An hourglass shape means your bust and hips are roughly similar in width with a defined, narrower waist. This is the shape that most shapewear is designed around, which is good news. The right pieces enhance what is already there rather than trying to redistribute anything.
What You Actually Need
For an hourglass shape, the goal of shapewear is usually smoothing rather than restructuring. You are not trying to create curves that are not there. You are smoothing the surface so clothes hang and fit the way they are supposed to, eliminating visible lines and keeping everything in place throughout the day.
The Pieces That Work Best
Full-coverage bodysuits: Give you smooth coverage from chest to hip with no visible underwear lines. Particularly good under fitted dresses and tops where the silhouette already works and you just want a clean surface underneath.
High-waisted briefs or shorts: For days when you want coverage without a full bodysuit. Because your waist is already defined, high-waisted coverage just maintains that shape and smooths any surface texture.
Waist cinchers: If you want to emphasize the waist further for a specific outfit, a waist cincher worn under a dress adds definition. Do not go too firm unless you are wearing it for a short event. All-day firm waist compression is uncomfortable by hour six.
Sizing for Hourglass Shapes
Your waist and hip measurements may differ significantly. Always size for the larger measurement, which is usually your hips or bust. The waist of most shapewear has enough stretch to accommodate a smaller waist measurement within the same size range. If you size for your waist and your hips are larger, the shapewear will not go on comfortably, or if it does, it will dig into your hips all day.
What You Probably Do Not Need
Heavy-duty firm compression all over. That level of shapewear is designed to reshape, and you are not reshaping. Medium compression is enough to smooth and hold without flattening your natural curves, which would be counterproductive.
Find your size using the Shapies size guide and browse bodysuits here.