Do you have an hourglass body shape and need help choosing the right clothing styles? The hourglass body type or “romantic body type” is feminine, but wearing the wrong styles can add volume and width. This can make you look heavier and even shorter. Here are my 5 simple pro tips for honoring your hourglass figure.
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5 Styling Tips for Your Hourglass Shape
As a stylist, I give clients expert advice on ways to dress to enhance their best features and minimize less desirable ones. These characteristics are different for everyone. There are however, basic rules to follow that will create an overall flattering silhouette.
I’m also including my favorite places to shop for hourglass figures (hint Bebe)! Here are the 5 most important styling rules for the hourglass body shape:
1. Follow The Lines Of The Body
One cardinal rule for the hourglass shape is to follow the lines of the body. This body shape is curvy and feminine, with a defined waist. Based on your bone structure, you may be more or less fleshy. Regardless of weight, following the body’s natural silhouette will be the most flattering.
I love this Bebe Cutout Halter Midi Dress for hourglass shapes. It follows the lines of the body perfectly!
If you have a tummy, choose fluid fabrics that “drape” the body line. Avoid tight-fitting and thick fabrics.
2. Choose Necklines Wisely
Necklines are very important when enhancing the hourglass shape. A high neckline can add weight to the upper body. Choose necklines that balance the entire body proportions and enhance the defined waistline of the hourglass shape.
This denim halter dress by Bebe has the ideal sweetheart neckline for hourglass shapes!
V-neck, square-neck, oval, and round necklines are best for the hourglass body shape. My favorite neckline for hourglass shapes is the sweetheart neckline.
Avoid necklines that add bulk to the upper body like turtlenecks, high necklines, and boatnecks. These necklines can distort your proportions and create an inverted triangle body shape, making the hourglass body look top-heavy.
3. Always Define Your Waist
Hourglass body shapes have a naturally defined waistline. This body shape is feminine and shapely. Play this feature up by wearing clothing that emphasizes your narrow waist. Hourglass body shapes demand tailored clothing that is softly fitted. Ruching and draped styles are the most flattering on the hourglass figure.
I love this VFSHOW elegant pencil dress which has a defined waist for hourglass figured women. Its very flattering!
Choose tops with princess seams, peplum style, and a defined waist. Add a belt to enhance the waistline. A wrap top and wrap dress style naturally cinches the waist and accentuates the waistline. An empire waist dress will also enhance your body shape.
Avoid boxy and straight silhouettes that can hide your natural curves. Also, avoid oversized styles which drown out your feminine silhouette.
4. Wear The Right Sleeves
Since the hourglass figure should be dressed to enhance its shape, sleeves are an important consideration. The right sleeve can balance the proportions, while the wrong sleeve can add too much volume to the top half of the body.
Three-quarter-length sleeves are best for hourglass shapes as they end right at the waistline. Fitted sleeves (any length) are best since they don’t add volume. My favorite sleeve type for hourglass is fitted sheer sleeves.
Avoid puffy, wide, and billowy sleeves, since these will all be volume and make hourglass shapes look wider and shorter.
5. Fluid Fabrics
Hourglass body shapes usually tend to weight gain in the waist, hip, and busts. To avoid adding bulk to these areas, fabric choice is important. If you have an hourglass figure, choose fabrics that are fluid, and will skirt the curved lines of the body.
Fabrics like modal, lightweight ponte, polyester, silk, and rayon are good choices. Also, fabrics with stretch like spandex or elastane will accommodate your curves. My favorite for the hourglass figure is slinky knit.
Avoid stiff, heavy, thick materials such as wool, linen, thick denim, and double knit. Flannel and twill will also be too stiff and heavy for hourglass figures.
What is an Hourglass Body Shape?
Unlike an apple body shape or a pear shape, hourglass body shapes are smallest at the waist. The hourglass body type is “balanced”. The Kibbe style system also calls this shape “romantic:.
The hourglass body type is evenly proportioned from the width of the shoulders and hips, with the waistline being the narrowest part of the silhouette If you have an hourglass figure, you have a well-defined waist, regardless of your body weight.
Tip: There are 7 body types, which one are you?
Other Considerations for Hourglass Figures
While the above 5 are guiding principles, here are some additional styling considerations that will help you dress in harmony with your hourglass shape.
Length of Dresses/Skirts
Dresses and skirt hems should hit at the small or indented parts of your legs. Right above the knee or below the knee is most flattering. For longer lengths, they should hit right under the calf.
Pants
Pants can be tricky if you have an hourglass figure. You may have a very small waist and wider hips, which may create a gap at the small of your waist.
For shorts, hourglass shapes should choose high-waisted styles. I absolutely love these high waisted denim shorts from Bebe.
Key Tips
Love Your Hourglass Shape
The hourglass body shape is revered for femininity and beauty. Let your curve shine by dressing to honor your natural body lines. Wear clothing in soft fabrics that will gently flow over your curves.
Choose the right neckline and sleeve length to emphasize your waistline. Wrap dresses, belts, and ruching at the waistline will enhance your best features. No matter your weight or height, if you have an hourglass figure, your waist, and balanced proportion is your biggest asset!
Best Places To Shop For Hourglass Figures
As an hourglass figure myself, I can always find good choices at the below retailers. I know you will too!
