What body shape has big hips? The definitive guide to the pear and hourglass figures

September 21, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2005 study by North Carolina State University, more than 20% of women have a pear or triangle-shaped body, which is defined by having hips that are noticeably wider than the shoulders. Understanding what body shape has big hips can help you appreciate your unique proportions and inform your approach to health and wellness.

Quick Summary

The pear or triangle body shape is characterized by hips and thighs that are wider than the shoulders and bust, whereas the hourglass figure features balanced proportions between the upper and lower body with a well-defined waist. Genetics primarily determine where your body stores fat, impacting overall shape.

Key Points

The pear shape has big hips: The pear or triangle body shape is primarily defined by hips and thighs that are wider than the shoulders and bust.
Genetics determine fat distribution: Your body shape is largely predetermined by genetics, which influence where your body stores fat.
Hourglass shape also has prominent hips: The hourglass figure is characterized by a balanced hip-to-shoulder ratio with a significantly narrower waist.
Measurement is key: To accurately determine your body shape, you should take measurements of your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips.
Health is more than shape: While fat distribution can have health implications, overall wellness is not defined by a specific body shape category. Fitness and diet are most important.
Style for your proportions: Dressing to enhance your unique proportions can boost confidence. For pear shapes, this often involves balancing a smaller upper body with a larger lower body.

Understanding the Pear Body Shape (Triangle)

The pear body shape, also known as the triangle, is defined by a narrow upper body and a wider lower body. This means the hips, thighs, and buttocks are the widest parts of the body, while the shoulders and bust are comparatively smaller. This body shape is a result of genetics, which dictate where your body tends to store fat. For those with a pear shape, weight gain typically accumulates below the waist.

Key characteristics of a pear shape

Hips wider than shoulders: This is the most defining feature. Your hip measurement will be significantly larger than your shoulder or bust measurement.
Defined waistline: Despite carrying more weight in the lower body, a pear-shaped individual often has a well-defined, smaller waist.
Weight gain in lower body: When a pear-shaped person gains weight, it typically shows in the hips, thighs, and buttocks first.
Proportionately smaller upper body: The bust, shoulders, and arms tend to be more slender compared to the lower half.

Health implications of a pear shape

While body shape is not a direct indicator of health, the distribution of fat can have certain health implications. For years, the pear shape has been considered metabolically safer than the apple shape, which stores fat around the abdomen. However, more recent studies suggest that storing fat in the thighs, as is common with a pear shape, can still be a risk factor for metabolic syndrome. This highlights the importance of maintaining overall wellness through a balanced diet and regular exercise, regardless of your body type.

The Hourglass Body Shape

Often considered the 'classic' curvy figure, the hourglass body shape also features prominent hips, but with a key difference from the pear shape. With an hourglass figure, the hips and bust are relatively equal in width, and the waist is significantly narrower and well-defined. The overall silhouette is balanced and proportional.

Key characteristics of an hourglass figure

Bust and hips are balanced: The measurements of the bust and hips are nearly the same size.
Significantly smaller waist: The waist measurement is noticeably smaller than both the bust and hip measurements, often by 8 or more inches.
Even weight distribution: When an hourglass figure gains weight, it tends to be distributed more evenly across the body, though often beginning in the bust and hips.
Overall curvy silhouette: The body flows from the bust to the narrow waist and out to the hips in a curved, symmetrical line.

Comparison: Pear vs. Hourglass

Understanding the subtle differences between a pear and an hourglass is key to identifying your own body shape. While both can have big hips, their proportions tell a different story. Here is a quick comparison.


Feature	Pear (Triangle)	Hourglass
Hips vs. Shoulders	Hips are noticeably wider than the shoulders.	Hips and bust are roughly the same width as shoulders.
Waist Definition	Well-defined, but the contrast is less dramatic than with an hourglass.	Significantly more defined and cinched compared to bust and hips.
Primary Weight Gain	Hips, thighs, and buttocks.	Generally evenly distributed, but may start in the bust and hips.
Upper Body	Smaller bust and narrower shoulders relative to hips.	Full bust that is in proportion with the hips.

