An X-shape woman has a well-defined waist: her shoulders are the same width as her hips, sometimes even wider. It's a harmonious, balanced silhouette — much like the 8-shape, only narrower and less curvy. Here are the cuts to favour and avoid for every piece in the wardrobe.
- Hips and shoulders in line with each other
- Slight build, French dress size 34 to 38 at most
- A slim, well-defined waist
- Generally a smaller bust
Body shapes are about body proportions, not weight (which is only really an indicator for the X- and O-shapes — X-shape women tend to be the slimmest, O-shape women tend to be curvier, while 8-, A-, H- and V-shape women can be either slim or fuller-figured). Identifying your body shape helps you find the clothes that suit you best. There are 6 families of women's body shapes: X (the hourglass), 8, H (the rectangle), A (the pyramid), V (the inverted triangle) and O (the round).
What to wear for an X-shape body?
Lucky women with this silhouette should make the most of their naturally well-defined waist: flowing fabrics, fitted cuts, and a belt that emphasises the wasp waist even further.
Skirts
Every skirt style suits an X-shape silhouette, which is spoilt for choice: A-line, straight, flowing or structured fabrics — anything goes. A special mention for high-waisted skirts, which further highlight a slim waist — tucking a top in only emphasises the femininity of the shape.
| Item | Go for | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Skirts | High-waisted, long, midi, mini, flowing or structured, A-line, pencil, straight, tube, sheath, full, lightly pleated at the front | Too baggy, low-rise, too pleated |
Jeans, trousers and shorts
Jeans, trousers and shorts are wardrobe essentials: skinny, bootcut, cigarette, carrot-fit — every cut and colour works, with a preference for high-waisted styles that accentuate a slim waist.
| Item | Go for | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans / trousers / shorts | High-waisted or regular, bootcut, flared, skinny, jeggings, boyfriend fit, straight-leg, centred pockets, leggings, cigarette, carrot-fit, chino, harem pants, belted playsuits | Low-rise (pockets that accentuate the hips), baggy trousers, frilly or heavily patterned, bootcut on shorter legs |
Tops
Ideally, make the most of your curves and slim waist with fitted shirts, snug-fit t-shirts, bustiers, wrap tops, and V-necks or plunging necklines that flatter the bust.
| Item | Go for | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Tops | Coloured or dark, plain, patterned or striped, V-neck/boat/asymmetric/cowl/jabot collars, thin straps, sleeveless, high neck with racerback cut, peplum, fitted, wrap tops, bustiers, fitted blouses, fitted round-neck jumpers, close-fitting cardigans | Overly billowy, shapeless tunics, overly loose tops, square necklines |
Dresses
Draped, wrap, sheath or crossover: every dress style suits an X-shape silhouette, in any cut and colour flattering to your complexion. A belt is always welcome to show off a slim waist.
| Item | Go for | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Dresses | Dark or light colours, V-neckline, short/midi/long, patterned, lace, frilled, sequinned, fitted with thin straps, wrap, belted shirt-dress, flowing and belted, fitted, structured fabric fitted at the waist, crossover, sheath, figure-hugging, draped, peplum, bustier | Too baggy, straight-cut, polo neck, tight at the hips |
Coats and jackets
The coat is a wardrobe hero. Unsurprisingly, the best styles are those that flatter the silhouette: belted, fitted and cinched-waist shapes.
| Item | Go for | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Coats / jackets | Coloured or dark, plain or patterned, classic or statement, fitted jackets, long fitted belted coats, trench coats belted at the waist, close-fitting bomber jackets, fitted pea coats and blazers, belted fitted coats, A-line or princess-seam shapes | Heavily padded shoulders, straight cut worn closed, baggy shapeless jackets, cocoon coats |
Lingerie and swimwear
Basques, bodysuits, corsets, bustiers, full-cup or balconette bras: hourglass women can wear every style, so long as they respect their natural lines and the right lingerie size.
| Item | Go for | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Bras | Fitted to the band and cup size, lace/frills/patterns, thin straps, triangle, balconette, full-cup, underwired, push-up, padded, racerback, bustiers, corsets, basques, bodysuits | — |
| Knickers | Narrow Brazilian briefs, high-cut, high-cut shorties, thongs, G-strings | Too high-cut, or frilled/ruffled if there's fullness on the hips |
| Swimwear | Bandeau/triangle/scarf/balconette/full-cup underwired tops, push-up, padded; two-tone shorty bottoms, Brazilian-cut, thongs; one-pieces, backless, bustier, plunging neckline, trikinis, tankinis; plus a sarong tied at the waist | Bandeau tops if fuller-busted, frilled/ruffled bottoms if there's fullness, high-cut bottoms if petite |
Accessories: shoes, jewellery, belts
Shorter women will prefer heels to elongate the silhouette (pumps, sandals, below-the-knee boots, ankle boots, boots), while taller women should opt for ballet flats, derbies, slippers, loafers, flat boots or barely-there sandals. Coloured or patterned tights are wonderfully suited to X-shape bodies. As for jewellery, multi-strand or mid-length necklaces flatter the neckline. Finally, a belt remains the hourglass silhouette's best ally for showing off a defined waist — as long as it isn't too wide, so as not to weigh down the silhouette.
For the X-shape body, one rule guides every choice: fitted cuts and a belt, to emphasise a waist that's already naturally well-defined.
