What is an HOURGLASS FIGURE? Well if you have CURVED HIPS and your shoulders are roughly the same width - whether you are a size 8 or size 28 - you are hourglass!

If you have a well defined waistline and can buy a top and bottom in the same size - you are completely balanced.  

It's your Hip Shape that initially leads to your Body Type so if you need to check anything take a step back to that hip shape page.

Don't worry if you're not exactly the same size as the women in the pictures below, we're only looking at basic bone structure. 

It's Shape not Size that counts! 

Would you put a square tablecloth on a round table? Of course not because the shapes don't fit and a square tablecloth would look awkward! A round table needs a round tablecloth and your body needs to be dressed in exactly the same way.

Your hourglass figure has beautiful curves and straight lines just don't cut it! 

Curved shapes, curved seams, fabric that moves with you, straight lines just don't work with a curved body! 

If you gain weight on your hips you may think you are transitioning into a pear shape, but not so! Adipose tissue (fat) may settle (where you don't want it to) but your bone structure will never change. However, be aware of the best tips for a pear shape if necessary, still a much envied curvy figure! 

Not necessarily voluptuous! 

Many people assume that an Hourglass figure means you are voluptuous - as in plump, cuddly uh uh... overweight! It doesn't!

Even if you're very slim with shoulders and hips in balance with each other and a definite waistline then you are still considered Hourglass - it just means that you're equally balanced.   

If you gain weight you will likely put it on evenly top and bottom but you will keep a neat waist and maintain the balance.  

And if you're a bigger lady? This is the ultimate shape as far as the male race is concerned anyway, curves are always in!

You may sometimes hear this shape being called a STAR shape, I really don't know why because there are certainly no straight lines with your figure. You have curves in all the right places. 

Beyonce, Marilyn Monroe, Dita von Teese, Salma Hayek

The positives of an Hourglass figure

Although it has to be said that the Hourglass is probably the figure that most women dream of it is, in fact, one of the rarest of figure shapes. It is the iconic shape we associate with old time Hollywood - the Marilyn Monroe shape! 

• an hourglass has been an iconic look since the days of Old Hollywood

• you have a beautifully rounded curvaceous body with bust and hips being roughly the same size - it's naturally balanced

• with a perfectly proportioned and rounded bust line

• softly rounded shoulders with a well balanced hips and bottom

• you have a neat and very well defined waistline

• shapely legs 
  

Maximize your femininity

• Work with your natural curves

• Look for fluid fabrics that skim the body and move with you

• Ensure that the bust is fitted as well as the hips

• Choose dresses with waist details
  

• A sheath dress that fits your hourglass figure to perfection
  

• Wrap dresses in a soft fabric

• Fit and flare, wrap dresses
  

• Belts to emphasize your waist

• Pencil skirts that are properly tailored to your hips/thighs

• High waisted pants accentuate the waist and elongate the legs

Kelly Brook

How to look amazing!

Catherine Zeta Jones is a slender hourglass but she wears a dress that follows her curves and shows them to full advantage.

Curved shapes on the fabric echo the curvy figure and a fluid skirt drapes softly around curved hips and thighs.

Extra fabric introduced at the hemline balances the bust and hip.

This body shape does not need ruffles, bows or other embellishments. It would add volume and unbalance the bust hip ratio.

It feels natural to you to emphasize your waist, so tuck in your blouses and t-shirts to echo that hourglass. Belts are your friend.

Steer clear of extra bulk which would hide your natural slimness.

Maintain your shape with good foundationwear. 

and what to avoid!

• Ignore straight cuts, sharp tailoring and anything cut in a boxy shape

• Keep the pattern and details to a minimum, your figure will do it all

• Don't hide your curves in baggy or loose-fitting clothes - you will lose your waist and look considerably bigger

• Avoid too much gathering around your hips

• Avoid firm fabric shirts - they won't drape around your curves and will gape - choose a fluid fabric
  

• Avoid finishing a skirt hem at the widest part of your legs - this will widen your bottom half

• Trousers are not always your best friend but aim for a high waist to elongate your legs

• It's easy to look overtly sexy - be aware!

The glamorous Eva Longoria is actually a Petite but presents her hourglass figure in a stunning well fitted sheath dress. But can you see how the fabric moulds to her body, no straight lines or severe tailoring! 

And (right) a photo I found on Pinterest ages ago. I am indebted to this beautiful lady who shows us how to look fabulous with an hourglass figure even when we're not on the red carpet! A cotton jersey t-shirt that's fluid and a soft cardigan. 

She perfectly balances top and bottom of her figure, playing to her curves and defining her waist.  (If you know who she is, I'd love to know!)