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Dressing A Pear Body Shape

Everything you need to know about the pear body shape in 2023

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Written by:

Niki Whittle

Light Title Banner With Sidebar

Written by:

Niki Whittle

Published Sept 2022

Table of Contents

As a personal stylist with almost 17 years experience dressing pear shaped women in all sizes and shapes (yes, there are different types of pear shaped bodies!), I’ve compiled the ultimate guide to pear shapes.

If you want to know what a pear body shape looks like, want to know if your body shape is a pear, want to know how to dress a pear shape, or which clothes a pear shape should wear, and which clothes to avoid, this post will tell you everything you need know so you finally have the knowledge and skills to find the clothes that work for you, and put together outfits that look good on you.

what is a pear body shape, and what does it look like?

The pear body shape is one of the 4 primary body shapes.  It's also known as a triangle body shape or a bottom heavy shape.  

These names derive from the fact that a pear body shape is smaller on the top half than the bottom half.  This is because her shoulders are narrower than her hips, she has a small bust, and she typically carries her weight on her bottom half ?

a graphic illustrating the characteristics of a pear body shape

how to tell if you have a pear body shape

There are 2 main tell-tail signs that indicate you have a pear shape:

  1. The first is if you typically wear a smaller clothing size on your top half than you do on you bottom half
  2. And the second is that your shoulders are narrower than your hips

But that's not all...if your body shape also aligns with these common characteristics, the chances are that you have a pear shaped body ?

THESE ARE THE COMMON CHARACTERISTICS OF A PEAR BODY SHAPE:

  • You often wear a smaller dress size on the top half than you do on the bottom half -and this can make it difficult to get dresses that fit both your top and bottom half – if they fit you on top, they’re often too tight on the bottom...and vice versa.
  • If you put weight on it tends to sit on your bottom and thighs before anywhere else
  • You have a small bust - which,combined your narrow shoulders and long torso, enhances your small top half, which highlights your larger bottom half.  It also means that some tops loose across your chest.
  • You have a defined waistline which makes buying jeans, pants and skirts frustrating as they often gape at the back of the waistband…even if they fit your hips and thighs.
  • Your torso is longer than your legs, and this makes your bottom half look heavier than it is, which only enhances your pear shape.  It also means that tops and sleeves are sometimes a little short and you’ll find yourself pulling them down.
  • And your shoulders are narrower than your hips and it’s this that makes you look bottom heavy. It also means that some tops fit your bust and shoulders, but catch at your hips and ride up.

Still unsure if you have a pear body shape? Take my free quiz?

Take the quiz!

does your pear body-shape overlap with another body-shape?

Many women struggle to fit into just one body-shape category, and this is because the 4 well-established body types are elementary, and as such they only take into account the basic qualities of each shape.

This means that it's likely that you align with most of the characteristics of a classic pear shape but not all of them.    You might also identify some of the characteristics of a second body shape…if this is you don't worry, it's totally normal!  

So, it's quite possible that your elementary body-shape might be pear shape, but your true body shape -the one that takes into consideration ALL off your characteristics - might be a pear body shape with secondary body shape tendencies of an Hourglass or Column.

are you a pear body shape with column shape characteristics?

Sometimes a pear body shape overlaps with the characteristics of a column shape when you also have these characteristics:

  • You are slim
  • You have a very small bust
  • Your shoulders are narrower than your hips, but only a little narrower
  • And your waist isn't very defined - but it is narrower than your hips

are you a pear body shape with hourglass shape characteristics?

Sometimes a pear body shape overlaps with the characteristics of an hourglass shape when you also have these characteristics:

  • You have a large bust
  • You have a very well defined waist
  • And your shoulders are only slightly narrower than your hips

Download my workbook to help you get a better understanding of your shape and it's unique characteristics, so you can identify your true body shape?

mosk up image of a workbook to help you get a better understanding of your body shape
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how do you know if you're a pear shape or an hourglass?

Measure the circumference of your shoulders and hips:

If the circumference of your shoulders is the same (give or take a couple of cm’s) as your hips, and you have a very well defined waistline, you are an hourglass

If the circumference of your shoulders is noticeably less than the circumference of your hips, and you have a waistline, you are a pear shape.

If you're still not sure, take my FREE body shape quiz

Which celebrities are pear shaped?

jennifer lopez

kim kardashian

melissa McCarthy

Keira Knitghley

America Ferrera

Mindy kaling

how should a pear body shape dress?

