Hourglass Curves: Understanding and Styling Curvy Hourglass Figures
Hourglass curves are defined by balanced bust and hips with a smaller waist. Learn how to understand and enhance your natural curves with expert styling.
Check Your Body Shape
Our free calculator determines if you have hourglass curves based on measurements.
What Are Hourglass Curves?
Hourglass curves describe the natural body contours created by the hourglass figure. This shape is characterized by three distinct areas that create a curved silhouette:
The Three Curves of Hourglass
Upper Curve (Bust)
Fuller bust area that balances with the hips
Inward Curve (Waist)
Significantly smaller waist creating the dramatic inward curve
Lower Curve (Hips)
Fuller hips that match the bust measurement
Curvy vs. Hourglass: What Is the Difference?
While all hourglass figures are curvy, not all curvy bodies are hourglass. Here is how to tell the difference:
| Body Type | Bust-Hip Ratio | Waist Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Hourglass | Balanced (within 5%) | 25%+ smaller than bust/hips |
| Pear (Curvy) | Hips larger than bust | Defined waist |
| Apple (Curvy) | Bust larger than hips | Less waist definition |
| Rectangle | Balanced | Minimal waist definition |
How to Dress Hourglass Curves
The goal when dressing hourglass curves is to highlight your natural proportions rather than hide them. Here are the key principles:
Best Choices
- • Wrap dresses and tops
- • Belted coats and jackets
- • High-waisted pants and skirts
- • Fitted (not tight) silhouettes
- • V-neck and sweetheart necklines
- • Pencil skirts
- • Fit-and-flare dresses
- • Bodycon styles
Avoid These
- • Shapeless, boxy clothing
- • Empire waist styles
- • Oversized tops
- • Drop waist dresses
- • Straight shift dresses
- • Tent/trapeze silhouettes
- • Very stiff fabrics
- • High-neck styles that add bulk
Styling Tips for Different Occasions
Work/Office
Fitted blazers with defined waists, pencil skirts, tailored trousers with tucked-in blouses, sheath dresses with waist seaming.
Casual
High-waisted jeans with fitted tees, wrap tops with skinny jeans, belted cardigans, fit-and-flare casual dresses.
Evening/Special Occasions
Bodycon dresses, wrap gowns, mermaid silhouettes, fitted cocktail dresses with defined waists.
Hourglass Curves at Every Size
Hourglass curves exist at every size because body shape is about proportions, not measurements. Here are examples:
Hourglass Proportions Across Sizes
Petite Hourglass
34-25-34
Size 4-6
Medium Hourglass
38-28-38
Size 10-12
Full Hourglass
44-33-44
Size 16-18
Frequently Asked Questions
What are hourglass curves?
Hourglass curves refer to the natural curves created by the hourglass body shape: a fuller bust, a significantly smaller waist, and fuller hips that are balanced with the bust. These proportions create the characteristic "X" silhouette.
How do you dress hourglass curves?
Dress hourglass curves by choosing clothes that define your waist and follow your natural body lines. Wrap dresses, belted styles, fitted tops, and high-waisted bottoms all work well. Avoid boxy or shapeless clothing that hides your curves.
Is curvy the same as hourglass?
Not necessarily. While hourglass figures are curvy, being curvy does not automatically mean hourglass. Hourglass specifically requires balanced bust and hips with a defined waist. Other curvy body types include pear (larger hips) and apple (fuller midsection).
Can you have hourglass curves at any size?
Yes! Hourglass curves are about proportions, not size. A size 4 with measurements 34-25-34 has hourglass curves, as does a size 16 with measurements 42-32-42. The key is the relationship between bust, waist, and hips.
How do I enhance my hourglass curves?
Enhance hourglass curves by always defining your waist with belts, tucked-in tops, or fitted clothing. Choose styles that highlight the narrowest part of your waist while allowing room for your bust and hips.