Pear Body Shape: The Complete Guide

The Short Answer

The pear body shape features hips wider than the shoulders and bust, with a well-defined waist. It is the most common female body type at roughly 20% of women (SizeUSA). Styling focuses on balancing the upper and lower body by adding volume and detail on top while keeping the lower half streamlined.

What Is the Pear Body Shape?

The pear body shape, also known as the triangle shape, is defined by hips and thighs that are proportionally wider than the shoulders and bust. Women with this shape typically have a clearly defined waist, slender upper arms, and a graceful neckline—all of which are tremendous assets for styling.

The SizeUSA national body scan study found that approximately 20% of American women have a pear body shape, making it the single most common female body type. This shape is driven primarily by estrogen, which directs fat storage toward the hips, thighs, and buttocks during puberty and adulthood.

Pear Shape Characteristics

Recognizing the hallmarks of a pear body shape helps you understand your proportions and make better wardrobe decisions:

Shoulders and Bust

• Narrow to medium shoulders
• Smaller bust relative to hips
• Slender upper arms
• Graceful collarbone and neck area

Waist and Midsection

• Well-defined natural waist
• Clear indentation between ribs and hips
• Flat to moderate tummy
• Waist is a strong styling asset

Hips and Thighs

• Hips wider than shoulders
• Fuller thighs and buttocks
• Weight gain occurs here first
• Curved outer hip line

Measurements

• Hips > bust by 3+ inches
• Waist notably smaller than hips
• Shoulders narrower than hips
• Waist-to-hip ratio under 0.80

How to Identify Your Pear Shape

To confirm whether you have a pear body shape, measure yourself at three key points while standing straight in light clothing:

1. Bust: Across the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape parallel to the ground
2. Waist: At the narrowest point of your torso, typically just above the navel
3. Hips: Around the widest point of your hips and buttocks

You have a pear shape if your hip measurement exceeds your bust by at least 3 inches and your waist is clearly smaller than both. For example, a woman measuring 34-27-40 (bust-waist-hips) has a classic pear silhouette.

Find Your Exact Shape

Enter your measurements into our free body shape calculator and receive a personalized result with tailored styling recommendations.

Styling Tips: Balancing Upper and Lower Body

The core styling strategy for pear shapes is to visually balance the narrower upper body with the wider lower body. This does not mean hiding your curves—it means creating proportion so every outfit looks intentional and harmonious.

Adding Volume on Top

Structured shoulders, boat necks, off-the-shoulder styles, and embellished necklines all broaden the upper body visually. Ruffled blouses, puffed sleeves, and bright or patterned tops draw the eye upward. Horizontal stripes on top are your friend—they widen the shoulders to match your hips.

Streamlining the Lower Half

Darker, solid-colored bottoms in smooth fabrics create a sleek line below the waist. A-line skirts flow gently over the hips without clinging. Bootcut and straight-leg trousers balance the thigh line. Avoid heavily pocketed or embellished jeans that add visual bulk where you already have fullness.

Emphasizing the Waist

Your defined waist is one of your greatest assets. Fitted tops tucked into high-waisted bottoms, belted dresses, and wrap silhouettes all showcase this feature. Fit-and-flare dresses are ideal because they hug the waist before flaring gently over the hips.

Best Clothes for the Pear Shape

Flattering Choices

• Boat neck and off-the-shoulder tops
• Structured blazers with defined shoulders
• A-line and fit-and-flare dresses
• High-waisted bootcut trousers
• Wrap dresses and belted coats
• Statement necklaces and earrings
• Bright or patterned tops with dark bottoms

Approach with Care

• Skinny jeans without a balancing top
• Pleated or gathered skirts at the hip
• Large pockets on the hips or thighs
• Stiff or bulky fabrics on the lower half
• Ankle straps that shorten the leg line
• Shapeless, baggy tops that hide your waist
• Horizontal stripes on skirts or trousers

Celebrities with a Pear Body Shape

These well-known women demonstrate how stunning the pear silhouette can look when styled with intention:

Beyonce

Masters the art of fit-and-flare silhouettes and boldly structured stage costumes that celebrate her curves.

Jennifer Lopez

Frequently wears high-waisted designs and body-conscious gowns that highlight her waist-to-hip ratio beautifully.

Shakira

Embraces flowing skirts and fitted tops that accentuate her defined waist while celebrating her pear proportions.

Christina Aguilera

Chooses structured shoulders and statement necklines that add presence to her upper body for a balanced look.

Dive Deeper into Pear Shape Styling

Explore detailed outfit ideas and seasonal wardrobe guides crafted specifically for the pear body type.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of women have a pear body shape?

The pear body shape is the most common female body type, with approximately 20% of women having this shape according to the SizeUSA body scan study. Some estimates place it even higher when including borderline shapes.

How do I know if I am pear shaped?

You are pear shaped if your hip measurement is significantly larger than your bust measurement, your shoulders are narrower than your hips, your waist is well-defined, and you tend to gain weight first in your hips, thighs, and buttocks rather than your upper body.

What is the difference between pear and hourglass?

Both shapes have wider hips and a defined waist. The key difference is that hourglass shapes have a bust measurement roughly equal to hips, while pear shapes have hips that are notably wider than the bust. Pear shapes also tend to have narrower shoulders.

Can pear shaped women wear skinny jeans?

Yes, pear shaped women can wear skinny jeans well, especially in dark colors paired with a longer top or tunic that skims the hip area. High-waisted skinny jeans elongate the legs. The key is balancing the fitted lower half with volume or detail on top.

What causes a pear body shape?

The pear shape is primarily determined by genetics and hormones. Estrogen directs fat storage to the hips, thighs, and buttocks. Your bone structure—specifically narrow shoulders and wider hip bones—is inherited and forms the foundation of the pear silhouette.

What should pear shaped women wear to look slimmer?

Pear shaped women can create a balanced look by adding volume to the upper body with structured shoulders, boat necks, and embellished tops. A-line skirts, dark bottoms with lighter tops, and vertical detailing on the lower body all create a visually balanced and elongated silhouette.