Pear Body Shape: Complete Style Guide
The pear body shape, also known as the triangle shape, features hips that are wider than the shoulders and bust. This feminine silhouette is incredibly common and offers wonderful opportunities to create visual balance through strategic styling. Your lower body curves are your signature feature.
Not sure if you're a pear shape? Take our quizWhat is a Pear Body Shape?
A pear body shape (also called triangle shape) is a female body type where the hips are wider than the shoulders and bust. The waist is defined, and weight tends to settle in the hips, thighs, and buttocks. About 20% of women have this body type, making it the second most common shape.
Pear Body Shape Measurements
Understanding your measurements helps confirm if you have a pear body shape. Here are the typical proportions:
Proportion Guidelines
- Bust to Hip: Hips are 2+ inches wider than bust
- Waist: Waist is defined but closer to bust measurement than hips
- Shoulders: Shoulders are narrower than hips by 2+ inches
Typical Measurements
Common examples: 34-28-40, 36-30-42, or 38-32-44 inches
How to Measure
Measure bust at fullest point, waist at narrowest point, and hips at widest point. If hips are 5% or more larger than bust, you likely have a pear shape.
Pear Body Shape Characteristics
Key Features
- Hips are wider than shoulders and bust by 2+ inches
- Defined waist, though waist-to-hip ratio is smaller than hourglass
- Slender upper body, arms, and shoulders
- Weight tends to settle in hips, thighs, and bottom
- Often have a longer torso relative to legs
- Narrow back and shoulders
- Smaller bust relative to hips
Celebrity Pear Shapes
These famous women share your body type:
How to Dress a Pear Body Shape
Draw attention upward with statement necklaces, earrings, and detailed necklines
Add volume to your upper body with structured shoulders, ruffles, and puff sleeves
Choose dark colors for bottoms and brighter colors or prints for tops
A-line and flared skirts balance your proportions beautifully
Bootcut and wide-leg pants create visual harmony with your hips
Off-shoulder and boat neck tops widen the shoulder line
Avoid clingy fabrics on lower body; opt for structured materials
Empire waist dresses emphasize your smaller upper body
Best Clothes for Pear Body Shape
Best Tops
- Boat neck tops
- Off-shoulder styles
- Statement sleeves
- Embellished necklines
- Structured blazers
- Puff sleeve blouses
- Square neck tops
Best Bottoms
- A-line skirts
- Bootcut jeans
- Wide-leg pants
- Dark wash denim
- Flared trousers
- Palazzo pants
- Straight-leg jeans
Best Dresses
- Fit-and-flare dresses
- Empire waist dresses
- A-line dresses
- Wrap dresses
- Shirt dresses
- Skater dresses
- Off-shoulder dresses
Best Outerwear
- Cropped jackets
- Structured blazers
- Swing coats
- Pea coats
- Bolero jackets
- Statement shoulder coats
- Cropped trench coats
What Pear Shapes Should Avoid
- Skinny jeans without balancing top volume
- Tapered pants that emphasize hip width
- Pleated or gathered waistbands that add bulk to hips
- Light-colored pants without structured tops
- Clingy fabrics on the lower body
- Drop-waist dresses that hit at the widest point
- Pencil skirts without balanced upper body
- Hip-length jackets that end at widest point
Best Accessories for Pear Body Shape
The right accessories can draw attention upward and balance your pear-shaped silhouette. Here are expert recommendations:
Pear Body Shape Outfits by Occasion
Different occasions call for different styling approaches. Here's how to dress your pear figure for any event:
Work & Office
Structured blazers with shoulder pads over tailored dark trousers. Boat neck blouses tucked into A-line skirts. Sheath dresses with interesting neckline details.
Casual & Weekend
Off-shoulder tops with bootcut jeans. Flowy peasant blouses with dark skinny jeans (balanced with volume on top). Fit-and-flare casual dresses.
Evening & Formal
A-line gowns with embellished bodices. Fit-and-flare cocktail dresses. Off-shoulder formal dresses that showcase your upper body.
Date Night
Wrap dresses that define the waist. Statement sleeve tops with dark jeans. Off-shoulder tops with A-line skirts for a romantic look.
Pear Body Shape FAQ
What is a pear body shape?
A pear body shape (also called triangle shape) features hips that are wider than the shoulders and bust by 2+ inches. The waist is defined, and weight tends to settle in the hips, thighs, and bottom. About 20% of women have this body type, making it the second most common female body shape after rectangle.
What are the measurements for a pear body shape?
Pear body shape measurements show hips that are at least 5% larger than bust. Common examples include 34-28-40, 36-30-42, or 38-32-44 inches. The key indicator is that your hip measurement is noticeably larger than your bust, with shoulders aligning closer to bust width than hips.
What clothes look best on a pear shaped body?
Pear shapes look best in boat neck tops, off-shoulder styles, A-line skirts, bootcut jeans, and fit-and-flare dresses. The goal is to add volume to the upper body with structured shoulders, statement sleeves, and detailed necklines while streamlining the lower half with dark colors and A-line silhouettes.
What should pear body shapes avoid wearing?
Pear shapes should avoid skinny jeans without balancing top volume, tapered pants that emphasize hip width, pleated waistbands, light-colored pants without structured tops, clingy fabrics on the lower body, and hip-length jackets that end at the widest point of your hips.
How can I balance my pear shaped figure?
Balance a pear shape by drawing attention upward with statement necklaces, detailed necklines, and brighter colors on top. Add volume to your upper body with structured shoulders, puff sleeves, and ruffles. Choose dark colors and A-line silhouettes for bottoms, and opt for bootcut or wide-leg pants to create visual harmony.
What is the difference between pear and hourglass body shape?
The main difference is bust-to-hip ratio. Pear shapes have hips significantly wider than bust (2+ inches difference), while hourglass figures have bust and hips of similar width (within 1-2 inches). Both have defined waists, but pear shapes have narrower shoulders and upper body compared to their lower half.
Is pear body shape attractive?
Every body shape is beautiful and attractive in its own way. The pear shape is the second most common female body type, shared by many celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé. Studies show that curves and a defined waist are universally considered attractive. The key is dressing to feel confident in your natural shape.
Can you change a pear body shape?
You cannot change your bone structure, but you can tone and shape your body through exercise. Building upper body muscle can create more balance. However, where your body stores fat is largely genetic. Focus on styling tips that flatter your natural pear shape rather than trying to change it.
About This Guide
Classification Basis
Pear body shape (also called triangle) classification is part of the five-category system used in fashion styling, based on proportional relationships between bust, waist, and hip measurements.
Prevalence
According to NC State University's SizeUSA study (2004), approximately 20% of women have a pear body shape, making it the second most common body type.
Limitations
Styling recommendations are general guidance based on proportional balance principles. Individual preferences and comfort should always take priority.
External Reference: Wikipedia - Female body shape
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