I’m going to keep this simple:

⭐The most flattering outfit for a pear body shape is a combination of clothes that highlights your assets, creates a balanced frame, and fits you well.⭐

Clothes can add volume, create shape, emphasize, and disguise, so, to create a flattering outfit as a pear body shape, you want to try to balance your smaller top half with your heavier bottom half to create the appearance of a balanced silhouette, whilst also showcasing your assets ?

  • Choose clothing styles that add volume to your narrow shoulders, to broaden them and give the appearance of a balanced frame
  • Combine this with clothing styles that slim and elongate your legs to make your torso look shorter, and your proportions more balanced
  • And choose clothing styles and elements that highlight and enhance your unique assets - A pear shape’s assets are typically a defined waistline and neat top half; but you will want to identify what your unique assets are and take these into consideration when you’re dressing your pear body shape.  If you need help figuring out what your assets and qualities are, this workbook will help

 Just like this ?

This outfit makes my shape appear very unbalanced:

A women wearing an unflattering outfit
  • The thin straps draw the eye in to further narrow my shoulders
  • The top hides my waist and highlights my widest point which makes my bottom half look bigger
  • The length of the top makes my legs look shorter, which makes them look heavier
  • And the skinny ankle makes my thighs look heavier

This outfit makes shape look more balanced:

A pear body shaped women wearing a flattering outfit
  • The halterneck highlights my shoulders which makes them look broader
  • The top sits at my waist to highlight it
  • The length of the top makes my legs look longer which makes them look slimmer
  • And the kick flare balances my  hips to make them look slimmer

Which clothes work best for a pear shape?

If you're anything like my pear shaped clients, you've probably wasted far too much time and money buying clothes that you don’t feel good in.  

Outfits never look as good on you as they did in your head, and you can’t find the clothes that fit well:

  • Pants and jeans gape at the back of the waistband
  • Dresses rarely fit both your top and bottom half
  • And most clothes seem to make you look big on the bottom half

Well, no more!  

I'm drawing on my 17 years experience helping pear shaped women like you to create outfits that look good, and am sharing the best clothes for a pear shape so you can turn your body shape into your superpower and make clothes work for you...rather than the other way round!

these are the best tops for a pear body  shape

pear shapes should wear tops that:

  • Make your shoulders look broader as this will help to balance your hips and make you look less bottom heavy
  • Shorten your torso - this will make your legs appear longer, and your proportions more balanced
  • Highlight your waist
  • And add volume and detailing to your small bust and torso to balance your bottom half and draw the eye up

pear body shapes should avoid tops that:

  • Narrow your shoulders as this will make your frame look more bottom heavy
  • Draw a line across your hips, as this will make your legs look shorter and heavier
  • And hide your waist
Images of tops that flatter a pear shape

these are the best skirt styles for a pear body  shape

Pear body shapes should wear skirts that:

  • Make your hips look narrower as this will help to balance your shoulders and make you look less bottom heavy
  • Elongate your legs - this will make your torso look shorter and your proportions more balanced
  • Highlight your waist

Pear body shapes should avoid wearing skirts that:

  • Add weight and volume to your hips to make them look wider
  • Hide your waist
  • And shorten your legs to make you look more bottom heavy
Images of skirts that flatter a pear shape

the best pants, trousers and jeans styles for a pear body  shape

pear body shapes should wear pants, trousers and jeans that:

  • Make your hips look narrower as this will help to balance your shoulders and make you look less bottom heavy
  • Elongate your legs - this will make your torso look shorter and your proportions more balanced
  • Highlight your waist

pear body shapes should avoid pants, trousers and jeans that:

  • Add weight and volume to your hips to make them look wider
  • Hide your waist
  • And shorten your legs to make you look more bottom heavy
Images of jackets and coats that flatter a pear shape

⭐If you are looking for the ultimate guide to the most flattering jeans for a pear body shape, check out this blog post!⭐

these are the best dresses for a pear body  shape

A pear shape should wear dresses that:

  • Make your shoulders look broader as this will help to balance your hips and make you look less bottom heavy
  • Elongate your legs to shorten your torso and balance your proportions
  • Highlight your waist
  • Add volume and detailing to your small bust and torso to balance your bottom half and draw the eye up
  • And skim and narrow your hips to balance your narrow shoulders and balance your frame

