If you have a figure 8 body type, you already know that most styling advice just does not fit right. I have been there too. You try on what works for an hourglass shape, and it pulls in all the wrong places. That is why I put this guide together.
I will walk you through what makes a figure 8 different, how to know if you have one, the best clothes for your shape, and what to avoid.
With years of hands-on styling experience, these are figure 8 body type styling tips that actually work.
What Is A Figure 8 Body Type?
The figure 8 body type is often confused with the classic hourglass. Both have a defined waist and balanced proportions, but the figure 8 has its own features that make standard hourglass advice hit or miss.
The key difference is the hip structure. The hips start higher on the body, the curve is shorter and sharper, and this creates a visual shelf just below the waist.
Because of this, clothes designed for a regular hourglass will often gape, pull, or add bulk in all the wrong spots.
How To Know If You Have A Figure 8 Body Type
It can be hard to tell if you are a figure 8 or just a standard hourglass. If you have followed hourglass advice and it never quite worked, your body may be a figure 8.
Common signs include wrap dresses that gape at the hip, A-line skirts that flare too wide, and fitted trousers that are tight at the high hip but loose below.
To check visually, stand in front of a mirror. If your hip bone sits close to your waist and drops fairly straight below rather than curving out widely, you have the short hip curve typical of a figure 8 shape.
Best Skirts For A Figure 8 Body Type
Skirts can be tricky for the figure 8 shape. Most skirt styles are designed for a gradual hip curve. Here is what actually works.
Tapered Pencil Skirts
The pencil skirt is one of the best options for a figure 8 body. It follows the shape of the hip and thigh without adding width.
Look for pencil skirts with a mid-rise fit. They should sit at the waist, not at the hip. A slight taper toward the knee gives a clean, fitted look.
Avoid pencil skirts with back kick pleats. These add fabric at the hip shelf and push outward.
Why Skirt Width Must Stay Controlled Below The Hip
The high hip shelf means that any extra width added at or below the hip is very visible.
Wide skirts sit on top of the shelf and flare out. This makes the lower body look much broader than it is.
The best skirts stay close to the body from the hip down. The width should be just enough to walk comfortably. Nothing more.
Best Trousers For A Figure 8 Body Type
Trousers are one of the most challenging items for the figure 8 shape. But the right cut makes a big difference.
Flat-Front Straight-Cut Trousers
Flat-front trousers are a strong choice. They have no extra fabric at the front. This keeps the hip area clean and controlled.
Straight-cut trousers that fall from the hip without tapering or flaring work well for days when you want a more relaxed fit.
Look for a high waist or mid-rise. Low-rise trousers cut across the high hip shelf and create an unflattering line.
Tapered Leg Trousers
Tapered trousers narrow slightly from the hip to the ankle. This keeps the lower body looking lean and balanced.
They should taper gently. A very tight taper can pull at the hip shelf. The goal is a clean, gradual line.
Pair with a tucked-in top to keep the waist visible and the overall look balanced.
Why Flares And Pleats Do Not Work
Flared trousers add width at the thigh and hem. This draws attention downward and makes the lower body look heavier.
Pleats are a problem at the front of trousers. They add bulk right at the high hip area. This is exactly where the figure 8 body needs the least amount of extra fabric.
Both styles work against the natural shape of a figure 8 body and should be avoided.
Best Jackets And Coats For A Figure 8 Body Type
Outerwear can easily hide the waist and add bulk to the hip area. Choosing the right style keeps your proportions looking balanced.
Cropped Jackets For High Hip Balance
A cropped jacket that ends at or just above the waist is a great option. It keeps the waist area open and visible.
Because it stops before the hip shelf, it does not sit on top of it. This avoids the pushing and flaring that longer jackets can cause.
Look for cropped jackets with a fitted body and structured shoulders to keep things balanced on top.
Trench Coats With Shaped Lines
A belted trench coat works well for the figure 8 shape. The belt pulls in at the waist and creates a clear definition between the upper and lower body.
Look for trench coats that are fitted through the body rather than boxy. The silhouette should follow the shape of your torso.
Avoid trench coats with wide lapels or large breast pockets. These add visual weight to the upper body.
