Body shape · shoulders and hips match, waist defined
Hourglass
Shoulders and hips are close to the same width and the waist is at least a fifth narrower: the silhouette curves clearly in and back out.
The proportions of this shape
A body shape is how three widths relate to each other — not a dress size.
Proportions
Shoulders100%
Waist70%
Hips100%
Each bar is measured against the widest point of the silhouette: these are typical proportions for the shape, not your measurements.
What works for you
Cuts that read your proportions in your favour.
Waist-following cutsSheath dresses, darted jackets, pencil skirts. The job is not to create a waist but to avoid hiding it.
A belt where it belongsA belt at the narrowest point is the shortest route to a pulled-together silhouette — wide works as well as thin.
Fabric that follows the curveDense knits, viscose, suiting wool: they trace the curve instead of standing away from it.
V-necks and wrap frontsA V-neckline and wrap dresses lengthen the torso and keep the waist the main point.
What works against you
Nothing is forbidden — these simply take more effort to wear well.
Shapeless oversizeA tent with no line anywhere erases the curve and adds volume where there is none.
Stiff, boxy fabricsCocoon coats and heavy structured cotton hold their own shape rather than yours.
Dropped waistlinesA belt at the hip moves the accent to the wider part and lets the narrowest point disappear.
Try it on yourself
Every tool works from a single photo.
