How to Dress Your Body Type – Hourglass Shape
Accentuate the Natural Curves of the Perfect Body Shape
Aug 5, 2009
Eight percent of women have what is considered an Hourglass Body Type. For an Hourglass Body Shape the bust and hip measurement are equal (or within a 1-2 inch difference) and have a much narrower waist. Usually this body type will have larger breasts, full hips and thighs, and a short waist.
Another way to figure out the body type is to measure the bust, hips, and waist. An hourglass body type has a waist/hip and a waist/bust ratio less than .75.
Although the Hourglass shape may seem perfect and easy to dress, it too has its own difficulties to overcome.
Clothes to Avoid:
Button up tops are very difficult to wear on hourglass figures. Because of the size of the bust, buttons will almost always gaps. To get a button up shirt to fit correctly will usually mean purchasing a larger size which could cause it to look unshapely if not altered.
Avoid clothes that do not fit properly for the proportions. Obviously, this advice is for all body shapes. But with an hourglass figure it is difficult to find pieces that fit each part of the body. For instance, pants need to fit the fullest part of the body, being the hips and thighs, which will then be too large for the waist, causing the waist to gap.
Wardrobe Tips:
- Because of the size of the bust it is important to wear a supportive bra. Do not underestimate the power of a good, properly fitted bra. With the correct bra, size and style, the breasts will be perkier and the waist will look even smaller.
- Draw attention to the waist with sashes, belts, scarves and dresses. Any top or dress that can be accentuated with a belt or scarf of some sort will help define the curviest, smallest part of the body. To look the best, it is always important to accentuate the smallest part of the waist. For most hourglass figures, this is usually right at the navel.
- Wrap dresses are an hourglass girl’s best friends. Not only will a wrap dress draw more attention to the waist, but there will never be a gap to worry about and wrap dresses are v-necks. V-necks are always more flattering on a fuller bust.
- Boot-cut pants will help balance the width of the hips and thighs while still helping the legs appear longer. A midrise cut will also help accentuate the waist.
- Clothes may not always fit the body type perfectly. Have the clothes altered to fit. Dresses will usually be the best bet for a perfect fit. For pants and especially for button up shirts, it will be important to have the waist altered for fit.
References:
- Bagley, Reachel. “Hourglass Body Type.” Cardigan Empire. http://www.cardiganempire.com/2008/12/fitting-room-friday-hourglass-body-type.html (July, 29, 2009).
- “How to Dress for Your Body Type.” WikiHow. http://www.wikihow.com/Dress-for-Your-Body-Type (July 29, 2009).
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