A pear shape should avoid dresses that:

  • Narrow your shoulders as this will make your frame look more bottom heavy
  • Draw a line across your hips, as this will make your legs look shorter and heavier
  • Add weight across your hips
  • Hide your waist
  • And shorten your legs
Images of dresses that flatter a pear shape

these are the best jackets and coats for a pear body  shape

A pear body shape should wear jackets and coats that:

  • Make your shoulders look broader as this will help to balance your hips and make you look less bottom heavy
  • Shorten your torso - this will make your legs appear longer, and your proportions more balanced
  • Highlight your waist
  • And add volume and detailing to your small bust and torso to balance your bottom half and draw the eye up

A pear body shape should avoid jackets and coats that:

  • Narrow your shoulders as this will make your frame look more bottom heavy
  • Draw a line across your hips, as this will make your legs look shorter and heavier
  • Add weight across your hips
  • And hide your waist
Images of jackets and coats that flatter a pear shape

want more detailed information about your pear shape and which clothes work for you?

My simple guide will show you exactly what the most and least flattering clothes are for your shape, so you can start creating outfits that look good on you ?

get the guide for your shape

what are the best jeans for a pear body shape?

I’ve created a super in depth blog post sharing the best jeans for pear shapes over here so be sure to check that out!

these are the best stores to shop for a pear body shape

  • MADEWELL- This is one of my favorite retailers for pear shapes!  They have a great selection of 'curvy fit' jeans, pants and skirts that fit a pear shaped body beautifully.  If you've not heard about curvy fit jeans, they are a game changer - they are designed specifically for women who have a defined waist and curvy hips and butt, so you won't get that frustrating waist gap! ??
  • EVERLANE - This is another store I use for myself and my pear shaped clients. They also have a good selection of curvy fit jeans that are perfect for pear shapes.
  • SEZANE - This is my favorite place to source pear shape friendly tops.  They have a wonderful selection of tops with statement shoulders and ruffles...perfect for adding interest and broadening narrow shoulders.
  • AND OTHER STORIES - This is another great store for tops, blouses and knitwear that fit and flatter a pear body shape.
  • ME + EM - Their  pants and trousers have the ability to be tightened at the back to ensure a good fit and avoid waist gap
  • VETTA - Many of their clothes feature ties that enable you to get a great fit where you need it
  • BODEN - This is such a great store to get tops, blouses and knitwear for pear body shapes. But, stear clear of their pants and jeans - they rarely fit a pear shape well!
  • REFORMATION - if you're looking for skirts that fit a pear shape, head to Reformation - their Zoe, Silas, Flounce, and Hermosa skirts are all fantastic fits! They have petite, standard and plus size collections, and they offer styles that work for all shapes.
  • MINT VELVET - Their pants, trousers and jeans typically fit a pear shape very well
  • ANTHROPOLOGIE - I often head hear when I'm shopping for tops for a pear shaped client.  Think ruffles, statement sleeves and bold silhouettes that balance a bottom heavy frame.
  • BANANA REPUBLIC - If you have a long torso, try shopping in Banana Republic for tops and dresses
  • HILL HOUSE - Their dresses are the PERFECT shape for a pear shape, especially the Ellie Nap Dress!

conclusion

I know that a pear body shape can seem like a really difficult shape to dress, but it isn't!  There are lots of clothing styles out there that show off your beautiful curves to their absolute best, and once you know what they are, and where to shop for them, you'll be able to confidently shop for clothes that look good on you, and will start to enjoy getting dressed.

Not sure if you have a pear shaped body?

Purchase my Body Shape Analysis for only $27 ?

tell me what shape I have!

If you have any questions about dressing your pear shape, get in touch - I'm here to help!

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Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product via these links I will earn a small commission. I NEVER link to products that I wouldn’t recommend to my clients, or purchase myself, in fact I own many of the styles linked here so can vouch for them! To find out more CLICK HERE

Hi, I'm Niki

author and personal stylist

Over the past 17 years I’ve freed thousands of women from the frustration of disappointing outfits, by showing them how to dress to make the most of their shape, and helping them build a closet that's easy to use and fun to wear.  My blog shares the tried and true tips and knowledge I've developed, to help you stop wasting money on disappointing clothes, and build a closet you enjoy wearing.


You can find out more about Niki here

And you can get in touch with Niki here