by Jennifer Smith June 18, 2025 5 min read

Key Takeaways:

  • The hourglass body shape is marked as the most attractive shape.
  • The shoulder and hips are roughly the same size.
  • Body-hugging outfits bring out the best features of this shape.

While an hourglass body shape is what every plus size woman desires, it has its challenges when it comes to styling. One shapeless outfit choice, and you risk making your physique look unflattering. 

In this dressing guide, we will walk you through the advantages and shortcomings of the hourglass figure, with a focus on highlighting the natural curves that come with it.

What Is a Plus-Size Hourglass Shape?

A plus-size hourglass body shape has a wide bust and hips and a narrow waist. It gets its name due to its similarity with an hourglass. An hourglass has a very slim middle part with wider upper and lower parts.   

If you have a waist that is 25% smaller than your hips and bust, you have an hourglass body. It should be noted that the hips and bust are almost the same in measurement, with a slight difference of 5%. You can follow Leather Skin Shop’s body measuring guide and calculate precise values.

Hourglass body shape features

Common Styling Challenges for Hourglass-Shaped Women

An hourglass-shaped body is celebrated for its balanced look. However, finding dresses that accentuate the figure requires a keen thought process. The following styling struggles are faced by women of this shape:

It is essential to define your waistline for an appealing look, yet excessively tight dresses can overpower the curves. This will give an off-putting look to your body. However, loose-fitting dresses can hide the waist and give your body a boxy appearance.

Plus size women with voluminous busts face difficulty finding dresses that fit the upper body without gaping or pulling. In this case, plus-size leather jacket's styling guide from the Leather Skin Shop is a great read. You can also try off-the-shoulder tops for good coverage.

Best Styling Tips for Plus-Size Hourglass Body Types

The most important thing is to follow the natural silhouette of an hourglass body. The perfectly balanced proportions facilitate your dressing without any hassle. But to intently respond to the question, “how to dress a plus-size hourglass body shape?”, the answer would be: Just make sure that you don't unbalance the body frame by making it either top or bottom-heavy.

Follow The Natural Silhouette

Since the hourglass shape is already balanced, you must maintain the natural body outline. Choose tops that show off your natural curves and avoid cluttering the hips and bust area. Shapeless and loose clothing will hide the attractive features of your body. 

Define The Waist

Accentuate your waistline with belts or nipped garments. Avoid dresses, shirts, or tops that are cut straight and boxy style clothes because they will hide your curvy edges. 

Best Leather Jacket Styles For An Hourglass-Shaped Body

Tailor-made leather jackets that cinch at the waist and flare out at the hips will give a feminine and attractive appearance to your hourglass body. If you are petite plus-size, stick to shorter jackets that end at your hips. 

Without any doubt, Leather Skin Shop’s fitted leather blazer collection is a wardrobe essential that adds sophistication to any outfit.

Outfit Ideas for Plus Size Hourglass Shapes

The word of advice is to select outfits that flatter your natural curves. Choose soft and flexible fabrics that adapt to your shape without adding any bulk. Here are some outfit suggestions to upgrade your wardrobe.

With High-Waisted Jeans

High-waisted jeans serve the purpose of highlighting your slim waist. Top it with a black cropped leather jacket, which ends at the waistline. Wear black shoes for a dressy look. 

With A Wrap Dress

Wear a monochrome wrap dress that secures perfectly at the waist. Top it with a blue belted leather jacket with minimal embellishments for a smart look.  

With A Biker Leather Jacket

A black moto-style biker leather jacket will look great when worn over a skirt and blouse combo. Tuck the blouse in a pencil-style skirt to create a flattering waistline. The structured jacket adds charm to the outfit, and the pencil skirt accentuates your hips. You can also swap the skirt for slim-fit jeans in a dark wash to highlight the curves of your lower body.

With A Fit And Flare Dress

A fit-and-flare dress is one of the best dresses for women to feel confident in. Knee-length dresses also look good, as they flow over your natural hip curves. Wear a statement belt and take your outfit to the next level.   

Leather Skin Shop’s plus-size spring outfit guide will help you choose different styles for dresses that go with your body type. You can also find tips on which accessories will add more charm.    

With A-Line Skirt

A white wrap top worn with an A-line skirt with a vertical stripes print can be your ultimate summer outfit. The wrap top will add volume to your bust, while the A-line skirt flares smoothly over your hips. Choose a fabric that drapes well for a flattering effect.

Famous Celebrities with Hourglass-Shaped Bodies

Following are a few famous celebrities with hourglass figures and their outfit styles:

The most renowned icon, Marilyn Monroe, used to wear fitted dresses and pencil skirts that emphasized her narrow waist. Beyonce is generally seen in bodycon dresses and belted tops for a structured look. And the most talked about celebrity, Kim Kardashian, wears body-hugging fits such as corset tops and high-waisted skirts to make her hourglass shape prominent. 

FAQs

What clothes look good on an hourglass body shape?

Clothes that highlight the waist and balance the hips and bust look good. Examples are belted dresses, form-fitting tops, belted jackets, and pencil skirts in dark colours.

Is the hourglass body shape attractive?

Yes. Many people consider the hourglass attractive due to its natural symmetry and a well defined waist.

Can you be chubby with an hourglass figure?

Yes, you can have an hourglass figure and be chubby at the same time. Your chest and hips need to be almost equal.

What kind of pants should an hourglass person wear?

Boot-cut, high-waisted, and flared jeans will look appealing on a plus-size woman with an hourglass shape.

What fabrics are best for hourglass body types?

Stretchy fabrics like cotton blends and jersey are optimal as they provide comfort and highlight your body shape too.

Should Hourglass Figure Avoid Any Styles?

Styles that hide your curves or make your body appear shapeless should be avoided. Examples are boxy cuts, drop-waist dresses, or baggy clothing.

Conclusion          

Although hourglass-shaped women are considered the most sexy of all shapes and automatically draw attention, they still have their own set of outfit struggles. The best course of action is to follow your natural outline for an appealing and smart look.

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Blog | Leather Skin Shop

Top Grain Leather Explained
Top Grain Leather Explained

by Jennifer Smith July 12, 2025 7 min read

Top grain leather is real leather made from the uppermost layer of the hide. It comes from the same section used to make full grain leather. 

Read More
What Is Mesh Fabric?
What Is Mesh Fabric?

by Jennifer Smith July 12, 2025 5 min read

Mesh fabric is a lightweight textile with an open-hole structure that allows air to pass through. What makes mesh so popular? It’s lightweight, highly breathable, and surprisingly versatile.

 

Read More
What Is Pull Up Leather?
What Is Pull Up Leather?

by Jennifer Smith July 11, 2025 6 min read

Pull-up leather is a type of full-grain leather treated with oils and waxes to create a soft, flexible finish that ages beautifully over time. It’s also called wax pull-up leather, oil pull-up leather, or oiled leather. 

 

Read More