Body Shape CalculatorPear and hourglass body shapes differ by the waist and by the hip-to-bust difference. An hourglass has bust and hips within 1 inch (2.5 cm) and a waist at least 9 inches (22.9 cm) smaller than the bust. A pear has hips at least 3.6 inches (9.1 cm) larger than the bust and a waist less than 9 inches (22.9 cm) smaller than the hips.
Pear and hourglass are two of the female body shape types. Pear and hourglass are often confused because both have curved hips. The comparison below shows the exact rules, a side-by-side table, a 2-step method and the measuring mistakes that cause wrong results.
What Is the One Measurement That Separates Pear From Hourglass?
The waist difference separates pear from hourglass. An hourglass body shape has a waist at least 9 inches (22.9 cm) smaller than the bust, and a pear shape guide has a waist less than 9 inches smaller than the hips. A pear also has hips clearly wider than the bust, while an hourglass has a balanced bust and hips.
Pear vs Hourglass: Side-by-Side Comparison
The table below compares pear and hourglass body shapes.
| Feature | Hourglass | Pear |
|---|---|---|
| Bust vs hips | within 1 in (2.5 cm) | hips ≥ 3.6 in (9.1 cm) larger |
| Waist | ≥ 9 in (22.9 cm) smaller than bust, or ≥ 10 in (25.4 cm) smaller than hips | < 9 in (22.9 cm) smaller than hips |
| Example bust / waist / hips | 38 / 27 / 38 in | 34 / 31 / 39 in |
| Example waist-to-hip ratio | 0.71 | 0.79 |
| Main sign | balanced curves, sharp waist | wider hips, softer waist |
| Style principle | follow the waist | balance hips with shoulders |
How Do You Tell If You Are Pear or Hourglass?
You tell pear from hourglass in two steps.
- Measure your bust, waist, high hip and hips with a soft tape at the correct points.
- Subtract your bust from your hips: a result of 3.6 inches (9.1 cm) or more means pear or bottom hourglass. A result under 1 inch (2.5 cm) with a waist at least 9 inches (22.9 cm) smaller than the bust means hourglass.
The calculator for your body type applies both steps and the full rule set at once.
What Measuring Mistakes Make Pear Look Like Hourglass?
Four measuring mistakes make pear and hourglass look alike.
- Shoulders measured as bust: shoulder width is larger than bust circumference and hides a pear shape.
- High hip measured as hips: the high hip is smaller than the full hips and hides hip width.
- Waist pulled in: holding in the stomach makes the waist look smaller, like an hourglass.
- Mirror instead of tape: a mirror cannot show a few inches of difference between bust and hips.
How Do Pear and Hourglass Dress Differently?
Pear and hourglass dress differently at the top and bottom. Hourglass outfits follow the waist with wrap dresses and belted pieces, while pear outfits widen the shoulders and let skirts and trousers flow over the hips. The guides to hourglass outfits and pear body shape outfits cover each wardrobe.
What About Bottom Hourglass?
Bottom hourglass sits between pear and hourglass: the hips are 3.6 to under 10 inches (9.1–25.4 cm) larger than the bust like a pear. The bottom hourglass waist is at least 9 inches (22.9 cm) smaller than the hips like an hourglass.