Hourglass Body Type: Complete Guide to Understanding Your Shape
This comprehensive guide covers everything about the hourglass body type: identification, characteristics, styling, and common questions.
Understanding the Hourglass Body Type
The hourglass body type is one of five main categories used to classify female body shapes. It is defined by specific proportional relationships:
Hourglass Body Type Definition
Bust ≈ Hips: Within 5% of each other
Defined waist: At least 25% smaller than bust/hips
WHR: Approximately 0.7 or lower
Balanced shoulders: Align with hip width
The Five Body Types
The hourglass is one of five commonly recognized body types:
Rectangle
Similar measurements, less waist definition
Pear/Triangle
Hips wider than bust
Apple/Round
Fuller midsection
Inverted Triangle
Shoulders wider than hips
Hourglass
Balanced bust/hips, defined waist
Source: NC State University SizeUSA Study (2004)
Hourglass Body Type Variations
The hourglass body type has several variations:
Classic/Full Hourglass
Equal bust and hips with pronounced waist definition. The most recognizable hourglass silhouette.
Top Hourglass
Bust slightly larger than hips while maintaining defined waist. Trending toward inverted triangle.
Bottom Hourglass
Hips slightly larger than bust while maintaining defined waist. Trending toward pear shape.
Soft Hourglass
Has hourglass proportions but with less dramatic waist definition (WHR 0.75-0.80).
How to Measure for Hourglass Body Type
Measurement Guide
- 1
Bust
Measure around the fullest part of your chest
- 2
Waist
Measure at the narrowest point, usually 1" above belly button
- 3
Hips
Measure at the widest part of your hips/buttocks
- 4
Calculate
Compare measurements or use our calculator
Styling the Hourglass Body Type
The key principle: define your waist and follow your natural curves.
Best Styles
- • Wrap dresses and tops
- • High-waisted bottoms
- • Belted styles
- • Fitted silhouettes
- • V-neck and sweetheart necks
- • Pencil skirts
- • Bodycon dresses
- • Fit-and-flare dresses
Styles to Avoid
- • Shapeless, boxy cuts
- • Empire waistlines
- • Drop waist styles
- • Oversized everything
- • Shift dresses
- • Stiff, structured fabrics
- • Tent silhouettes
- • Low-rise pants
Hourglass Body Type Celebrities
Famous Hourglass Figures
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourglass body type?
The hourglass body type is characterized by bust and hip measurements that are approximately equal (within 5%), with a waist that is significantly smaller—at least 25% less than both. This creates an "X" shaped silhouette.
How do I know if I have an hourglass body type?
Measure your bust, waist, and hips. If your bust and hips are within 5% of each other and your waist is at least 25% smaller than both, you have an hourglass body type. Your waist-to-hip ratio should be around 0.7.
What percentage of women have the hourglass body type?
According to the NC State University SizeUSA study, approximately 8% of women have the hourglass body type. Despite media representation, it is one of the rarer female body shapes.
Is hourglass the most attractive body type?
Beauty standards vary across cultures and time periods. While the hourglass shape has been idealized in some Western contexts, all body types have their own beauty. The "best" body type is the one you have and feel confident in.
Can your body type change from hourglass to something else?
Your fundamental bone structure cannot change, but weight gain/loss can affect how your proportions appear. Hourglass types often maintain their proportions across weight changes, though this varies individually.