BODY SHAPE GUIDE
Pear Body Shape
A pear body shape is defined by hips that are noticeably wider than the shoulders, with a waist that’s usually well-defined. You may have a pear shape if this sounds familiar.
You don’t need exact measurements to know. Body shape is about your overall proportions, not your size.
You don’t need to change or “correct” your shape. The idea is simply to understand which styles and silhouettes you enjoy wearing.
Pear at a glance
You may have a pear body shape if your hips are noticeably wider than your shoulders, with a defined waist in between.
Wider Hips
Your hips are noticeably wider than your shoulders.
Defined Waist
Your waist is usually fairly well-defined.
Narrower Upper Body
Your shoulders and upper body tend to look narrower than your hips.
The Pear Styling Principle
When dressing a pear shape, an easy starting point is to bring a little visual attention upward and let your lower half move in softer, flowing fabrics. This doesn’t mean you need to hide your hips — details like necklines, shoulder shape and proportion can change the overall balance of an outfit.
Think of these as styling tools, not rules. The best outfit is the one that makes you feel comfortable and like yourself.
Styles to Wear More Intentionally
These styles aren’t “wrong” for a pear shape. They may simply draw more visual weight to your hips or create a different balance than you’re going for.
- ×Skinny bottoms with boxy tops — Pairing a very fitted bottom with a wide, unstructured top can emphasise the difference between your hips and shoulders.
- ×Heavily embellished or patterned bottoms — Bold patterns or heavy detail on the lower half can draw extra attention to the hips.
- ×Very tight, clingy fabrics on the hips — Very clingy fabrics can emphasise the hips more than you may want for a particular outfit.
- ×Skipping shoulder detail entirely — Leaving the upper body very plain can make the silhouette feel less balanced.
What Tends to Work Well
Add volume up top
Structured shoulders, statement sleeves or interesting necklines can help bring a little more visual attention to your upper body.
Define your waist
A belt, fitted waistline or simple tuck can highlight your natural waist and add definition to an outfit.
Choose A-line silhouettes
A-line skirts and dresses skim over the hips and create an easy, flowing shape.
Try wrap details
Wrap tops and dresses can add shape around the waist while creating a little more interest through the upper body.
Try Wider Necklines
Boat necks and other wider necklines can visually broaden the shoulder line and add balance to your proportions.
Pick fabrics with movement on the bottom
Softer, flowing fabrics can skim over the hips without feeling restrictive or clingy.
4 Easy Pear Outfit Ideas
Looking for a simple place to start? These four outfit ideas show different ways to bring balance between your shoulders and hips.
Boat Neck Basics
A boat-neck top with a flowing A-line skirt creates a simple, balanced silhouette that’s easy to wear.
Finding Balance
A structured blazer adds definition up top, while wide-leg trousers create an easy line through the lower half.
Statement Sleeve
A statement-sleeve top adds interest up top, paired with straight-leg jeans for an easy everyday look.
Dark-Light Contrast
A lighter top with darker trousers or a skirt naturally draws the eye upward while keeping the outfit simple.
Explore Your Pear Style
Pear Outfit Ideas
Get inspiration for casual days, work, weekends and special occasions.
Pear Wardrobe Essentials
Discover versatile pieces that can form the foundation of a pear-friendly wardrobe.
Pear Style Formulas
Simple outfit combinations you can repeat, adapt and make your own.
Not Sure You’re a Pear?
Every body is different, and you don’t need to fit perfectly into one category. If you’re unsure which body shape guide is most relevant to you, take the quiz or explore all body shapes.
