Pear Body Shape 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 quizPear Body Shape Characteristics
Key Features
- Hips are wider than shoulders and bust
- Defined waist, though narrower above than below
- Slender upper body and arms
- Weight tends to settle in hips, thighs, and bottom
- Often have a longer torso relative to legs
Celebrity Pear Shapes
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How to Dress a Pear Body Shape
Draw attention upward with statement necklaces and detailed necklines
Add volume to your upper body with structured shoulders and ruffles
Choose dark colors for bottoms and brighter colors for tops
A-line and flared skirts balance your proportions beautifully
Bootcut and wide-leg pants create visual harmony
Best Clothes for Pear Body Shape
Best Tops
- Boat neck tops
- Off-shoulder styles
- Statement sleeves
- Embellished necklines
- Structured blazers
Best Bottoms
- A-line skirts
- Bootcut jeans
- Wide-leg pants
- Dark wash denim
- Flared trousers
Best Dresses
- Fit-and-flare dresses
- Empire waist dresses
- A-line dresses
- Wrap dresses
- Shirt dresses
Best Outerwear
- Cropped jackets
- Structured blazers
- Swing coats
- Pea coats
- Bolero jackets
What Pear Shapes Should Avoid
- Skinny jeans without balancing top volume
- Tapered pants that emphasize hip width
- Pleated or gathered waistbands
- Light-colored pants without structured tops
- Clingy fabrics on the lower body
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, with a defined waist. Weight tends to settle in the hips, thighs, and bottom, while the upper body remains slender.
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 and draw attention upward while streamlining the lower half.
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, and clingy fabrics on the lower body.
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 and ruffles, while choosing dark colors and A-line silhouettes for bottoms.
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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