Hourglass Body Shape

• About
• Latest Posts

Your Body Editorial

Latest posts by Your Body Editorial (see all)

• Spoon Body Shape - October 29, 2023
• Bottom Hourglass - October 29, 2023
• Top Hourglass - October 28, 2023

• Definition
• Closely Related Shapes
• How to Determine if You Are an Hourglass
• Hourglass Measurements
• Celebrities
• Workouts
• How to Dress an Hourglass
• How to Dress Casually
• Clothes
• History

What is an Hourglass Body Shape?

The hourglass figure is characterized by a body structure where the bust and hip measurements are approximately equal or similar in size, while accompanied by a slimmer or defined waist, forming an hourglass-like silhouette.

The hourglass is also known as:

• 8 Shape, X shape, Figure eight, Double curve, Balanced, Curvy, Proportional, Symmetrical, Sand timer, Dual arc, Equal, Even, Bilateral

The following terms are sometimes used to refer to hourglass shapes or to similar shapes

• Vase, Cello, Guitar, Dome, Wine Glass, Butterfly, Serpentine

Related Body Shapes

There are two very close variations of the hourglass figure.

First is the top hourglass, where the bust is wider than the hip area while still maintaining a narrower waist. And the second is the bottom hourglass figure, where the hips are wider than the bust area while again still maintaining a narrower waist. These two body shapes are not classic hourglasses but are closely related.

Similar Body Shapes You Might Resonate With

Given the wide diversity in body shapes, categorizing your body to a single body shape could be overly restrictive. Even if your measurements align with an hourglass figure, you might also resonate with the following shapes:

We recommend being open to fitting more than one body shape category and to borrowing styles from other body shape categories you could be related to.

Read the next section to learn how to determine if your measurements align with an hourglass shape.

How to Determine if you are an Hourglass

There are a few methods to calculate an hourglass figure. Here are two we use:

Hourglass Measurements

The following popular measurements serve as examples of an hourglass figure. Please note that these are only a few representations and do not encapsulate all possibilities. Please try our body shape calculators here

If your waist is 24 inches: Your bust must be at least 33 inches and hips must be at least 34 inches to be an hourglass

Examples: 33-24-34, 34-24-34, 33-24-34

If your waist is 25 inches: Your bust must be at least 34 inches and hips must be at least 35 inches to be an hourglass

Examples: 34-25-35, 34-25-35, 36-25-36

If your waist is 26 inches: Your bust must be at least 35 inches and hips must be at least 36 inches to be an hourglass

Examples: 36-26-36, 38-26-38, 35-26-35

If your waist is 27 inches: Your bust must be at least 36 inches and hips must be at least 37 inches to be an hourglass

Examples: 36-27-36, 38-27-38

If your waist is 28 inches: Your bust must be at least 37 inches and hips must be at least 38 inches to be an hourglass

Examples: 37-28-37, 38-28-38

If your waist is 29 inches: Your bust must be at least 38 inches and hips must be at least 39 inches to be an hourglass

Examples: 40-29-40, 38-29-38

If your waist is 30 inches: Your bust must be at least 39 inches and hips must be at least 40 inches to be an hourglass

Examples: 40-30-40, 39-30-40.

If your waist is 31 inches: Your bust must be at least 40 inches and hips must be at least 41 inches to be an hourglass

Examples: 40-31-41, 41-31-41, 42-31-42

If your waist is 32 inches: Your bust must be at least 41 inches and hips must be at least 42 inches to be an hourglass

Examples: 41-32-42, 41-32-42, 42-32-42

Celebrities

Popular celebrities with an hourglass figure:

Beyonce: Born September 4, 1981; Height: 5’7″ (170 cm); Weight: 137 pounds (62 kg).

Beyonce regularly chooses outfits for performances that highlight her hourglass shape. Beyonce’s body measurements are reportedly around 35-26-39 inches.

Christina Hendricks: Born May 3, 1975; Height: 5’7″ (170 cm); Weight: 154 pounds (70 kg).

When Christina starred in “Mad Men” a show set in 1960s, her hourglass figure was emphasized by some of the 60s outfits she wore on the show. Christina Hendricks’s body measurements are reportedly around 42-30-39 inches.

Dita Von Teese: Born September 28, 1972; Height: 5’3″ (160 cm); Weight: 115 pounds (52 kg).

