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How rare is an hourglass figure?

Author

Emily Sparks

Published Jan 25, 2026

A study conducted by a faculty member in North Carolina State University's College of Textiles reveals that only 8 percent of women actually have hourglass figures.

Is an hourglass body shape rare?

While it is not impossible to get an hourglass body shape, it is also rare to find one. The celebrities use the best personal trainer, expensive cosmetic procedures, and shapewear to get the hourglass body figure.

What is the rarest body shape?

The hourglass body shape is one of the rarest and wished for figure type, which every woman would dream of.

Can everyone have an hourglass figure?

The bottom line

A perfect hourglass figure may be hard to achieve and, in reality, it's a body shape that few people have naturally. Although there are ways to trim inches from your waist and tone your muscles in the right places, it's important to be realistic and remember that your measurements don't define you.

Is hourglass figure healthy?

'You can be ultra-slim and yet be unhealthy, and likewise have an hourglass figure and be fit and healthy. It's all dependent on lifestyle and what we're putting into our bodies and how we're treating it. 'A lot of women can naturally carry more weight around the hip area, and for many, they're happy with the shape.

28 related questions found

Which female body shape is most attractive?

According to a new study published in the journal Evolution and Human Behavior, women with a 'low waist-to-hip ratio (WHRs)' – commonly known as an 'hourglass figure' – are seen to have the most attractive bodies.

Who has the best hourglass figure?

The Best Celebrity Hourglass Figures

  • NICKI MINAJ.
  • RAQUEL WELCH.
  • SCARLETT JOHANSSON.
  • SOFIA VERGARA.
  • SOPHIA LOREN.
  • URSULA ANDRESS.
  • KIM KARDASHIAN.
  • 20 / 20. SALMA HAYEK.

What are the 3 body types?

People are born with an inherited body type based on skeletal frame and body composition. Most people are unique combinations of the three body types: ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph.

What is banana body type?

Rectangle, straight, or “banana”

If your waist measurements are about the same as your hip or bust, and your shoulders and hips are about the same width, you have what's called a “banana” or rectangle body type. Stylists will probably point you toward off-the-shoulder tops, tube dresses, and belted waists.

Can you be skinny and have an hourglass figure?

So, even if you have a skinny figure overall, as long as you meet the following “criteria”, you are still an hourglass shape! You have a well-defined waist line that is significantly smaller than your shoulders or hips. That is, your waist is at least 25% smaller than your hips.

Do hourglass figures have big thighs?

Contrary to the body shapes of most supermodels, the hourglass figure is more round and curvy, with a well-defined waistline, fuller hips and bust/chest and generous thighs.

Do guys like hourglass figure?

Studies have found that many straight men prefer women with an hourglass figure, with the woman's waist being about 70 percent as wide as her hips. Indeed, this fact is often cited as an example of evolutionary psychology — the idea that evolution has shaped our minds as well as our bodies.

Is Top hourglass body attractive?

Shapely hips in women are linked with fertility and overall health. As such, it makes sense evolutionarily speaking that studies across cultures have shown men typically find hourglass figures sexy.

Which figure is best for girl?

According to the class 12 CBSE Health and Physical Education textbook, 36-24-36 is considered the best shape for females. “That is why in Miss World or Miss Universe competitions, such type of shape is also taken into consideration,” states the textbook.

What's the most common body type?

The five most common body types

  • Apple (aka oval or round)
  • Pear (aka triangle)
  • Athletic (aka inverted triangle)
  • Rectangle (aka straight or banana)
  • Hourglass.

What is a strawberry body shape?

Also regularly referred to as the Inverted Triangle body type, the strawberry body shape has: A straight and squared shoulder line that is proportionately wider than the hips. Large bust. Little definition between waist and hip.

What body types do models have?

You know you have a straight body type if you have the same measurements for all sections of your body. This body type is popularly known as the supermodel body. It is also called a rectangular or ruler body. Since it does not have a well-defined waistline, the body tends to look straight.

What is a cherry body shape?

Generally for a double cherry, you define your body as curvy with a defined waist, while your bust and hip measurements are roughly even. To be sure, measure yourself at your shoulders, bust, waist and hips using our guide. Your shoulder and hip measurements are within 5% of each other.

What body type is considered skinny?

Ectomorphs. Generally thin and lean, ectomorphs tend to have slender waists, narrow hips and shoulders, small joints, and long legs and arms. They tend to be slim, without much body fat or noticeable muscle mass.

Which body type is strongest?

A mesomorph has a large bone structure, large muscles and a naturally athletic physique. Mesomorphs are the best body type for bodybuilding. They find it quite easy to gain and lose weight. They are naturally strong which is the perfect platform for building muscle.

What is the pear body shape?

A pear body shape—or as we like to call it, a triangular frame—is determined by your measurements. Here are some characteristics that often apply: Your hips and thighs are wider than your shoulders and bust. Your have a defined waist that is narrow compared to your hips.

Is an hourglass figure curvy?

The hourglass body shape is beautiful and curvy and has some distinct characteristics. You may have curvier thighs and more rounded edges to your full-frame than some of the other body types.

What is a bottom hourglass figure?

you have a Bottom Hourglass body shape. The criteria for Bottom Hourglass shape are bust-to-waist and hips-to-waist ratios that are significant. with hips measurement being slightly larger than the bust.

Was Marilyn Monroe an hourglass figure?

Marilyn Monroe did have an extreme hourglass shape, according to a dressmaker who listed these measurements: Height: 5 feet, 5½ inches. Weight: 118-140 pounds. Bust: 35-37 inches.

Do guys prefer face or body?

For long-term 75 percent of male participants wanted to see the face, but for short-term flings 50 percent of men chose face and 50 percent chose the body.