Hourglass Body Shape: Ultimate Guides to 2023 Summer Bridesmaid Dresses

Looking for a summer bridesmaid dress that fits an hourglass body shape? Here is the ultimate guide waiting for you to open. This article will provide you with ideas on how to find the right bridesmaid dresses for hourglass body shapes based on the characteristics of hourglass body shapes and recommend the right bridesmaid dress styles for you.

Part One: What is An Hourglass Body Shape

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Definition

An hourglass body shape refers to a body shape where the bust and hips are relatively wider and similar in width, while the waist is significantly narrower, creating a noticeable hourglass silhouette. This body type is balanced in its overall appearance and has feminine body curves.

1.How to Determine:

Look for your waist measurement to be at least 8 inches smaller than your shoulders, bust, or hips.  

• Waist ÷ Shoulders or Bust ≤ 0.75
• Waist ÷ Hips ≤ 0.75
• Your shoulder and hip measurements are within 5% of each other.

2.Tips:

• All measurements needed here are circumferences.
• Shoulders’circumference: a measure of the circumference around the outside edge of your deltoid muscles, going around the arms, front and back.

Characteristics

1. Bust: The bust is well-developed, and the circumference is similar to the hips.
2. Waist: The waist measurement is significantly smaller than the bust and hips. It is defined by a noticeable curve inward, creating a narrow waistline.

The waist is usually around 9 to 10 inches (23 to 25 centimeters) smaller than the bust and hip measurements.

3. Hips: The hips are similar in width to the bust, creating a balanced appearance. The hip measurement is typically larger than the waist measurement.
4. Curves: Pronounced curves throughout the body.

The Difference from A Pear Body Shape

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1. The pear shape is defined by unbalanced shoulders and hips with a narrow waist, while the hourglass shape is characterized by a balanced bust and hips with a narrow waist.
2. Bust and Hips: In the pear body shape, the hips are noticeably wider than the bust. In the hourglass body shape, the hip width is similar to the bust width or shoulder width.
3. Distribution of Fat: Pear-shaped women tend to carry more weight in the hips, buttocks, and thighs. These areas may have a higher concentration of subcutaneous fat. And hourglass-shaped women have a balanced distribution of upper and lower fat, with less fat around the waist.

Different Hourglass Body Shapes

1. Top Hourglass Body Shape

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Women with top hourglass figures have all the features that fit the hourglass shape, and the difference between them is that top hourglass figures have a slightly larger bust than their hips.

2. Bottom Hourglass Body Shape

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A bottom hourglass body shape has all the characteristics of an hourglass figure and is the opposite of the top hourglass figure. Women’s hips are slightly bigger than their busts.

Part Two: Tips for Choosing Elements of Bridesmaid Dresses

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Necklines

When selecting a neckline, it is better to choose one that flatters the silhouette of your shoulders. Try to avoid necklines that show too wide shoulders or too narrow shoulders, as they may result in a top-heavy look or a bottom-heavy look. Based on this information, slightly rounded necklines or lower and wider necklines are good investments.

Recommendation: Jewel necklines, one-shoulder necklines, scoop necklines, V-necks, sweetheart necklines, and asymmetric necklines.

Sleeves

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When choosing sleeves, it is best not to break the silhouette of the shoulders and make them appear wider or narrower. Fitted sleeves may be ideal for an hourglass figure because they conform to the natural curves of the body.

But if you want to choose sleeves that emphasize your shoulders, then allow a little more volume in the lower half to balance out your upper body.

Recommendations: Sleeveless, set-in sleeves, 3/4 sleeves, fitted sleeves, and bishop sleeves.

Waistlines

For women with an hourglass figure, making the waist more defined would be a good choice to make your curves more visible and accentuate the advantages of your hourglass figure.

Recommendations: X-shaped waistline, empire waist, asymmetrical waistline, open waist, and basque waist.

Hemlines

Since women with hourglass figures are mostly well-proportioned, a variety of hemlines with different lengths and silhouettes can be tried, and the direction you choose depends largely on your own preferences and aesthetics.

Different Length: Above-knee length, knee length, tea length, ankle length, and floor length.

Different Types of Designs: High-low hemlines, asymmetric hemlines, high side slit hemlines.

Colors

When choosing the color of the bridesmaid dresses, it is important to match the theme of the wedding and discuss with the bride how to choose the color. We are here to suggest some popular bridesmaid dress colors for summer 2023 weddings, including rose gold, burgundy, rust, burnt orange, navy, royal blue, dusty sage, champagne, lavender, and more.