Dita Von Teese is a dancer, model, and actress. She is famous for her vintage style and hourglass figure. Dita Von Teese’s body measurements are reportedly around 35-22-35 inches.

Halle Berry: Born August 14, 1966; Height: 5’5″ (165 cm); Weight: 121 pounds (55 kg).

Halle Berry has a well-proportioned hourglass figure. Halle Berry’s body measurements are reportedly around 36-26-37 inches.

Jennifer Lopez: Born July 24, 1969; Height: 5’5″ (165 cm); Weight: 130 pounds (59 kg).

Jennifer is well known for her physique and figure. She is often seen wearing daring fashion pieces that highlight her curves and hourglass shape. Jennifer Lopez’s body measurements are reportedly around 37-27-38 inches.

Kate Winslet: Born October 5, 1975; Height: 5’7″ (169 cm); Weight: 139 pounds (63 kg).

Kate has played multiple roles in period films where her natural hourglass figure is emphasized by the fashion of the film’s era. Kate Winslet’s body measurements are reportedly around 37-26-36 inches.

Kim Kardashian: Born October 21, 1980; Height: 5’2″ (159 cm); Weight: 123 pounds (56 kg).

Kim Kardashian is both an hourglass and a spoon shape. Kim Kardashian’s body measurements are reportedly around 38-26-41 inches.

Marilyn Monroe: Born June 1, 1926, and passed away on August 4, 1962; Height: 5’5″ (165 cm); Weight: 118-128 pounds (53-58 kg).

Marilyn was once the poster “hourglass” girl and her iconic fashion and style lives on today. Today she would be considered a top hourglass figure. Marilyn Monroe’s body measurements were reportedly around 36-23-36 inches.

Salma Hayek: Born September 2, 1966; Height: 5’2″ (157 cm); Weight: 119 pounds (54 kg).

Salma loves to wear open, wide neckline tops and tight fitting clothing which further accentuates her hourglass figure. Salma Hayek’s body measurements are reportedly around 39-24-36 inches.

Scarlett Johansson: Born November 22, 1984; Height: 5’3″ (160 cm); Weight: 125 pounds (57 kg).

Scarlett Johansson has a classic hourglass figure. She often wears open and wide neckline tops partnered with beautiful draping fabrics for her bottom half. Scarlett Johansson’s body measurements are reportedly around 36-25-36 inches.

Sofia Vergara: Born July 10, 1972; Height: 5’7″ (170 cm); Weight: 141 pounds (64 kg).

Actress Sofia Vergara demonstrates how an hourglass figure can be stylishly dressed for both casual occasions and more formal events, as we see her in her “Modern Family” role. Sofia Vergara’s body measurements are reportedly around 38-28-39 inches.

Tyra Banks: Born December 4, 1973; Height: 5’10” (178 cm); Weight: 141 pounds (64 kg).

Tyra commonly wears dresses that cinch at the waist, high-waisted pants and skirts, and fitted tops, further accentuating her hourglass figure. Tyra Banks’s body measurements are reportedly around 37-24-36 inches.

Workouts

There are workouts for both achieving an hourglass figure and for maintaining or toning an existing hourglass figure. If you are an hourglass figure already, you want to target both the upper and lower body while strengthening your waist. Workouts targeting specific areas like your core will serve to strengthen, tone or shape your waist (but not shrink it).

Note about ‘spot reduction’: Trying to target just one area to lose fat in that area does not work as the human body operates on a system-wide level when burning fat. The regions that lose fat more rapidly are determined by your individual body composition. Numerous studies have shown that fat loss in just one targeted body area (aka spot reduction) is not possible.

Are you looking for how to get an hourglass figure? Try here. Otherwise use the workouts below to strengthen, tone or shape your already curvy hourglass body.

So strength training for:

Upper body with exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, bicep curls and most upper body exercises.

Lower body with workouts such as squats, lunges, hip raises and dead lifts which are great for toning and shaping your curvy body.

Waist or core with workouts like planks, sit-ups, bicycle crunches and similar waist targeting exercises which can be utilized to strengthen and tone your already naturally smaller waist.

How to Dress an Hourglass

To accentuate your hourglass figure:

• High waisted pants and skirts can help accentuate and define the waist.
• Choose clothing that is semi fitted or fitted to help show off your balanced figure.
• Fitted blouses, v-necks, and wrap style tops work well to balance the upper body.
• A-line skirts, boot cut or straight leg pants and high waisted styles work really well.
• Coats and jackets should draw in at the waist. Also consider belted coats, tailored dresses, and fitted blazers.

