The hourglass body shape in men features a well-defined chest, broad shoulders, a thin, narrow waist, and hips that align closely with the width of the shoulders.
This balanced silhouette, while less common in men, offers unique styling opportunities for those who possess it.
Men with hourglass figures have two primary styling approaches:
- Enhance Curves – Emphasise the natural contours of the body.
- Masculine Shift – Create a more angular, trapezoid-like appearance.
Unlike men with other body shapes, such as triangles, ovals, rectangles, or inverted triangles, those with hourglass figures face distinct challenges and advantages in finding clothing that complements their physique.
This article will guide you through tailored styling strategies for the male hourglass body shape. These approaches will help you accentuate your best features while maintaining a balanced silhouette, regardless of your preferred style direction.
By understanding your body shape’s unique characteristics, you can confidently dress for any occasion or season, whether you choose to embrace your curves or create a more angular silhouette.
Hourglass Body Shape Specifics
In fashion, most men fall into one of the following six body shapes, each with distinct physical characteristics and styling challenges.
- Hourglass – Broad shoulders, narrow waist, hips aligning with shoulder width.
- Trapezoid – Shoulders slightly wider than hips, with a gradual taper.
- Triangle – Narrower shoulders and chest, wider waist and hips.
- Inverted Triangle – Broad shoulders and chest, narrower waist.
- Rectangle – Straight up and down for shoulders, chest, and waist.
- Oval – Wider midsection, narrower shoulders.
Understanding the hourglass shape’s unique characteristics and how they compare to other male body shapes is crucial for effective styling.
Below is a detailed comparison of the hourglass shape alongside the trapezoid, triangle, rectangle, oval, and inverted triangle shapes.
This breakdown will help you identify your body shape accurately and understand why certain styling techniques are more effective for the hourglass silhouette.
| Body Part | Hourglass | Trapezoid | Triangle (Pear) | Rectangle | Inverted Triangle | Oval |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoulders | Broad, aligning with hips | Broader than waist and hips | Narrower than hips | Similar width to waist and hips | Significantly broader than waist and hips | Narrower than midsection |
| Chest | Well-defined, broader than waist | Well-defined, broader than waist | Less pronounced | Straight | Highly defined and broad | Less defined |
| Waist | Significantly narrower than shoulders and hips | Slightly narrower than shoulders | Wider than shoulders | Similar to shoulders and hips | Much narrower than shoulders | Fuller, rounded midsection |
| Hips | Broader than waist, aligning with shoulders | Slightly narrower than waist | Broader than shoulders | Similar to shoulders | Narrower than waist | Narrower than midsection |
| Legs | Proportional to upper body | Proportional to upper body | Proportional to upper body | Straight, similar width to upper body | Well-defined, proportional to shoulders | Slimmer compared to upper body |
| Styling Tip | Enhance curves or create a more angular silhouette | Enhance natural shapes | Emphasise upper body | Create definition, add shape | Balance broad shoulders with lower body | Elongate the torso and define the waist |
Hourglass Body Shape Celebrities
Ezra Miller
Ezra Miller exemplifies the male hourglass shape with his broad shoulders, defined waist, and proportionate hips.
Miller’s physique showcases a distinctly curved silhouette, while retaining a balance between upper and lower body.
Miller’s hourglass shape becomes evident in fitted attire with a waist noticeably narrower than both chest and hips.
Olly Alexander
Olly Alexander, lead singer of Years & Years, displays the hourglass shape through his balanced proportions.
Alexander’s figure features a defined chest and shoulders that taper to a narrow waist before widening again at the hips.
His stage costumes frequently accentuate this shape, with fitted tops and high-waisted trousers emphasising his natural curves.
Adam Lambert
Adam Lambert’s physique embodies the hourglass shape with his broad shoulders and chest, cinched waist, and proportionate hips.
Lambert’s bold fashion choices highlight his body shape, particularly in tailored jackets that nip in at the waist and fitted trousers that showcase his hip-to-waist ratio.
His muscular build adds definition to the classic hourglass silhouette.
Hourglass Body Shape Styling Principles
Dressing the hourglass body shape involves either enhancing its natural curves or creating a more angular silhouette.
Below are the core styling principles tailored to this shape, addressing both approaches.
| Principle | Enhance Curves | Create Angular Silhouette |
|---|---|---|
| Highlight Waist | Use belts, high-waisted trousers, and fitted jackets to emphasise the narrow waist. | Choose straight-cut garments that skim the waist without cinching. |
| Shoulder Definition | Select garments with subtle shoulder padding to accentuate the natural curve. | Opt for structured jackets with strong shoulder lines to create a more angular top half. |
| Trouser Cut | Choose tapered or slim-fit trousers to showcase the hip-to-leg transition. | Select straight-leg or slightly wide-leg trousers to create a more uniform lower body line. |
| Fabric Choice | Opt for softer, draping fabrics that follow body contours. | Choose stiffer fabrics that hold their shape and create cleaner lines. |
| Layering | Use fitted layers to accentuate body curves. | Employ structured layering to build a more rectangular silhouette. |
Key Styling Tips for Hourglass Body Shapes
To maximise your hourglass body shape, focus on key styling techniques that either enhance your natural curves or create a more angular silhouette, depending on your preference.
