"An hourglass figure is a very specific physical form exhibited by some women. Women with this type of figure have wide hips and busts that contrast starkly with a very narrow waist, creating a silhouette that resembles an old-fashioned hourglass. This figure is often considered to be an epitome of female beauty, with some scientific studies suggesting that the form has a distinct evolutionary advantage in addition to a social one. Certainly narrow waists have been prized for centuries, as can be seen in many works of art.
In
a woman with a true hourglass figure, the measurements of her hips and
bust are essentially the same, and the waist measurement is equal to
less than 75% of either the hip or bust measurement. The result is a
very curvy figure that emphasizes broad hips and large breasts, two
traits that have been prized historically in many cultures. In cultures
where the figure is considered a beauty ideal, the narrow waist is
considered a sign of femininity.
During
the 1800s, some women went to extraordinary means to achieve the
desired figure, using corsets and other garments to actually change
their body shapes. Depending on how a corset
is worn, it can take the role of a foundation garment, or it can more
actively reshape the body of the wearer. When combined with bustles and
breast-enhancing bras, a corset can create the desired hourglass look,
sometimes with considerable discomfort on the part of the wearer.
The hourglass
figure was known as a “wasp waist” during the Victorian era, and all
fashionable women strived to achieve the desired look. Studies on
long-term corset use have shown that some women in this era probably
suffered from a variety of serious health problems as a result of the
displacement of various organs caused by pressure from the corset.
Extensive wearing of corsets can also cause deformed ribs, as the corset
pulls the lower ribs out of alignment.
Many classic movie stars,
such as Sophia Lauren, have fine examples of this figure. The
measurements of such movie stars are often highly publicized, and
changes in these measurements have historically been a topic of
widespread discussion, especially in the tabloids. Other women with
well-known hourglass figures include Marilyn Monroe, Scarlet Johansson
and Rita Hayworth."Credit
"After being disgusted by the women portrayed in the 16 skinniest celebrities list, I felt inspired to make this list, to celebrate the female curves. I'm talking about the Hourglass Figure, the sexiest figure a woman can ever have. Basically, bust and hips must be almost same size, and waist must be at least 9" less diameter than the top & bottom. According to a recent survey of 6,318 women, only 8.4% of the population fits this bill...
31. Kelly Brooke
Size 34E-24-34
Perfect hourglass and stunning silhouette to end this list with a bang!
30. Beyonce
Size 36-24-34 according to one site, but another claims 35-25-39. I'd be leaning towards the later one, since there's no way her ass is a 34.
29. Jennifer Tilly
Size 36C-24-34
28. Tina Louise
Size 38-23-37 when she filmed Gilligan's Island.
27. Mariah Carey
Size 34C-22-35 - Insanely curvy diva, shame she can't act
26. Jane Russell
Size 38D-25-36
25. Madeline Smith
Size 34D - Hips 'DD'
24. Sharon Tate
Size 36-22-35
23. Catherine Zeta Jones
Size 34C-25-36
22. Bettie Page
Size 36-24-35
Did it bother anyone that they chose Gretchen Mol to play bettie? I felt like she was too thin!
21. Rose McGowan
Size 36C bust, and I'll let my eyes judge if she's an hourglass (and they say YES!).
20. Honor Blackman
Size 37C-23-35 - James Bond likes them curvy too!
19. Mae West the HBIC
Size 38-24-38
18. Yasmin Bleeth
Size 36C-24-
17. Jayne Mansfield
Size 40-21-36 - Extremely top-heavy hourglass, but I'll let her in since her waist-to-hips ratio is so drastic and sexy
16. Ava Gardner
Size 36-23-37
15. Raquel Welch
Size 37-23-35
14. Salma Hayek
Size 36-25-37
13. Scarjo
Size 36-23-34
12. The Divine Diana Dors
Size 36D-24-35
11. Jessica Biel
Size 34-24-34 - Perfect symmetry, but a touch small
10. Joi Lansing
Size 38-23-35 - Top-heavy and extremely curvy bombshell
9. Dita Von Teese
Size 33-22-33, though waist goes to 16" with corset
My personal fav<3
8. Brigitte Bardot
Size 35-19-35 early in her career
7. Sherry Britton
Size unknown, but picture speaks for itself
6. Monica Bellucci
Size 35-24-35
5. Marilyn Monroe
Size 35-22-35
4. Mayra Veronica
Size 36C-23-36
3. Famke Jensson
Size 36C-24-36 - Another perfect score
2. Rita Hayworth
Size 36C-24-36 at the height of WWII pin-up fame - a Perfect Hourglass!
I love her, but I never thought she had an hourglass figure.
1. Sophia Loren
Size 38C-24-38 A mind-blowing Hourglass! The number one hourglass goddess!
Who do you think is missing? I think Kim K deserves an honorable mention.
Even though there's a lack of color, I think this list is pretty decent. Sophia Loren & Raquel Welch had great figures. I'm also glad to see dita & Marilyn on the list."
Credit