Otherwise see our How to Dress an Hourglass Figure Casually.

Tops

The goal of selecting tops is create balance.

Necklines

1. V-neck: Wearing a V-neck is a well-known hourglass suggestion. It works because it naturally draws the eye down to the waist.
2. Scoop Neck: Scoop necklines open up the neck area, featuring the collarbone and defining the waist. Scoop necklines are particularly helpful when balancing your shape if you also have a larger bust.
3. Sweetheart Neckline: One of our favorite neckline styles, a sweetheart neckline helps balance the hips while hugging the bust. Smaller busts can benefit also, as the natural curves are emphasized without looking overdone.
4. Square Neckline: Square necklines can be used to provide contrast to a curvy figure. They can help draw attention to the collarbone area and provide an illusion of a longer neck. A fun, retro style for narrower shoulders, or for short-neck hourglass figures.
5. Boat Neck: Boat neck tops help balance shoulders with wider hips. They work especially well with small busted or bottom-heavy figures.
6. Off the Shoulder/Bardot Neckline: Helps emphasize the shoulders and bust while drawing attention to the waist. A Bardot neckline works well on every shape and size. Off the shoulder/Bardot necklines show off just the right amount of skin. A classy, spring/summer inspired look.
7. Wrap Style Neckline: Wrap necklines follow the body’s natural curves, highlighting the waist while balancing the bust and hips. Very similar to V-necks, they draw the eye down to the waist.
8. Cowl Neck: This draping style can add softness to the bust area which creates an elegant look.
9. Halter Neck: Great for making broader upper hourglass figures more balanced. Helps create the illusion of a longer and slimmer neckline. The key to a halter neckline is to have a good supportive bra underneath.
10. Turtleneck: A winter or cold-weather top, sleeved or sleeveless. Works well for framing the face. A tight or snug fit works especially well to help define your mid-section, especially when paired with fitted bottoms.
11. Strapless/Straight Across Neckline: A very popular style for wedding dresses. Frames the upper body while featuring the collarbone, neck, and shoulders.
12. High Neckline: High necklines work well for hourglass figures, especially when paired with high-waisted bottoms to emphasize the waist. A high neckline may be similar to a crew neck or turtle neck or something in-between.

Shirt Styles and Tops

1. Wrap Tops: These tops create a deep V-neck and cinch at the waist, emphasizing your proportions and featuring your hourglass figure.
2. Fitted Tees: A classic and simple fitted tee can show off your hourglass curves. A scoop or V-neck neckline will add more dramatic effect and definition.
3. Peplum Tops: A peplum top can help accentuate your waist and balance your bust and hip proportions.
4. Button-down Shirts: Well-fitted button-down shirts can be a great choice. Look for styles that nip in at the waist and avoid boxy cuts. Think soft edges and choose fabrics that drape well.
5. Tunic Tops: Tunic tops that are fitted at the waist help balance the bust and hips by defining the waist.
6. Belted Tops: Belted tops with a built-in belt or a tie that cinches at the waist add balance to the hourglass shape.
7. Tailored Blouses: Blouses that are structured and fitted at the waist help emphasize an hourglass figure.
8. Tank Tops: A fitted tank top when worn with high waisted pants or wide leg pants gives a balanced look.
9. Crop Tops: If you’re comfortable showing a bit of skin, a crop top can look great on an hourglass figure especially when paired with high-waisted bottoms.

Jackets

A jacket that follows the body’s natural shape, has good drape, soft edges and draws in at the waist is a great choice. Consider a belted jacket or trench to maintain waist emphasis. Shorter torsos or petite hourglass figures will benefit from a shorter jacket that stops on the hip-line further featuring your natural curves.

1. Belted Jackets: A belted jacket helps accentuate an hourglass figure’s naturally defined waistline. The belt in the jacket or coat draws in at the waist further helping bring balance and definition. This can work with any jacket that has a belt or drawstring at the waist.
2. Peplum Jackets: Bring balance between an hourglass figure’s bust, waist, and hips. Peplum jackets can also come in V-neck and open style necklines to further draw the eye to the waist.
3. Tailored Blazers: Look for blazers that nip in at the waist. Can also flare out at the hips creating an illusion that it cuts in at your waist.
4. Single-Breasted Jackets: Look for soft rounded shoulders and single-breasted fastening that sits well below the bust.
5. Denim Jackets: Fitted denim jackets that hit at the waist can help highlight an hourglass figure’s proportions.
6. Leather Jackets: Similar to denim jackets, fitted leather jackets can accentuate the waist and hips without adding extra bulk to the upper body.

