S-Shape Body Type: The Curvy Silhouette
What makes the S-shape body type unique, how it connects to the hourglass figure, and the best ways to dress for deep, flowing curves.
The Short Answer
The S-shape body type features pronounced curves that create a flowing "S" line when viewed from the side—bust curving forward, waist pulling in, hips curving backward. It is closely linked to the hourglass figure and characterized by a waist-to-hip ratio around 0.65-0.75. Styling should follow the body's natural contours rather than hide them.
What Is the S-Shape Body Type?
The term S-shape refers to the sinuous line visible when a woman with deep curves is viewed from the side. The bust projects forward, the waist dips inward, and the hips and buttocks curve backward, creating a profile that resembles the letter S. This is not a separate classification from the standard five body shapes—rather, it is a descriptive term for the depth of curvature, most commonly found in women with hourglass proportions.
While the hourglass classification is based on front-view measurements (bust-waist-hip ratios), the S-shape focuses on how three-dimensional the curves are. Two women can both be classified as hourglass from the front, but one may have a dramatic S-curve in profile while the other has flatter contours. The S-shape captures that difference in depth and volume.
S-Shape vs. Hourglass: A Side-by-Side Look
S-Shape
- • Described from side view
- • Emphasizes curve depth
- • Pronounced bust-to-waist-to-hip flow
- • Side silhouette has dramatic dips
- • Focuses on three-dimensional volume
Hourglass
- • Described from front view
- • Emphasizes width proportions
- • Bust ≈ Hips with narrow waist
- • Front silhouette looks like figure-8
- • Focuses on measurement ratios
Most women with a true S-shape also classify as hourglass when measured from the front. However, the S-shape adds an extra dimension of styling consideration: clothing needs to accommodate curve depth (e.g., a dress that looks perfect from the front but rides up in back due to hip curvature).
Characteristics of the S-Shape Body
Women with an S-shape body type share several distinguishing features:
Bust Area
Fuller bust with forward projection. The chest creates the first curve of the S when viewed in profile. Band and cup size are often on the larger side.
Waist
Significantly narrower than both bust and hips. The deep indentation at the waist is what gives the S its middle dip. This is the defining feature of the S-curve.
Hips and Buttocks
Full hips with backward projection. The buttocks curve outward, creating the lower curve of the S. Hip width is roughly equal to or slightly larger than bust width.
Overall Impression
The body has a flowing, continuous curve from shoulder to knee with no straight or angular sections. Clothing naturally drapes in curves rather than hanging straight.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio for the S-Shape
The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is calculated by dividing your waist measurement by your hip measurement. It is the most commonly used metric to quantify the degree of curvature:
| WHR Range | Curve Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0.60-0.65 | Very pronounced S-curve | Dramatic waist-to-hip contrast |
| 0.65-0.75 | Classic S-shape range | Strong curves, clearly defined |
| 0.75-0.80 | Moderate curves | Soft S-line, some definition |
| 0.80+ | Straighter profile | Less curve depth, more linear |
A woman with a 27-inch waist and 38-inch hips has a WHR of 0.71—squarely in the classic S-shape range. Remember that WHR is one data point; the visual S-curve also depends on bust depth, posture, and how the lumbar spine curves.
Calculate Your Ratios
Our body shape calculator determines your waist-to-hip ratio and identifies your body type—including whether you fall into the hourglass/S-shape category.
Styling the S-Shape Body Type
The fundamental styling principle for the S-shape is to follow the curves. Clothing that acknowledges your body's contours will always look better than garments that fight against them.
Dresses and Skirts
Wrap dresses are the gold standard for the S-shape because the fabric crosses the body diagonally, honoring every curve. Fit-and-flare dresses that hug the waist before gently expanding also work beautifully. Pencil skirts that end at or just below the knee showcase the hip curve without restriction. Avoid stiff, structured dresses that create a boxy silhouette over your natural lines.
Tops and Blouses
Fitted or semi-fitted tops in fabrics with slight stretch (cotton-elastane blends, jersey, modal) drape smoothly over the bust and waist. V-necks and sweetheart necklines elongate the neckline and complement the bust curve. Avoid oversized or shapeless tops that add bulk and erase your defined waist.
Trousers and Jeans
High-waisted styles sit at the narrowest point of the waist, anchoring the garment where it naturally wants to stay. Look for jeans with stretch that accommodate hip curvature without gapping at the waist. Bootcut and straight-leg styles balance the hip curve, while wide-leg trousers create elegant drape.
Common Fit Challenges
S-shaped women often face a gap between the waist and waistband of pants, dresses that ride up in the back due to hip projection, and button-down shirts that pull at the bust. Seeking brands that offer curvy-fit sizing, getting basic tailoring done, or choosing stretch fabrics can solve most of these issues.
Body Curves and Proportions
The S-shape is ultimately about the relationship between your body's curves and how they connect. Several factors beyond measurements influence how pronounced your S-curve appears:
- Posture: A natural lordotic (inward) curve in the lower back accentuates the S-profile. Standing tall with shoulders back and pelvis neutral showcases curves best.
- Muscle tone: Developed glute muscles add backward projection to the hips, deepening the S. Core strength supports the waist indentation.
- Body fat distribution: Where fat sits relative to muscle determines the softness and depth of each curve. Even slight weight changes can alter the visual S-line.
- Height: Taller S-shaped women often have more elongated curves, while shorter S-shaped women may have more compact, dramatic curves.
Explore Hourglass Styling in Depth
Since the S-shape and hourglass are closely connected, our hourglass guides offer extensive styling advice that applies directly to S-shaped bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the S-shape body type?
The S-shape body type refers to a body with pronounced curves that create an "S" when viewed from the side—a forward bust curve flowing into a cinched waist and then a backward hip curve. It is closely related to the hourglass shape but emphasizes the side-profile curvature rather than front-view proportions.
Is the S-shape the same as hourglass?
They are closely related but not identical. Hourglass describes a front-view proportion where bust and hips are roughly equal with a narrow waist. S-shape describes the side-view curvature—the flowing line from bust through waist to hips. Most hourglass figures also have an S-shape profile, but the S-shape specifically highlights depth of curves.
What waist-to-hip ratio defines an S-shape?
The S-shape typically has a waist-to-hip ratio between 0.65 and 0.75, indicating a significant difference between waist and hip circumference. A ratio of 0.70 is often cited as the classic S-curve benchmark, though natural variation is wide and healthy.
Can you develop an S-shape body type?
While your bone structure is genetic, you can enhance natural curves through targeted exercise. Strengthening the glutes and shoulders while maintaining a strong core can increase the visual contrast between waist and hips. However, the degree of curvature is largely inherited.
What clothes look best on an S-shape body?
Clothes that follow the body contour work best: wrap dresses, fitted blazers, pencil skirts, and high-waisted trousers all honor the S-curve. Avoid stiff, boxy garments that hide the waist, and choose fabrics with some stretch that drape over curves smoothly.
Is the S-shape body type rare?
The pronounced S-shape with deep curves from bust to waist to hips is relatively uncommon. Research suggests only about 8% of women have a true hourglass proportion, and the S-shape is a subset of that. However, many women have moderate S-curvature that can be enhanced with styling.