Clothing Guide for Women With Hourglass Figures, Average Heights and Builds

Many women would kill for an hourglass figure, while others who actually have an hourglass figure may not like it at all. Well, if you are a woman who has an average hourglass figure and you are not sure how to dress your body, then this article is for you. After reading this article, you will be able to pick out the best clothing choices for your body and can feel confident in your clothes.

An hourglass figure is defined as a woman who has shoulders and hips that are basically the same size with a very defined waist. Basically, her body looks like an hourglass. To make sure that you have an hourglass figure, measure your shoulder, bust, waist and hips. Your shoulder and hip measurements should be within 3%-5% of each other. Also, your waist should be at least 25% smaller than your shoulder, hip and bust measurements. So if your shoulder and hip measurements are 36" then your waist would be 27" or smaller.

A woman with an average hourglass figure is one who is average height which is between 5'3" and 5'7". They are medium build weight between 115 and 170 pounds and has the classic hourglass figure. Now, let's look at what this type of woman should and should not wear.

Dresses
Wrap dresses that tie around the waist and then gently flow over the hips are the best choice. A-line dresses that cinch at the waist or are belted are another great choice. Go for monochromatic dresses that will show off your hourglass figure. Avoid wearing boxy dresses that make you look square. Avoid details or waistlines that are around your hips as that will only draw attention to them.

Tops
A good choice for a top are off-the-shoulder or wide scoop neck shirts to balance out your shoulders with the rest of your body. Wrap tops and surplice tops will also show off your small waist and accentuate your bust. Avoid baggy or peasant tops that cover up your defined waist. Avoid wearing turtlenecks and crew necks, especially if you have a full bust, as you may get the "uniboob" look with them.

Skirts
If you have great legs, then show them off with a miniskirt. Just make sure that it is not too short that it is inappropriate. Pencil skirts and high-waisted skirts that hug your waist will also be good for you hourglass figure. Avoid horizontal stripes or detailing on your skirt as this will make your hips look disproportionately bigger.

Pants
Pick mid-rise jeans to create a slim waist that flows well into your hips. Pants with vertical stripes will help keep your figure lean and long. If you choose to wear capris, make sure that they are hemmed above the widest point in your calf so that your legs still appear slim. Do not wear low-rise jeans, which will hit at the widest point on your hips. Avoid wearing pants with side pockets on the hips as this will draw attention to your hips. Same goes for details or whiskering on the thighs and hips.

Jackets
Choose a blazer that is shaped around your torso and hits at your hips. This will help to keep your figure unbroken and will make you look sleek and slim. Avoid wearing boxy or baggy fit jackets that hide your figure. Also avoid wearing blazers or jackets that have pockets on your hips as this will make them appear larger.