Why Boxy And Double-Breasted Styles Fail
Boxy jackets hide the waist completely. They add bulk across the torso and make the figure 8 shape invisible under the fabric.
Double-breasted styles add extra buttons and fabric to the front of the chest and hip area. This adds width where the figure 8 body does not need it.
Both styles work best on straighter body shapes. For the figure 8, they work against your natural proportions.
Best Tops And Waist Details For A Figure 8 Body Type
The top half of your outfit sets the tone for your whole look. Here is what works best.
Peplum Tops For High Hip Placement
A peplum top has a small flare at the hem that sits just below the waist. For a figure 8 body, this is very flattering when the peplum sits above the hip shelf.
It draws attention to the waist and softens the shelf below it. Make sure the peplum is small and structured. A large, gathered peplum adds too much volume.
Wide Waistbands That Sit Correctly On The Waist
Wide waistbands on skirts and trousers are a great detail for the figure 8 shape. They frame the waist and make it the focal point of the outfit.
The waistband must sit at your natural waist, not at the hip. A waistband sitting on the high hip shelf will push outward and add width.
Open Necklines For A Lighter Upper Body
Open necklines like V-necks, scoop necks, and wide necklines draw the eye upward and create a lighter, more open feel at the top.
This helps balance the visual weight of the hip area below. It also keeps the overall look from feeling too heavy.
Turtlenecks and high, closed necklines add visual bulk to the upper body and can throw off the balance.
Narrow Belts And Subtle Waist Details
Narrow belts work well for the figure 8 shape when they sit at the natural waist. They mark the waistline without adding bulk.
Avoid wide belts placed on the high hip. They sit directly on the shelf and push it outward. This is one of the most common styling mistakes for this body type.
Keep waist details subtle. A simple belt or waist seam is all you need.
Best Fabrics For A Figure 8 Body Type
Fabric choice matters as much as cut and style. The wrong fabric can ruin even the best-chosen silhouette.
The best fabrics have a smooth drape and follow the shape of the body without clinging or pushing outward. Good options include viscose, rayon, lightweight wool, soft ponte knit, cotton blends with a slight stretch, and crepe fabric. These materials skim the high hip shelf without sitting on top of it.
Heavy or stiff fabrics like thick denim, brocade, or stiff cotton push out at the hip shelf and hold their shape, making the hip area look wider. These fabrics work better on straighter body shapes. For a figure 8, they work against your natural proportions.
Figure 8 Body Type Styling Tips For A Flattering Fit
Here are the key tips to keep your look balanced and flattering:
- Tuck in fitted tops or use waist seaming to keep the waist visible
- Use narrow belts placed at the natural waist, not at the hip
- Choose styles that skim the hip shelf without sitting on it
- Pick clothes that taper below the hip and avoid pleats or patterns at the hip
- Wear dark, solid colors on the lower half and keep lines clean and simple
Conclusion
I hope these figure 8 body type styling tips help you feel more confident the next time you get dressed. I know how frustrating it is to try advice that just does not work for your shape.
I have tried plenty of tips myself that looked great on paper but felt all wrong in real life. Trust me, once you start dressing for your actual proportions, everything changes for the better. Try one tip today and see how it feels.
If this helped you, share it with a friend who needs it too. Drop a comment below and let me know what worked for you!
Frequently asked questions
What Makes A Figure 8 Body Type Different From An Hourglass?
The figure 8 has a high hip shelf that sits close to the waist, while the hourglass has a longer, more gradual hip curve that flows further down the body.
Can A Figure 8 Body Type Wear Jeans?
Yes. Look for high-waist, straight-cut or slim-cut jeans with a flat front. Avoid low-rise, wide-leg, or pleated styles.
What Is The Best Waist Detail For A Figure 8 Body?
A narrow belt placed at the natural waist works best. Wide belts sitting on the high hip shelf add bulk and should be avoided.
Are Wrap Dresses Good For A Figure 8 Body?
They can be tricky. If you love the style, choose a wrap dress with structured fabric and check the fit carefully at the hip.
What Fabrics Work Best For A Figure 8 Body Type?
Soft, drapey fabrics like viscose, crepe, and lightweight wool work best. Avoid stiff or heavy fabrics that add bulk at the hip.
