Pear vs Hourglass Body Shape Explained
These two shapes share a defined waist but differ in how proportions are distributed. Here is how to tell them apart and style each one.
The Short Answer
Both pear and hourglass shapes feature a defined waist, but the key difference is balance. Hourglass bodies have a bust and hips that are roughly equal in width. Pear bodies have hips that are notably wider than the bust. If your bust and hips are within 5% of each other, you are likely hourglass. If your hips exceed your bust by more than 5%, you are likely pear.
Pear and Hourglass: An Overview
The pear and hourglass body shapes are the two most frequently confused types. Both feature a waist that curves inward, creating an attractive silhouette. The confusion is understandable—they share the characteristic of having hips that are wider than the waist.
The distinction comes down to what happens above the waist. In an hourglass figure, the bust mirrors the hips, creating symmetry. In a pear figure, the bust is noticeably narrower than the hips, creating a bottom-heavy distribution. This single difference changes everything about how clothes hang on the body.
Key Differences in Proportions
The following comparison breaks down the specific ways these two shapes differ. Understanding these distinctions helps you identify which shape you are and how to dress accordingly.
| Feature | Pear Shape | Hourglass Shape |
|---|---|---|
| Bust vs Hips | Hips are noticeably wider than bust | Bust and hips are approximately equal |
| Waist Definition | Defined waist, but less dramatic than hourglass | Very defined waist, typically 25%+ smaller than hips |
| Shoulders | Narrower than hips, often sloping | Aligned with or slightly narrower than hips |
| Weight Distribution | Concentrated in hips, thighs, and lower body | Distributed evenly between upper and lower body |
| Overall Silhouette | Narrower on top, wider below the waist | Symmetrical curves above and below the waist |
| Prevalence | Approximately 20% of women | Approximately 8% of women |
How to Tell Which One You Are
The most reliable way to distinguish between pear and hourglass is with measurements. Take your bust, waist, and hip measurements and apply this simple test:
You Are Likely Hourglass If:
- - Bust and hips are within 1-2 inches of each other
- - Waist is at least 9 inches smaller than hips
- - Shoulders align with or are close to hip width
- - Weight gain appears evenly in bust and hips
You Are Likely Pear If:
- - Hips are 3+ inches larger than bust
- - Shoulders appear narrower than hips
- - Weight gain concentrates in hips and thighs
- - Upper body is proportionally slimmer
Measurement Ratios for Each Shape
Body shape classification relies on ratios rather than absolute numbers. Two women with completely different measurements can share the same body shape if their ratios match.
For the hourglass, the bust-to-hip ratio falls between 0.95 and 1.05—meaning bust and hips are nearly identical. The waist-to-hip ratio is typically below 0.75, indicating a pronounced waist curve.
For the pear, the bust-to-hip ratio drops below 0.90, confirming that hips are significantly larger than the bust. The waist-to-hip ratio is usually between 0.70 and 0.80, still showing waist definition but less dramatic than a classic hourglass.
Not Sure About Your Measurements?
Our calculator does the math for you. Enter your bust, waist, and hip numbers and find out whether you are pear, hourglass, or something else entirely.
Styling Differences
Because pear and hourglass shapes distribute weight differently, they benefit from different styling strategies. The goal for pear shapes is to visually balance the upper and lower body, while the goal for hourglass shapes is to maintain and highlight the natural symmetry.
Tops
Structured shoulders, boat necks, and embellished necklines to draw attention upward and visually balance narrower shoulders.
Fitted tops that follow the body contour. Wrap styles and V-necks that honor the bust-waist proportion.
Bottoms
Dark-colored, straight-leg or bootcut pants that streamline the hip area. A-line skirts that skim over hips.
Mid-rise to high-rise pants that sit at the natural waist. Pencil skirts and tailored trousers that follow curves.
Dresses
Fit-and-flare dresses with detailed bodices. Empire waist styles that emphasize the upper body.
Wrap dresses, bodycon styles, and belted dresses that highlight the waist-to-hip ratio.
Avoid
Hip-hugging fabrics, tapered pants, and heavy embellishment at the hip level.
Shapeless or boxy silhouettes that hide the waist. Overly stiff fabrics that do not drape.
When You Fall Between Both Shapes
Body shape categories are guidelines, not strict boxes. If your bust is only slightly smaller than your hips—say 36 bust and 38 hips—you sit between pear and hourglass. This is sometimes called a "bottom hourglass" or "soft pear."
In this case, borrow styling strategies from both shapes. You might find that hourglass tips work well for dresses and tops, while pear strategies help you choose better bottoms. The important thing is to experiment and notice which advice produces the most flattering results on your specific body.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between pear and hourglass?
The main difference is in the bust-to-hip ratio. Hourglass shapes have a bust and hip measurement that are roughly equal, with a defined waist. Pear shapes have hips that are noticeably wider than the bust, even though both shapes can have a defined waist.
Can you be a pear-hourglass hybrid?
Yes. If your hips are only slightly wider than your bust and you have a well-defined waist, you may fall between both categories. This is sometimes called a "bottom hourglass" or "pear-hourglass." Use styling tips from both shapes to find what works best.
Which is more common, pear or hourglass?
Pear is significantly more common. Studies suggest approximately 20% of women have a pear body shape, while only about 8% have a true hourglass figure. The hourglass shape is one of the rarest body types despite being frequently idealized in media.
Do pear and hourglass shapes gain weight the same way?
No. Pear shapes tend to gain weight primarily in the hips, thighs, and lower body, making the lower half proportionally larger. Hourglass shapes tend to gain weight evenly in both the bust and hips, maintaining their balanced proportions even with weight fluctuation.
How do I measure to tell if I am pear or hourglass?
Measure your bust at its fullest point, your waist at the narrowest point, and your hips at the widest point. If your bust and hips are within 5% of each other with a defined waist, you are likely hourglass. If your hips are more than 5% larger than your bust, you are likely pear.
Can exercise change me from pear to hourglass?
Exercise cannot change your bone structure, but building upper body muscle can create the visual effect of more balanced proportions. Strengthening shoulders, chest, and back can make a pear shape appear closer to an hourglass, though your skeletal frame stays the same.
Body shape comparisons are based on measurement ratio analysis. Styling advice is general guidance and individual results may vary.Learn about our methodology
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