Knowing your body type and dressing accordingly is key to being wardrobe-conscious. It makes shopping and your daily dressing routine easier. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the hourglass body shape and how to make the most of it. Keep reading to find out how to choose the right clothes to highlight your body’s proportions in the best way possible.

What Are The Characteristics Of An Hourglass Body Shape?

The hourglass body shape is considered ideal due to its balanced waist-to-hip ratio. Research suggests that a waist-to-hip ratio of around 0.7 is visually appealing.

An hourglass figure has a well-defined waist, and the hips and shoulders are roughly the same width. The hips are nicely rounded, and the waistline is clearly visible. This is the most proportionate body shape.

When trying to balance the proportions of other body shapes, we often aim to achieve the hourglass figure. If you’re curious about other body types, I’ve written posts on apple, inverted triangle, pear, and rectangle shapes as well.

Can An Hourglass Body Be Full-Figured?

Absolutely. It’s important to understand that our body shape is a natural characteristic. It’s not determined by weight but by our body structure, bone composition, and other physical attributes.

Even if someone is fuller-figured, they can still have an hourglass shape because the key factor is the proportions. If a person’s hips and shoulders are about the same width and their waist is narrow in comparison, they have an hourglass figure.

What Should I Wear?

It’s often said that everything looks good on an hourglass figure since it’s considered the ideal shape. We also recommend that other body types aim for an hourglass silhouette. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

With an hourglass shape, you can confidently highlight your slim waist. Waist belts, for example, look great and aren’t something every body type can pull off. Opt for clothes that accentuate your balanced proportions and follow the lines of your body.

What Clothes Should I Avoid?

Even with an hourglass figure, it’s best to avoid overly tight clothing as well as overly loose items that hide your shape. Clothes that end at the widest part of your hips or hide your waist, and excessively baggy or frilly items, should be avoided as they add unnecessary volume.

What Type Of Skirt Is Best For An Hourglass Body Shape?

A-line skirts are a good choice, but pencil skirts that hug the hips also look great on hourglass figures. High-waisted skirts are especially flattering as they highlight the slim waist, but hip-hugging skirts can also work well.

What Shorts Look Good On An Hourglass Body Type?

The same principles for skirts apply here. If you feel comfortable in shorts, you have plenty of options. You can choose high-waisted or low-waisted shorts based on your preference.

What Jeans Are Best For Hourglass Body Shapes?

Almost any style of jeans can work for an hourglass figure, so there aren’t many restrictions based on body type. However, some fine-tuning and basic principles can help.

Skinny jeans will draw attention to your legs, so choose them if that’s okay with you. Keep in mind that large pockets and ruffles will add volume to those areas.

What Necklines Look Best On An Hourglass Body Shape?

To make the most of your body shape, V-necks or other subtle, feminine necklines that tastefully draw attention to your curves are best. However, round necks and turtlenecks can also work because an hourglass figure can carry them well.

What Bikini Is Best For Hourglass Body Shape?

In short, any kind. A little longer: here too, we can fine-tune it to our own physical capabilities. I have written before about how I disagree when people recommend high-waisted bikini bottoms for an apple body shape. 

Well, the hourglass is the body shape for which I really recommend it. Hourglasses can also be a very good solution if you want to hide your tummy a bit, because they give you a nice slimming effect on the waistline. 

The V-neck and halter neck styles are not to be missed either, but you can always play with the proportions a little depending on how much you want to draw attention to the cleavage or hips, for example.

Which Celebrity Has An Hourglass Body Shape?

Many of us find inspiration in celebrities’ outfits and red carpet looks. Jennifer Lopez, Scarlett Johansson, Beyoncé, and Kim Kardashian all have hourglass figures, and their style can be a great source of ideas.

However, remember that even A-list celebrities can make fashion mistakes, so don’t feel bad if something doesn’t work out.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you understand the hourglass body shape better. Knowing your body type is important, but the main thing is to instinctively choose clothes that suit your shape.

Once you learn the basics, it will become easier over time. Remember, while knowing your type is helpful for building your wardrobe, nothing is set in stone. It’s okay to bend the rules and be kind to yourself sometimes.

Credit for the collages: H&M