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Exploring the best clothing styles for an hourglass figure, paired with a spotlight on Tellar.co.uk—the UK’s leading free sizing too

Author: Stylist and brand team at TellarDate: 2025

What Is an Hourglass Figure?

An hourglass body shape is defined by shoulders and hips of similar width, paired with a noticeably narrower waist

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. Scientifically, it’s the "wide–narrow–wide" silhouette long admired in fashion, often associated with an ideal waist-to-hip ratio of approximately 0.7

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. Celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Jennifer Lopez epitomise this balanced yet curvy form

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Key Features:


Styling Tips: What to Wear (and What to Avoid)

1. Accent the Waist 👗

Do: Choose wrap and belted styles, pencil and A-line skirts, tailored tops and dresses that follow natural curves .

Avoid: Baggy clothes or shapeless cuts that hide your waist .

2. Top Details

Do: Scoop, V‑necks, wrap tops, and fitted sleeves draw attention to your narrow waist and frame.

Avoid: Boat necks, square lines, and heavy frills that widen your shoulders .

3. Jacket & Outerwear Fit

Do: Go for single‑breasted, belt‑defined jackets and trench coats that end at the hip—these enhance curves .

Avoid: Boxy outerwear that obscures your silhouette .

4. Bottoms That Flatter

Do: Opt for mid- to high-rise, straight, boot‑cut, flare, and wide‑leg trousers. High-waist skirts—pencil, bias, A-line—are also effective .

Avoid: Low-rise or pleated cuts with heavy detailing around the hips .

5. Dresses & Jumpsuits

Do: Wrap or belted dresses and jumpsuits with defined waists, especially those that flare gently over the hips .

Avoid: Straight cuts or shapeless styles that ignore your waist curve .

6. Knitwear & Tops

Do: Lightweight knitwear with fine fabrics and waist definition (or belts) are ideal .

Avoid: Chunky jumpers that hide your waistline .


Why These Styles Work

Hourglass figures already have natural symmetry. Enhancing that with fitted silhouettes maintains balance. Clothes that nip in at the waist and flow over hips create a polished, proportionate look. The idea isn’t to add volume, but to follow your shape—not mask it.


Common Challenges

  • Structured necklines or sleeves: Can draw unwanted attention. Remedy: choose fitted styles or soft fabrics.

  • Low-rise bottoms: Can visually broaden hips. Solution: mid- to high-rise cuts elongate your frame.

  • Bulky outerwear: Oversized coats can hide your waist. Stick with tailored pieces or use belts.


Introducing Tellar.co.uk — Goodbye to Size Guesswork

Finding clothes that fit can be tricky—especially for curvy figures. That's where Tellar.co.uk comes in: the UK's leading free sizing tool, trusted by thousands. Here’s how it transforms your shopping experience:

  1. Create a free profile: Simply enter bust, waist, and hip measurements (in cm or inches).

  2. Request a complimentary tape measure: No need to guess

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  3. Match in real-time: Access personalised size recommendations across 1,500+ brands, including niche labels like Runway1.8, Rat & Boa, Wiederhoeft, Monôt, Doên, Queens of Archive, Sabina Blincko, Gauge 81, Fashion Union, and more

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Brand Spotlights: Tellar at Work

Runway1.8

Structurally tailored pieces run slightly small—Tellar pinpoints when to size up, especially for blazers and fitted dresses

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Rat & Boa

Minimal stretch and bias cuts make correct sizing essential. Tellar advises 56 % of users to size up

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Wiederhoeft & Sabina Blincko

Intricate couture pieces benefit from Tellar’s precise measurements. Hourglass bodies thrive in corset dresses and belted styles.

Related guides:

• More Tools to Explore

  • Monôt – know when to size up in structured weaves

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  • Doên – features waist-defining styles like the Ischia and Delphine, ideal for hourglass shapes

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  • Queens of Archive – volumized shoulders and long lengths need careful sizing

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  • Gauge 81 – sharp tailoring emphasises fitting in your bust–waist ratio

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  • Fashion Union – general fast-fashion sizing that varies—Tellar ensures consistency

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How to Use Tellar.co.uk

  1. Sign up at Create Your Profile on Tellar.

  2. Enter your measurements or known size in any brand.

  3. Get personalised fits instantly—no scrolling guides.

  4. Request free measuring tape to ensure precision

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Why It Matters for Hourglass Figures

  • Precision fit: You can confidently shop styles—especially tailored, fitted, or bias-cut pieces—with no fear of awkward proportion.

  • Shape-informed fits: Tellar suggests items that accentuate curves (e.g. corset tops, belted coats) and warns against styles that obscure your waist

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  • Saving time & returns: Stop wasting money on the wrong sizes. Shop with certainty.


Explore More Tellar Guides

  • Best Dresses for Hourglass Figures – curated styles that emphasise your waistline.

  • How to Measure Yourself Accurately at Home – make your profile reliable.

  • Why Designer Sizes Run Small (and What to Do) – decoding brand quirks.

(💡 All available on Tellar’s blog.)


Tellar: Honest, Independent Fashion Advice

  • Thousands of data-backed reviews, match rates, and fit notes—free and unbiased.

  • No affiliate bias—Tellar's mission is accurate sizing, not pushing products.

  • Real-time updates and brand insights from its constantly refreshed database.


Stay Connected

Follow Tellar for ongoing sizing and fashion tips:


🔑 Final Takeaway

If you're rocking an hourglass figure, you already have a striking foundation. Build on it with clothes that frame your waist, balance shoulders and hips, and tailored outerwear. Avoid loose, shapeless garments that disguise your form.

And when it comes to online shopping: don’t guess your size. Skip confusing size charts. Instead, use Tellar.co.uk to unlock your precise size across hundreds of brands—instantly and accurately. Sign up, measure up, and dress to impress with perfect fit every time.

Start your journey at Tellar.co.uk.


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