Coats

Coats for the Hourglass Body Shape: Similar to jackets, coats that draw in at the waist, or belted coats, work well. Tailored or A-line coats that flare from the waist can also look stunning.

1. Belted Coats: Belted coats help to highlight the waist as the belt helps to draw in the fabric. Trench coats or wrap coats are often accompanied by a belt. Coats that work well are trench, wrap, coachman, princess and A-line.
2. Tailored Blazers: A well-fitted blazer can accentuate the waist and balance bust and hips.
3. Fitted Wool Coats: These provide warmth without adding bulk, and some are fitted around the waist.
4. A-Line Coats: These taper out from the waist, balancing out the body’s proportions.
5. Parkas with a Drawstring Waist: For casual and cold weather, a parka with a drawstring waist can be cinched in to show off the waist.

Balancing Tops and Bottoms

Balancing top and bottom halves of your outfit is key for an hourglass figure. Much of the fashion advice for hourglass shapes focuses on accentuating the classic hourglass silhouette.

When opting for a slimming top, pair it with high-waisted bottoms to define your waistline. For skirts and shorts, select styles that cinch in at the waist for a flattering fit. Wide-leg pants can create a stunning look when paired with a snug top.

Pants

Choose pant styles that are wide legged or loose fitting. Pants that are high or mid waisted help define the waist and balance out the hips.

Low waisted pants widen the hips and can un-balance an hourglass silhouette. Big pockets, embellishments or baggy pants would give the same result.

1. High-Waisted Pants: High-waisted pants help emphasize the waist and complement your natural curves. They work well with fitted or tucked-in tops to define the waist.
2. Bootcut Pants: Bootcut styles can balance out your hips and create a flowing line from the hips to the floor. These work well in both casual and more formal settings.
3. Wide-Leg Pants: Wide leg pants can be flowy or have structure to them. The bottom width helps add balance.
4. Straight-Leg Pants: Straight-leg pants are a versatile style of pants that provide smooth clean lines and can be paired with a fitted or tucked in top.
5. Tailored Trousers: Balanced and professional looking, trousers that are fitted at the waist and thighs but slightly looser on the lower legs are especially suitable for work.
6. Skinny Jeans or Jeggings: These can showcase your curves and work well when balanced with an oversized top.
7. Palazzo Pants: The loose wide legs of the palazzo pants make them a great waist-defining pant style.
8. Culottes: These wide-legged, shorter pants can work well with an hourglass figure, especially when worn with a fitted top.

Tip: If you are in a bind with your pant style, try using the styles you already have and accessorize with a belt and a tucked in top.

Jeans

1. High-Waisted Jeans: This style emphasizes the natural waist and accommodates curves, making them a great option for hourglass figures.
2. Bootcut Jeans: The slight flare at the bottom can balance out an hourglass hip. Can work well for most hourglass figures and leg sizes. Preferred over the full flare style.
3. Straight-Leg Jeans: These jeans have a consistent width from the thigh to the ankle, adding balance. Works well for slimmer thighs.
4. Skinny Jeans: Skinny jeans can hug the curves and show off the hourglass shape. Also look for the skinny wedged fit. Pair them with a balanced top to complete the look.
5. Flare Jeans: These jeans are tight on the thighs and flare out from the knee, creating a balanced look that works well for hourglass figures. Shoes are key to complete the look.
6. Wide-Leg Jeans: A good option for a relaxed look while defining the waist. Pair with a fitted top to maintain the balance of your figure.
7. Boyfriend Jeans: Even though they’re generally loose-fitting, when styled right, boyfriend jeans can work for hourglass figures. Pair them with a fitted or structured top to avoid looking too baggy.
8. Cropped Kick Flare Jeans: These work well for complementing your curves, mid to high rise will help to draw in the waist.
9. Vintage Fit Jeans: Vintage cut jeans are predominately curvy fit jeans. They have a slight taper at the bottom which helps add balance to the hourglass silhouette. Sneakers such as old school Vans pair well with this style of jean.
10. Slim Jeans: Similar to the vintage fit, slim jeans hug your curves emphasizing your natural silhouette.

