Hourglass body: Learn what an hourglass body

Learn what an hourglass body shape is and how to achieve it with diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Find out the benefits and risks of waist trainers and the best clothing styles for an hourglass figure. An hourglass body shape is characterized by nearly equal bust and hip measurements with a significantly smaller waist and proportionate legs. Styling for an hourglass figure should focus on defining the waist and choosing garments that follow the natural curves while avoiding boxy cuts and stiff fabrics that can hide or distort the shape. Tailored clothing, clean silhouettes, and sleek shoes are among the most flattering style options for an hourglass body shape. Three beauty pageant contestants with hourglass figures The hourglass figure is one of the four traditional female body shapes described by the fashion industry; the other shapes are the rectangle, inverted triangle, and spoon (or pear). The hourglass shape is defined by a woman's body measurements – the circumference of the bust, waist and hips. Hourglass body shapes have a wide bust, a narrow waist, and wide hips with a similar measurement to that of the bust. This body shape is named ...