Pear shape: everything you need to know
All about you
Pear shapes often have neat waists and busts, soft slim shoulders and arms, but struggle with flattering their bottom and hips. Viewed from behind your shoulders probably have a soft curve to them, although they may be angular - their key defining feature is that they are narrower than your hips. Your hips are curvy and probably look far larger to you than to other people - we always blow our least favourite body part out of proportion in our minds. Your bottom is also curvy. You might struggle with weight on your thighs, but have lovely shapely lower legs which look good when shown off.
Pears generally find that any weight gained goes straight on their hips and thighs, and generally want clothes to skim over that area.
Do wear
- Styles that fit and flatter your top half, while keeping the lines around your hips and bottom softer and more flowing.
- A well cut pencil or fit and flare skirt is your friend for work and party.
- More feminine shaped necklines, especially retro 50s and 60s inspired tops, flatter your neat bust while following your curves
- Dipped, shirt and asymmetric hems can flatter your hips.
- Add a cardigan, wrap or jacket which flows over your hips to slim and neaten this area.
- Any dress style which enhances your lovely neat waist then follows the curve of your hips will flatter you.
- Tops which sit at hip level (a little way above your widest point) are generally the most flattering, although longline tops which extend below your widest point can also flatter your hips.
- Add accessories to draw attention upwards and visually balance out your hips.
Avoid
- Tops with lots of excess drape and fabric.
- Boxy tops - these will just make you look wide all the way down.
- Straight cut trousers and skirts with no room for your hips - these will make you look wide and blocky.
- Avoid having all the pattern and detail on the bottom half. This doesn't mean you can never wear a patterned skirt, but balance it out with a statement necklace or scarf.
Shop here:Floral Swing V Neck in True Red & Navy, Short Cascade Wrap in True Red, Faux Wrap 3/4 Sleeve in Acid Yellow, Cotton Rib Bolero in Chinese Blue
To read about the other body shapes, use the links below:
Susan on Jan 06, 2023 7:43 PM
I am somewhere between pear and hourglass with apple tendencies.
Judith Makoff on Nov 13, 2019 6:29 PM
I'm a pear masquerading as an apple! I'm also short and my legs are awful so skirts are out.
Love the short cascade- a good length on me. Stretch tops don't flatter me though - too many lumps! Would LOVE more wraps in merino, especially shorter styles, as Linda suggested - current merino wraps swamp me.
Nuala Farrell on Oct 27, 2019 5:59 PM
Pear shaped
Nina on Oct 25, 2019 2:32 PM
I am a short-waisted pear shape, with angular shoulders and a bit of a tummy now! Swing tops are best, but could do with texture minus the bulk.
Linda McKie on Aug 23, 2019 6:27 AM
The short cascade is nearly there. If it had a longer curved back, and got rid of the dangly bits, it would be a nice shape for pears. I personally would prefer it in merino for winter or cotton for summer.
Linda McKie on Aug 23, 2019 6:07 AM
I am a pear, and it's true that short tops looked good on me when I was younger, worn with an A line skirt, now that I no longer have a waist, they just don't. I find a longish, cocoon shape cardi works best. Longer at the back, and shaped up at the front. Also, I find that swing styles make me look diamond shape. Hope this is helpful!
Maggie Dormer on Jul 29, 2019 8:09 PM
I am pear shape and also 5’ 10” tall. The short cascade looks awful on me!
Ginette Morin on Jul 28, 2019 2:06 AM
Yes, I am a pear shape.
Penny Wilson on Jul 17, 2019 2:33 PM
I am a pear shape