Skirts

Look for high to mid waisted skirts to complement your hourglass figure. For skirt length, a couple of inches above the knee, knee length, midi or maxi skirts can all look great on an hourglass. A full skirt that is wide and flares out from the waist can also help accentuate an hourglass silhouette.

1. Pencil Skirts: These skirts follow the natural lines of the hips and thighs. They draw attention to the hemline and work particularly well as a knee-length midi.
2. A-Line Skirts: These skirts draw attention to the narrowest part of an hourglass silhouette, as they cinch at the waist and taper out from the waist towards the hem, creating an overall balanced look.
3. Full or Circle Skirts: A skirt that is the shape of a circle when laid out. Circle skirts hang at the waist allowing the fabric, which is usually a fabric that drapes well, to fall beautifully from the waist.
4. High-Waisted Skirts: High waisted anything works on hourglass figures. High waisted skirts pair well with airy, oversized tops creating the classic hourglass look.
5. Wrap Skirts: These skirts wrap around the waist and are tied with a built-in tie. They are generally more fitted at the waist while the bottom of the skirt is more flowy, helping to create a defined waistline as it flares out.
6. Mermaid or Trumpet Skirts: These skirts are fitted at the waist and hips and flare out, at, or below, the knee.
7. Maxi Skirts: Full length, maxi skirts can generally be worn high waisted and work on most body shapes. They help to create a long body shape while still emphasizing the waist.
8. Peplum Skirts: Skirts with a peplum waist can emphasize the waist and balance out your upper body. They work especially well if you are wearing a heavier or bulkier top.

Dresses

1. Wrap Dresses: Wrap dresses work well on hourglass figures as they are fitted on top and usually have a V-neck or open neckline while also being flowy in the skirt. The wrap dress style means they can easily be adjusted to fit your shape perfectly.
2. Bodycon Dresses: A very curvy and hugging type of dress. Bodycon dresses come in all hem lengths and really emphasize hourglass curves.
3. Fit and Flare Dresses: Fit and flare dresses fit in snugly at the waist and flare out at the hips, making them a great option for a classic and comfortable hourglass style. Fit and flare come in a variety of necklines and sleeve lengths.
4. Sheath Dresses: Sheath dresses fit closely to your hourglass curves, which draws attention to the larger bust, slim waistline and larger hips of an hourglass figure.
5. A-Line Dresses: Help balance hourglass curves as these dresses fit at the hips and gradually widen towards the hem.
6. Peplum Dresses: Peplum dresses have a flared ruffle around the waist. They can add sophistication and complexity to your look and further accentuate your natural waistline.
7. Belted Shirt Dresses: Belted shirt dresses cinch at the waist which help define your curves and hourglass figure. You can also try a regular tee or button up with a tied jersey around your waist.
8. Pencil Dresses: Pencil dresses help emphasize the balance of an hourglass figure as they are narrow and straight, like pencil skirts, and hug the body’s curves. They work well with most necklines recommended for hourglass figures. Look for dresses that have no pockets or else pockets which are concealed with side zips for the least bulking of pockets.

Shorts

1. High-Waisted Shorts: Most styles of high waisted shorts like denim, chino, slim or even soft flowy materials work well in helping define the waist.
2. Trouser or Chino Shorts: These play up your full hips and slimmer waist, and pair well with shorter sleeved button ups for a city-chic/summer look.
3. Bermuda Shorts: Bermuda shorts are usually fitted, straight and narrow, finishing 1-2 inches above the knee and covering more leg than traditional shorts. Bermuda shorts can elongate the legs and, again, complement an hourglass figure.
4. Paper Bag Shorts: These are high waisted bottoms with ruffled waistlines, giving a flowy and slightly flared look. Paper bag shorts have loose legs and are accommodating for larger hips or thighs.
5. Cuffed Shorts: Cuffed shorts are usually a thicker fabric like denim or chino and the bottom hem is cuffed. This cuff can provide extra volume which can help balance out a larger bust, wider shoulders or a top that is busy, creating a balanced overall look.
6. Belted Shorts: Shorts with a belt allow you to cinch your waist.
7. Booty Shorts: A tight, short style, also known as hot pants, these highlight the hips and butt. Booty shorts work for hourglass figures as they follows the body’s natural contours.