How to determine your body shape

To determine if you are pear-shaped, hourglass-shaped, or another body type, a simple measurement test is the most accurate method. While visual observation can give you a good idea, using a tape measure removes the guesswork.

Steps for measuring

Measure your shoulders: Have a friend help you measure from the tip of one shoulder to the other, wrapping the tape across your back.
Measure your bust: Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your bust.
Measure your waist: Find the narrowest part of your torso, typically just above your belly button.
Measure your hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks.

Interpreting your results

Pear: If your hip measurement is significantly larger than your shoulder or bust measurement, you are likely a pear shape.
Hourglass: If your bust and hips are similar measurements, and your waist is at least 8 inches smaller, you are likely an hourglass.
Rectangle: If your waist, hip, and shoulder measurements are all fairly similar, with little definition at the waist, you may be a rectangle.
Apple: If your waist is the widest part of your body, wider than your hips and shoulders, you are likely an apple shape.
Inverted Triangle: If your shoulders are noticeably wider than your hips, you have an inverted triangle shape.

Body image and health: Beyond the shape

It is important to remember that these categories are primarily a tool for understanding proportions, often used in fashion, rather than a rigid health assessment. Every body is unique, and many people have a combination of characteristics from different body types. Focusing on overall health and wellness is far more important than fitting into a specific body shape category. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and positive body image are the cornerstones of a healthy lifestyle for everyone.

For more detailed information on health implications related to different fat distribution patterns, you can consult a reputable source such as the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, which discusses the link between body fat distribution and heart disease risk.

Embracing and styling your shape

Regardless of your body shape, dressing in a way that makes you feel confident and comfortable is key. For those with big hips, styling can focus on balancing proportions and highlighting your waist. For pear shapes, this means drawing attention upwards, while hourglass figures can easily accentuate their defined waistline. Ultimately, understanding your shape is simply a tool for enhancing your personal style and celebrating your body. You should not feel constrained by any one label but rather use it as a guide to feeling and looking your best.

Conclusion

While the pear or triangle body shape is the primary answer to what body shape has big hips due to its lower-body weight distribution, the hourglass figure also features prominent, balanced hips. Both are natural and beautiful variations of the human form, largely determined by genetics. Ultimately, understanding your body's proportions can be a useful tool for fashion and personal wellness, but a holistic focus on health, fitness, and body positivity is far more valuable than any classification.

Frequently Asked Questions

For many years, the pear shape, which stores fat in the hips and thighs, was considered less risky for metabolic diseases than the apple shape, which stores fat in the abdomen. However, recent studies show that thigh fat can also be a risk factor, so focusing on overall health through diet and exercise is best.

While you can't completely change your genetically determined body shape, you can alter your proportions through exercise and diet. By building muscle in your upper body and managing your weight through a balanced diet, you can create a more balanced silhouette.

No. While the pear shape is defined by having hips wider than the shoulders, the hourglass figure also has big hips that are balanced with a full bust and a defined waist. Body shape is based on the proportion of hips to the rest of the body.

The main difference is proportion. The hourglass figure has hips and a bust that are similar in width with a well-defined waist, creating balance. A pear shape has hips that are significantly wider than the shoulders and bust.

To balance a pear shape, you can draw attention to your upper body with structured shoulders, statement tops, or bright colors. On your lower half, opt for dark-colored, looser-fitting bottoms like A-line skirts or bootcut jeans to minimize the hip area.

A balanced exercise routine is most beneficial. Focus on upper body strength training to build muscle and balance your proportions, combined with cardio and targeted lower body exercises like squats and lunges to tone your legs and hips.

No, body shapes are general classifications. Many people have a combination of traits from different body types, and body shape can also change with age, weight fluctuations, and other factors. It's best to view these classifications as a guide rather than a strict label.