend to fit at the bust and hips but gap at the waist
Calculator rule: Bust and hips within 5% of each other, with a waist at 75% or less of the wider of the two. The bust, waist and hip measurements are taken as described on the calculator page.
How to style it
Hourglass styling is about following the line you already have. Clothes that meet the waist, whether by wrap, belt or seam, keep the proportions even. The usual frustration is fit rather than style: garments cut for a straight body pull at the bust or hips and gape at the waist, so tailoring the waist matters more than buying a different size.
Lean into
- Wrap, belted and nipped-in styles that mark the natural waist
- Stretch fabrics that follow the body
- High-rise bottoms that sit at the narrowest point
- Necklines that match the width of your shoulders, such as V, scoop and sweetheart
Balance out
- Boxy or oversized silhouettes that hide the waist
- Stiff fabrics that stand away from the body
- Low-rise cuts that cross the widest part of the hips
- Heavy volume at the bust or hips, which can tip the balance
Outfit guides for the hourglass shape
- Best Dresses for hourglassYour bust and hips are balanced and your waist is defined, so the goal is a dress that follows that line instead of hiding it.
- Best Jeans for hourglassWith a defined waist and balanced hips, the common problem is a waist gap: jeans that fit the hips are loose at the waist.
- Best Tops for hourglassThe job here is to keep the waist visible, so tops that end at or just below it work best.
- Best Skirts for hourglassSkirts that start at the waist and skim the hips show off a balanced shape.
- Best Swimsuits for hourglassA balanced shape suits most styles; the main choice is how much waist definition you want.
- Best Jackets and Blazers for hourglassStructured jackets that nip in at the waist keep your outline.
Common questions
Can an hourglass shape change over time?
Yes. Weight changes, pregnancy, hormones, age and training can all shift your measurements. Re-measure every few years, or whenever clothes stop fitting the way they used to.
Do I have to show my waist if I have an hourglass shape?
No. Defining the waist is one option, not a rule. Straight and relaxed silhouettes work too; the tips here are for when you want to highlight it.