Accessories

Accessories offer a further way to highlight your hourglass curves or to subtly understate or downplay specific areas according to the look you desire to achieve.

1. Belts: A medium to thin belt can help accentuate your naturally small waist. The belt draws in and defines your waistline. A belt can be utilized as a standalone accessory or one that is built into coats, dresses, or tunics.
2. Necklaces: Necklaces that are both long and short can work well depending on the look you are after. A longer necklace can elongate your look, while shorter ones can help balance out a larger bust drawing the eye up.
3. Earrings: Earrings like the larger dangly type can draw attention to your face, if you are wanting to downplay an hourglass silhouette.
4. Scarves: A light scarf can be used to create a flowy vertical look when hanging long around your neck, which can help elongate your look. Wrap around scarves can help frame your face without adding bulk to your upper body. A heavy scarf wrapped around your neck can help frame your face, which can help downplay your hourglass silhouette.
5. Handbags: Clutch bags and cross body bags that hang around the hip area are not too bulky, helping to keep your hourglass in balance. Shoulder bags, if worn, should be slim and the lower the better; the trick is to keep the volume down.
6. Hats: Hats can help add balance to a curvy figure. Full-brimmed hats are a statement hat that work well for a hourglass body shapes.
7. Shoes: High heels can accentuate your legs and curves, while flats give a more casual look. Shoes are an outfit-matching choice; the right shoes for your look will depend on what you are wearing.

How to Dress an Hourglass Casually

Dressing your hourglass figure in a way that highlights your natural proportions in a casual low key way:

1. Choose Simple Necklines: Just like the necklines for dressing up an hourglass figure, you can dress casually using necklines like the V-Neck, Scoop Neck, Boat Neck, and square Neck. In addition, the classic and comfortable crew neck and button-up necklines are great casual wear for hourglasses.
2. Crew Neck: Crew necklines, especially well-fitted t-shirts, can be an excellent casual choice. Crew necks can be useful for layering or as stand alone shirts. Baggy crew necks with fitted pants can give a casual look as well. Not every piece of clothing you own has to hug or accentuate your hourglass shape.
3. Button-up Shirt: Button-up shirts can look casual or dressy with the buttons adjusted to suit the overall look of your outfit. Works well with cuffed shorts denim or chino or with jeans, straight, boot-cut or high waisted.
4. Go for Loose Fitting Tops: Try oversized sweaters, boyfriend shirts, or tunic tops that skim over your waist rather than cinching it in. This can give a more relaxed look.
5. Straight Cut Jeans or Trousers: Instead of curve-hugging skinny jeans, try straight cut or slightly flared jeans that don’t emphasize your hips and thighs as much.
6. Layer with Cardigans or Jackets: A casual cardigan or jacket can be a great way to subtly define your waist without highlighting it too much.
7. Wear A-Line or Flowy Skirts: These can give your lower body a more relaxed silhouette compared to the tighter pencil skirts.
8. Minimal Patterns, Color and Embellishments: Simple designs, dark colors and minimal patterns can give a casual look, helping to downplay specific areas.
9. Wear Flats or Sneakers: Flats and sneakers can give a more laid-back, casual look to any outfit.

Finding Hourglass Clothing, Brands and Retailers

Consider exploring the various styles mentioned in the ‘how to dress an hourglass figure’ section. Then search online for the styles that pique your interest. Or try some of the brands below that are known for making clothes which suit curvy and hourglass figures.

1. Good American: Are widely available with sizes ranging from 00-32. A must look for curvy figures.
2. Boden: Great for dresses that drape well helping to flatter curvy hourglass figures.
3. Pretty Little Thing: A growing younger fashion retailer, trending outfits include a lot of curvy and hourglass shapes.
4. DVF (Diane Von Furstenberg): Known for her iconic wrap dress, DVF designs are made to accentuate the waist and curves.
5. Pepperberry: This brand specifically designs clothes for larger busted women, which may suit many hourglass figures.
6. ASOS Curve & Plus Size: The brand has a diverse range of sizes and styles including, often, clothes that flatter fuller figures. They have an hourglass category for selecting clothes.
7. Levi’s: Their range of jeans often has styles that can suit hourglass figures, such as the 700 series, which includes the 721 High Rise Skinny.
8. Fashion Nova: Fashion Nova has many options that are designed to hug and accentuate an hourglass figure.
9. City Chic: This brand offers a wide range of plus-size clothing, with plenty of options designed to flatter an hourglass figure.
10. SHEIN: Shein has a large and diverse range of fashion styles at affordable prices. You can use Shein to start building a collection of styles you like and then expand your closet based on those styles.
11. Skims: Celebrate and highlight your curves with underwear and shape wear by the founder Kim Kardashian.