These approaches ensure a polished look while allowing for personal style expression.
Emphasise or De-emphasise the Waist
To highlight your narrow waist, incorporate belts into your outfits. Choose medium-width belts in contrasting colours to draw attention to your midsection.
High-waisted trousers and jeans accentuate the waist-to-hip ratio, enhancing your natural curves.
For a more angular look, wear straight-cut shirts worn untucked to create a continuous line from shoulders to hips and jackets with a boxier cut to minimise waist definition.
Shoulder Styling
Enhance your broad shoulders with garments featuring subtle padding or structured seams.
Crew neck t-shirts and sweaters highlight the natural curve of your shoulders.
To create a more trapezoid silhouette, select blazers and jackets with strong, squared shoulder lines.
This approach broadens the appearance of your upper body, shifting focus away from the waist.
Trouser Selection
For curve enhancement, choose tapered or slim-fit trousers that follow the line of your legs to accentuate the transition from hips to ankles, highlighting your shape.
To create a straighter silhouette, opt for straight-leg or slightly wide-leg trousers to creat a uniform line from hip to ankle, reducing the appearance of curves.
Fabric Choices
Softer, more pliable fabrics like jersey, fine knits, and lightweight wool drape well on an hourglass figure, following your natural contours.
For a more structured look, wear stiffer fabrics such as heavyweight cotton, denim, and structured wool.
These materials hold their shape, creating cleaner lines and a more angular appearance.
Strategic Layering
To accentuate curves, layer with fitted pieces. A snug undershirt beneath a slightly looser button-up, topped with a tailored jacket, creates a layered look that follows your body’s lines.
For a more rectangular appearance, use structured layers. A boxy overshirt or unstructured blazer over a straight-cut shirt creates visual bulk, minimising the appearance of waist definition.
Hourglass Body Shape Wardrobe Essentials
Building a versatile wardrobe that complements your hourglass shape involves selecting pieces that can be styled to either enhance or minimise your natural curves.
Here’s a breakdown of essential items, with notes on how to use them for different styling approaches.
| Category | Essentials | Curve-Enhancing Use | Angular Silhouette Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outerwear | Tailored blazers, bomber jackets, trench coats | Choose fitted styles with waist definition | Opt for boxier cuts and structured shoulders |
| Tops | V-neck t-shirts, fitted button-downs, knit sweaters | Select form-fitting options that highlight the waist | Choose looser fits and untucked styles |
| Bottoms | High-waisted trousers, straight-leg jeans, tailored shorts | Opt for high-rise and tapered legs | Select mid-rise and straight or wide-leg cuts |
| Accessories | Belts, watches, scarves | Use belts to cinch the waist; choose fitted scarves | Minimise belt use; opt for longer, draped scarves |
| Footwear | Chelsea boots, brogues, loafers | Choose sleeker profiles to elongate the leg | Opt for chunkier styles to balance proportions |
Hourglass Body Shape Outfit Ideas by Occasion
Here are three curated outfit ideas for different occasions, each presented with options to either enhance your natural hourglass shape or create a more angular silhouette.
Business Outfit Idea
Enhancing Curves
Start with a slim-fit, light blue dress shirt tucked into high-waisted, charcoal grey trousers.
Add a navy blue blazer with subtle waist suppression to accentuate your shape.
Complete the look with a brown leather belt, matching Oxford shoes, and a silver tie with a subtle pattern.
Creating Angular Silhouette
Opt for a white, straight-cut dress shirt worn untucked over mid-rise, straight-leg navy trousers.
Layer with a boxy, unstructured grey blazer to minimise waist definition. Finish with black Derby shoes and a textured tie in a darker shade of grey.
Casual Outfit Idea
Enhancing Curves
Choose a fitted V-neck t-shirt in burgundy, paired with slim-fit, dark-wash jeans and a tan suede bomber jacket that nips in slightly at the waist.
Complete the look with brown Chelsea boots and a matching leather belt.
Creating Angular Silhouette
Select a looser-fit crew neck t-shirt in forest green, worn with straight-leg khaki chinos and oversized denim jackets for a boxy silhouette.
Finish with white sneakers and minimise accessories to maintain clean lines.
Formal Outfit Idea
Enhancing Curves
Don a black, slim-fit turtleneck sweater tucked into high-waisted, tailored trousers in a deep burgundy.
Layer with a fitted, black velvet blazer, patent leather loafers, and a silver chain necklace to draw the eye vertically.
Creating Angular Silhouette
Opt for a loose-fitting, silk button-up shirt in emerald green, worn untucked over straight-leg black trousers.
Add a structured, peak-lapel blazer in black to broaden shoulders and finish with black leather Chelsea boots to elongate the leg line.
Dressing the Hourglass Body Shape by Seasons
Hourglass Body Shape Outfit Ideas for Spring
Enhancing Curves
Wear a pastel pink, fitted cotton polo shirt with slim-fit beige chinos and a light grey, waist-length Harrington jacket.
