Pear Body Shape
Hip-dominant · gentle taper · FFIT: Triangle
The hip is a good deal larger than the bust, and the waist-to-hip taper is gentle rather than sharp. The outline reads as a widening line from shoulder to hem.
How this class is defined → The hip exceeds the bust by 3.6 in or more, while the hip-to-waist difference stays under 9 in.
Check it against your own measurements
The calculator opens with a measurement set that drafts to pear. Replace the figures with your own to see whether you land in the same class.
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How to dress the proportion
- Top
Put detail and light at the top — pattern, texture, brighter color, interesting sleeves. It balances the outline without touching the bottom half.
- Shoulder
Anything that squares the shoulder: set-in sleeves, light padding, epaulettes, a wide lapel.
- Bottom
Keep bottoms plain and smooth-falling in a darker or matte finish. Straight and bootcut hold the line; skinny emphasises the contrast.
- Waist
Mark the waist softly rather than tightly — a sharp cinch exaggerates a taper that is already gentle.
Tailor's noteBuy suiting as separates, not sets; a matched suit sized to the hip will swim at the shoulder. Shoulder fit is the one thing not worth altering, so let it decide the size of every jacket.
Common questions
Is pear the same as triangle?
Yes. "Pear" is the common name and "Triangle" is the term the FFIT for Apparel system uses. They describe the same measurement relationship.
What is the difference between a pear and a bottom hourglass?
How defined the waist is. Both have a larger hip, but a bottom hourglass has at least 9 in between hip and waist. A pear has less, giving a gentler taper.
Should a pear shape avoid skinny jeans?
Not avoid, but understand the effect: a narrow leg increases the contrast between hip and ankle. A straight or bootcut leg carries the hip line down and reads more balanced.