Hourglass Figure Women: Guide for Women with Hourglass Bodies
For women with hourglass figures, understanding your body shape is key to dressing well. This guide covers everything from identification to styling.
Do You Have an Hourglass Figure?
Our calculator determines your exact body shape from your measurements.
What Defines an Hourglass Figure in Women?
The hourglass figure is characterized by specific proportional relationships. Women with this body shape share these defining features:
Hourglass Figure Characteristics
Bust and hips are balanced (within 5% of each other)
Defined waist at least 25% smaller than bust and hips
Shoulders align with hips when viewed from front
Waist-to-hip ratio of approximately 0.7
How Rare Is the Hourglass Figure?
Despite being considered a "classic" body shape, the hourglass figure is actually quite rare among women. Research shows:
Body Shape Distribution in Women
Source: NC State University SizeUSA Study (2004)
Famous Women with Hourglass Figures
Throughout history and in modern times, certain women have become known for their hourglass figures:
Classic Icons
- • Marilyn Monroe
- • Sophia Loren
- • Elizabeth Taylor
- • Jayne Mansfield
Modern Celebrities
- • Scarlett Johansson
- • Sofia Vergara
- • Salma Hayek
- • Christina Hendricks
Style Guide for Women with Hourglass Figures
The key to dressing an hourglass figure is highlighting your natural waist while maintaining balance between your bust and hips:
Best Styles
- • Wrap dresses and tops
- • High-waisted pants and skirts
- • Belted coats and dresses
- • Fitted blazers
- • Pencil skirts
- • V-neck and sweetheart necklines
- • Fit-and-flare dresses
- • Bodycon styles
Styles to Skip
- • Boxy, shapeless clothing
- • Empire waistlines
- • Drop waist dresses
- • Oversized tops
- • Shift dresses
- • Very stiff fabrics
- • Tent silhouettes
- • Straight-cut everything
Styling Tips by Occasion
Workwear
Fitted blazers with waist seaming, pencil skirts, tailored trousers with tucked-in blouses, sheath dresses that follow your curves.
Casual Wear
High-waisted jeans with fitted tees, wrap tops, belted cardigans, fit-and-flare casual dresses.
Evening Wear
Bodycon dresses, wrap gowns, mermaid silhouettes, fitted cocktail dresses with defined waists.
Swimwear
High-waisted bikinis, one-pieces with waist detailing, halter necks, retro-style swimsuits.
Common Challenges for Hourglass Women
Solutions to Common Fit Issues
Button-up shirts gaping
Look for stretch fabrics, princess seaming, or wear a camisole underneath. Tailoring can also help.
Dresses fitting bust but not waist
Choose styles with defined waists or add a belt. Wrap dresses naturally accommodate different proportions.
Pants fitting hips but gaping at waist
Look for curvy-fit jeans designed for hourglass shapes, or have the waistband taken in.
Looking "matronly" in boxy clothes
Always define your waist with belts, tucking, or fitted styles. Avoid shapeless silhouettes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a woman have an hourglass figure?
A woman has an hourglass figure when her bust and hip measurements are approximately equal (within 5%), with a waist that is significantly smaller—at least 25% less than both. This is primarily determined by genetics and bone structure.
How common is the hourglass figure in women?
The hourglass figure is relatively uncommon, found in approximately 8% of women according to the NC State University SizeUSA study. Despite media representation, it is actually one of the rarer female body shapes.
At what age do women develop an hourglass figure?
Body shape typically becomes more defined during puberty as hormones influence fat distribution. However, the underlying bone structure that contributes to an hourglass shape is genetic and present from birth.
Can women change their body shape to hourglass?
While you cannot change your bone structure, women can enhance their proportions through targeted exercise (building shoulder and glute muscles) and styling choices. However, the fundamental body shape is determined by genetics.
What should hourglass figure women wear?
Women with hourglass figures should wear clothing that defines the waist and follows their natural curves: wrap dresses, high-waisted pants, belted styles, fitted tops, and V-necklines work particularly well.