Complete with brown suede loafers and a braided leather belt.
Creating Angular Silhouette
Wear a pale blue linen shirt over a white crew-neck T-shirt and straight-leg khaki shorts that hit just above the knee.
Add white canvas sneakers for a clean, casual look.
Hourglass Body Shape Outfit Ideas for Summer
Enhancing Curves
Opt for a fitted, short-sleeve Henley shirt in coral, paired with tailored navy shorts.
Add espadrilles and a woven leather belt to accentuate your waist.
Creating Angular Silhouette
Select a boxy, Cuban-collar shirt in a bold print, worn open over a plain white T-shirt and relaxed-fit linen trousers in a neutral tone.
Finish with leather sandals for a laid-back summer look.
Hourglass Body Shape Outfit Ideas for Autumn
Enhancing Curves
Wear a fitted, burgundy turtleneck sweater under a tan suede jacket with a defined waist, slim-fit dark wash jeans, and brown Chelsea boots.
Add a patterned scarf for extra dimension.
Creating Angular Silhouette
Wear a loose-fitting olive green cable-knit sweater over a white Oxford shirt and relaxed corduroy trousers in a deep brown.
Complete the look with sturdy brogues in a matching shade.
Hourglass Body Shape Outfit Ideas for Winter
Enhancing Curves
Wear a charcoal grey, slim-fit roll-neck sweater under a double-breasted, navy wool coat.
Accessorise with a black belt, grey flannel trousers, and black leather ankle boots.
Creating Angular Silhouette
Wear a boxy, oversized cream cable-knit sweater over a straight-cut shirt and straight-leg dark grey wool trousers.
Top with a structured, single-breasted camel overcoat and chunky-soled Derby shoes.
Hourglass Body Shape Do’s and Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Choose fabrics that either drape well or hold their shape, depending on your styling goal. | Avoid overly clingy or excessively baggy clothing that can distort your proportions. |
| Opt for V-necks or scoop necks to elongate your torso when enhancing curves. | Shy away from boat necks or wide collars that can make your shoulders appear disproportionately broad. |
| Experiment with different trouser rises to find what best suits your body and style goals. | Disregard the importance of proper fit, especially in the shoulder and hip areas. |
| Use tailoring to adjust off-the-rack clothing for a perfect fit. | Rely on trends that don’t complement your body shape or personal style. |
| Balance proportions by choosing tops and bottoms that work harmoniously. | Wear horizontal stripes across your midsection, as they can widen your waist visually. |
Understanding how to dress for an hourglass body shape allows you to either accentuate your natural curves or create a more angular silhouette, depending on your preference.
By focusing on fit, proportion, and strategic styling choices, you can assemble outfits that enhance your physique and maintain a refined look for any occasion.
Mastering these styling principles will help you create a wardrobe that not only flatters your body shape but also reflects your personal style.
Whether you’re dressing for business, casual weekends, or seasonal events, these guidelines ensure your attire always hits the mark.
Remember, the key to confident dressing lies in understanding your body and choosing clothes that make you feel comfortable and empowered.
Experiment with different styles and techniques to find what works best for you, and don’t be afraid to break rules in the pursuit of your unique fashion expression.
Style Like A Pro
Before you go, here’s one of the best-kept secrets in men’s styling circles, a secret that only a few expert image consultants know or are willing to share:
First and foremost, professional styling requires knowing your unique body shape and seasonal colour palette, as the main factors in choosing perfectly fitting clothes in colours that complement your skin, eyes, and hair.
Only then you can be styled by occasion, location, season, and time of day, with garments, footwear, and accessories from heritage fashion brands that depict an old-money style gentleman of high confidence and success.
Best part? You can find your body shape, seasonal colour palette, and ideal fashion style, in less than 5 minutes, thanks to our 3 simple steps, below:
1. Find Your Body Shape
Different garments flatter different physiques, so knowing your body shape is the first step in dressing like a confident man – free body shape quiz for men.
Once you know your unique body shape, take the second free quiz to discover your unique colour palette.
2. Find Your Unique Colour Palette
Remember, fashion comes in various colours, but not every hue complements your natural colour.
Take our free seasonal colour quiz for men to find the most suitable colours for you.
3. Find Your Ideal Fashion Style
By now, you should already know your body shape and unique colour palette; the next step is to discover your ideal personal fashion style.
The fastest and simplest way is to take our free fashion style quiz for men; it includes your ideal style, outfit ideas, relevant fashion brands, and much more.
4. Professional Image Consultancy with The VOU
Only now you can style by occasion, location, season, and time of the day – here’s also where our expert image consultants and fashion stylists come in.
Our styling services for men are the most comprehensive and detailed on the market, backed up by leading stylists who will guide you step by step in creating looks that communicate affluence, elegance, and endless accomplishments.
Remember, owning luxury clothes isn’t enough; to look stylish, confident, and successful, you must first know your body shape and colour palette and only then style by occasion, location, season, and time of day.
Contact us today and save headaches, time, and money; the first styling assessment is on us!
It’s time to show the world the confident and successful you, a gentleman of exquisite fashion taste.