Color Matchings:

1. Monochromatic Tones: It can create a cohesive and streamlined appearance to help maintain the focus on the overall hourglass shape rather than drawing attention solely to the waistline.
2. Color Blocking: Experimenting with color blocking can be a fun and stylish choice for hourglass shapes. Pairing complementary or contrasting colors in different sections of an outfit can help define and highlight the curves, creating a visually striking and dynamic look.
3. Prints and Patterns: Choosing a waistline with prints or patterns can add visual interest and draw attention to the waist. Opt for designs that have vertical lines or patterns that create a sense of elongation, further enhancing the hourglass silhouette.

Part Three: Styles of Bridesmaid Dresses for Hourglass Body Shapes

In this section, we will consolidate the overall idea of selecting the ideal bridesmaid dresses based on the information obtained from the previous sections and suggest some styles of bridesmaid dresses that suit the hourglass figure. Let's read on!

Overall Goal: When choosing a bridesmaid dress style for women with hourglass figures, the most important thing is to make sure that you pick a dress that does not unbalance your upper and lower bodies and keeps the waist defined, meaning that the silhouette of the dress should naturally flatter your balanced figure.

Overall Ideas:

• If you want to increase the volume of your upper body, then increase the volume of your lower body as well.
• If you want to make the upper body more slender, then it is best to choose a wrap-around skirt for the lower body to echo it, and a relatively small hemline in an A-line silhouette is also fine.
• It's best to avoid a single bridesmaid dress that just emphasizes the shoulders or hips, as this can throw you off balance.

Recommended styles: Mermaid bridesmaid dresses and A-line bridesmaid dresses.

• Mermaid Bridesmaid Dresses

Mermaid bridesmaid dresses are designed to highlight and accentuate the curves of the body, which is ideal for hourglass figures. The fitted bodice and waistline showcase the narrow waist, while the dramatic flare of the skirt enhances the curves of the hips and thighs. So this style can enhance most hourglass body shapes.

• A-line Bridesmaid Dresses

A-line bridesmaid dresses are one of the best choices for hourglass body shapes because they flatter the waist, balance proportions, and enhance curves. The gradual flare creates a harmonious silhouette, highlighting the waistline while skimming over the hips and thighs. A-line dresses offer versatility in lengths, fabrics, and necklines, catering to different preferences and wedding styles. They provide comfort and mobility, allowing bridesmaids to move freely. With their timeless and classic look, A-line dresses can complement various wedding themes.

Part Four: Summary of Bridesmaid Dresses for Hourglass Body Shape

In conclusion, after the discussion in this post, choosing the right bridesmaid dress for an hourglass figure requires attention to the key elements of accentuating curves and emphasizing the waistline. Choose a style that shows off your figure, such as a mermaid or an A-line silhouette with a defined waist. Details such as belts or ruffles draw attention to the narrowest part of the waist, while necklines such as a V-neck, sweetheart, or round neckline can enhance the bust and maintain balance. Also consider color choices that suit the wedding theme and bridesmaids' skin tones; jewel tones, earthy tones, and neutrals are all good investments. We would be honored if you learned something from reading this article. And We are also confident that your ideal bridesmaid dress that fits the tone of your wedding will soon be sought out.

FAQ

How to Choose Beautiful Custom-Made Bridesmaid Dresses?

If you are a bride, bring one of your custom-made bridesmaid dresses or female companions who can give you some supportive thoughts. They would give you some valuable proposals. It's better to use the wedding palette when you are looking for ideal bridesmaid dresses. Consider how your choice would complement the bridesmaids best. For example, if your bridesmaids mostly have hourglass body shapes, then they work best with tight-fitting styles, such as mermaid silhouettes. As per their distinctive body shapes, you can pick a similar shading and plan for the dresses and then alter them to meet the bridesmaids' diverse needs.

Which Types of Dresses Are Best for an Hourglass Body Type?

Dresses that look best on an hourglass figure are mermaid dresses, fit-and-flare dresses, A-line dresses, off-the-shoulder dresses, bodycon dresses, and belted dresses. These styles accentuate the waist and highlight the curves, creating a balanced and feminine silhouette.

Should I Choose Fitted or Flowy Fabrics for Hourglass Body Shapes?

Fitted fabrics like satin or jersey materials can showcase the curves, while flowy fabrics like chiffon or tulle can provide a softer and more romantic look.

How Do I Ensure the Bridesmaids Feel Comfortable and Confident in Their Dresses?

Involving the bridesmaids in the dress selection process, considering their preferences, and providing options for alterations can help ensure their comfort and confidence.

How to Dress a Slim Hourglass?

To achieve a slim hourglass figure, focus on enhancing your curves and maintaining balance. Choose fitted silhouettes that showcase your waistline, such as mermaid dresses. Opt for high-waisted dresses or add belts to accentuate your narrow waist. Experiment with ruffles, peplum details, and layered textures to add volume and create the illusion of curves. Embrace bold prints and patterns to enhance your figure. Choose structured fabrics that add dimension and create curves.