Best Fabric Choices for the Hourglass

Choosing the right fabrics to wear, with the aim of having the fabric drape well over your body while not adding additional bulk, can enhance your hourglass figure.

• Silk: Silk drapes well and is known for its soft and luxurious touch. Silk dresses and blouses can be very flattering.
• Chiffon: Chiffon is a great fabric when creating more layers. It is a lightweight sheer fabric that drapes well.
• Jersey: High quality jersey is comfortable and is known for its stretch and drape.
• Rayon/viscose: Is lightweight and has a good drape.
• Modal: Is a soft synthetic fabric that drapes well. Commonly used in lounge wear and underwear, but seeing more uses in tops and t-shirts.
• Crepe: Is a crinkled textured fabric that drapes well. Can be used for tops and bottoms.
• Linen: Linen is a more structured fabric but has a really good drape, providing a relaxed and breezy look. Tops and bottoms both work well.

Hourglass Measurements

The following popular measurements serve as examples of an hourglass figure. Please note that these are only a few representations and do not encapsulate all possibilities. Please try our body shape calculators here

If your waist is 24 inches: Your bust must be at least 33 inches and hips must be at least 34 inches to be an hourglass

Examples: 33-24-34, 34-24-34, 33-24-34

If your waist is 25 inches: Your bust must be at least 34 inches and hips must be at least 35 inches to be an hourglass

Examples: 34-25-35, 34-25-35, 36-25-36

If your waist is 26 inches: Your bust must be at least 35 inches and hips must be at least 36 inches to be an hourglass

Examples: 36-26-36, 38-26-38, 35-26-35

If your waist is 27 inches: Your bust must be at least 36 inches and hips must be at least 37 inches to be an hourglass

Examples: 36-27-36, 38-27-38

If your waist is 28 inches: Your bust must be at least 37 inches and hips must be at least 38 inches to be an hourglass

Examples: 37-28-37, 38-28-38

If your waist is 29 inches: Your bust must be at least 38 inches and hips must be at least 39 inches to be an hourglass

Examples: 40-29-40, 38-29-38

If your waist is 30 inches: Your bust must be at least 39 inches and hips must be at least 40 inches to be an hourglass

Examples: 40-30-40, 39-30-40.

If your waist is 31 inches: Your bust must be at least 40 inches and hips must be at least 41 inches to be an hourglass

Examples: 40-31-41, 41-31-41, 42-31-42

If your waist is 32 inches: Your bust must be at least 41 inches and hips must be at least 42 inches to be an hourglass

Examples: 41-32-42, 41-32-42, 42-32-42

History of the Hourglass Shape

The hourglass body shape is a term used in the modern world to describe a woman’s body shape when it resembles an old-fashioned hourglass. Specifically, the modern hourglass is a woman with a curvy bust and hips while her waist is smaller, creating the characteristic hourglass silhouette.

The modern hourglass allure began during the Victorian era 1836-1901 when it became a highly celebrated body shape. The fashionable women of the time wore corsets which forcibly cinched the waist inwards, making the bust and hips more pronounced while slimming the waist, unfortunately a rather unnatural and uncomfortable way to attain or enhance curves.

By the early 1900s, the more natural “flapper” look was in, a fashion trend which deemphasized natural curves and worked well for less curvy women. It also worked well for the fashion industry which more or less stayed with the same look for the next hundred years or so, becoming more extreme over the years in its focus on thin, and often, androgynous women.

Women such as Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor, both curvy and beautiful women, had the spotlight for a while and there have been many others but the more rectangular or athletic look remained the dominant focus of the fashion world.

More recently, there has been a growing shift amongst the public towards body positivity and the celebration of diverse body shapes. Even the fashion industry has started to change. Everywhere, and especially on social media, there is a growing recognition that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes including the hourglass. Without the corsets.

Now Where from Here?

When looking at your own individual body type, consider the guidelines mentioned on this page and treat them as tools or suggestions without becoming a slave to any of them.

We hope you find them useful in achieving the fashion or style goals you have in mind.