Body Shape CalculatorHourglass body shape outfits follow the waist, because the waist is the narrowest point of an hourglass figure. The best hourglass outfits keep the balance between bust and hips and show the waist with wrap, belted or fitted pieces.
An hourglass body shape has bust and hips within 1 inch (2.5 cm) and a waist at least 9 inches (22.9 cm) smaller. Hourglass outfits work when the clothing line follows those curves instead of hiding them. Check your shape first if you are not sure you have an hourglass figure.
What Is the Main Rule for Hourglass Outfits?
The main rule for hourglass outfits is to define the waist. Clothing that skims the body and marks the waist shows the balance between bust and hips, while boxy clothing hangs from the bust and makes the whole figure look wider.
What Tops Suit an Hourglass Body Shape?
Tops for an hourglass body shape fit at the waist and open at the neckline.
- Wrap tops: wrap tops cross at the waist and follow the bust line.
- V-neck tops: V-necklines open the chest without adding volume.
- Bodysuits: bodysuits stay smooth at the waist when tucked into high-waisted bottoms.
- Fitted knits: fitted knitwear follows the curves without clinging.
What Bottoms Suit an Hourglass Body Shape?
Bottoms for an hourglass body shape sit at the natural waist.
- High-waisted jeans: high-waisted jeans start at the waist and follow the hips.
- Bootcut and straight trousers: bootcut and straight legs balance the hips with the bust.
- Pencil skirts: pencil skirts follow the hip curve and mark the waist.
What Dresses Suit an Hourglass Body Shape?
Dresses for an hourglass body shape are fitted or tied at the waist. Wrap dresses, belted shirt dresses, bodycon dresses and fit-and-flare dresses keep the waist visible. Sheath dresses with darts follow the curves for formal settings.
What Outerwear Suits an Hourglass Body Shape?
Outerwear for an hourglass body shape has a waist. Belted trench coats, wrap coats and tailored blazers with a nipped waist keep the hourglass outline when layered.
What Should an Hourglass Wear for Different Occasions?
For different occasions, an hourglass wears waist-defined pieces.
- Work: a tailored blazer with a nipped waist, a pencil skirt or straight trousers, and a fitted knit.
- Casual: high-waisted jeans, a tucked bodysuit or fitted tee, and a belted jacket.
- Date night: a wrap dress or a bodycon dress with a V-neckline.
- Formal: a fit-and-flare or sheath gown that follows the waist.
What Should an Hourglass Body Shape Avoid?
An hourglass body shape avoids clothing that hides the waist. Boxy tops, drop-waist dresses, oversized shirts worn loose and low-rise trousers move the visual waist away from the natural waist.
What Is an Hourglass Capsule Wardrobe?
An hourglass capsule wardrobe is 10 pieces that combine into waist-defined outfits.
- Wrap dress
- High-waisted straight jeans
- Pencil skirt
- Fitted V-neck knit
- Tucked bodysuit
- Tailored blazer with a nipped waist
- Belted trench coat
- Wide belt
- Fit-and-flare dress
- Bootcut trousers
Why Don't Clothes Fit an Hourglass Figure?
Clothes often don't fit an hourglass figure because ready-to-wear sizes assume a smaller difference between bust, hips and waist. A size that fits the bust and hips leaves a gap at the waist; tailoring the waist or choosing stretch fabrics closes that gap.