Hourglass

Plus Size Hourglass Body Shape

Dressing for Your Body Type: Plus Size Hourglass The Hourglass Body Shape is the ideal silhouette because it's naturally balanced. Nice! Your body type boasts hips and shoulders roughly the same width, and you have an enviably small waist in comparison.

Your Plus-Size Hourglass Body Shape Objective

To maintain the balanced hourglass shape of your body, emphasize your small waistline, and avoid bulk everywhere. The best plus-sized hourglass styles…

  • Cinch in at your waist
  • Maintain the natural proportion of your body type
  • Make you look generally taller and slimmer

The following rules apply to all plus-size hourglass body shapes, but there are special considerations if you're petite or very tall. If any of those apply to you, start by reading the general rules below, then make sure you read your additional style tips at the end of this section.

Dress to Enhance Your Plus-Size Hourglass Body Shape

Your best plus-sized tops…

  • Have open necks that create a deep vee towards your waist
  • Tie or cinch around your waist
  • Are fitted, tailored, or wrapped to hug your curves
  • Have thick straps, if sleeveless
  • Show off the thinnest part of your arm, such as three-quarter-length sleeves

Best tops for the plus-sized hourglass body shape: deep scoop neck, low v-neck, surplice wrap tops, fitted, sweetheart necklines, corsets, fitted sweaters, buttoned tailored dress shirts; three-quarter sleeves.

Look for plus-sized jackets that…

  • Mimic your natural curves with clever seaming
  • Cinch in at your thinnest point before flaring out toward your hips
  • Define your shoulders, belt at the waist, then taper out at the hips
  • Create structure at your shoulders

Best plus-size hourglass body shape jackets: princess seams, peplum jacket, a-line trench.

Sport plus-sized dresses and skirts that…

  • Cinch in at your waist with a wide waistline then taper out
  • Fit you at the hips, taper in, then flare at the hem to create overall balance
  • Hit at or just above your knees

Best hourglass body shape dresses: corset; fitted sheath; a-line; wrap; tulip; fluted hems; princess seams; gored; godet; knee-length. Find your perfect plus-size party dress here. 




Look for plus-size pants with…

  • A medium rise that hits just above your hips
  • A subtle boot cut or straight legs to balance out your hips
  • Full-size back pockets

Best plus-sized pants for the hourglass body shape: straight leg; mid-rise; subtle boot cut; full-size back pockets.

Wear fabrics that are…

  • Stiff and sturdy
  • Matte in sheen

Best plus-sized hourglass fabrics: stiff satin; taffeta.

Accessorize with…

  •  Necklaces that create a focal point on your chest, such as a pendant
  • Thick belts
  • Large purses that DON'T rest at your waist
  • Medium-sized drop earrings to create visual interest toward your face
  • Heels or knee-high boots worn with jeans

Best plus-size hourglass accessories: pendant necklaces; drop earrings; beaded necklaces; thick belts; kitten heels; pointy-toe pumps; knee-high boots.

Put together outfits that…

  • Have a monochromatic color scheme, making you look taller and thinner overall
  • Bring attention to the center of your body with color-blocking, such as wearing bright-colored shirt under a jacket, open sweater, or wrap shirt in a contrasting color
  • Match your shoe color

Best plus-size hourglass outfits: pointy-toe heels; kitten heel; knee-high boots worn with jeans; monochromatic; matching suits; contrasting open sweater and shirt. Now that you know the absolute best way to dress your hourglass body type, find out what styles to avoid at all costs. Say no to these hourglass body shape killers! Taller than 5'7"? Get your special plus size tall dressing rules now. Shorter than 5'4"? Read your plus size petite guidelines.