How do I know if I am one?
The first thing to determine is whether or not you are an hourglass figure. One of the easiest ways to do this is through a body shape calculator and there are many available online. I have provided links to a few to the right.
Basically, the definition of an hourglass figure according to Collin's dictionary is a woman with a small waist who is well proportioned. I find that definition not super helpful in terms of deciding if I am one or not.
The original hourglass measurements are often described as 36"-24"-36" (bust, waist, hips). However, the shape can be other sizes as long as the proportions are similar between bust and hips, and the waist is much smaller. Many sites say the waist needs to be 10" smaller than bust and hips.
Basically, the steps to determining if you are an hourglass shape are:
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Measure your bust, waist, and hips using a tape measure.
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Pull the measuring tape taut across the fullest part of your bust but not so taut that you squish your breasts.
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Measure your waist at the thinnest part, right above your belly button.
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For your hips, start at one hip right below the hip bone and wrap the tape measure around the largest part of your butt.
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You are an hourglass if your waist is at least 25% smaller than your bust / hip measurements and your bust and hip measurements are within 5% of each other.