Guide: How to dress according to your body shape
Understanding how to dress for your body type is a transformative step toward feeling confident. This body shape guide will help you identify your body shape. And provide tailored advice on choosing outfits that enhance your natural silhouette. Let's dive into the world of fashion tailored just for you!
How to Determine Your Body Shape – With Measurements
Before you learn how to dress according to your body type, you need to know what your body shape is. Here's how to measure yourself to find out:
- Shoulders: Measure around the fullest part of your shoulders. It's often easiest to have someone help you with this measurement.
- Bust: Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust.
- Waist: Find the narrowest part of your waist, usually just above the belly button, and measure around it.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks.
Once you have these measurements, compare them to determine your body shape. Here are the most common body shapes and how to dress for each:
Ask questions to yourself while you look in the mirror
This method may be more suitable if you prefer not to use a measuring tape. Simply put on a form-fitting dress or swimsuit and examine your body in the mirror. Take a photo of the widest and narrowest parts of your body so you can refer to it later. Some questions to consider while evaluating are:
- Is my tummy defined?
- Which part of my body is the widest?
- Where do I typically gain weight?
- Take down your measurements and findings, then use the body shape explanations above to determine your body shape.
Fashion Tips for Your Body Shape
Do you want to try dressing for your body shape but aren't sure how? We have compiled a list of clothing, ranging from casual wear to office wear, that will fit your body shape perfectly, along with recommendations, so you can skip the hassle of searching the internet and instead shop directly even for plus-size clothing.
Body Type- Pear-shaped body (Triangular shaped)
A pear-shaped body is also known as a triangular-shaped body. In a few simple steps, you can determine whether your body falls into this category or not. It comprises a waist that is wider than the bust. The hips are fuller and the arms or shoulders are lighter in comparison to the hips and thighs in this body shape. The under-waistline body appears heavier than the upper torso, and the waistline is not well defined.
What should you wear on a pear-shaped body?
Now that we know which body parts are wider in a pear-shaped body and which are thinner, it is much easier to find your ideal clothes. Just remember not to wear anything that draws attention to your thighs and hips. Instead, choose clothing that conceals the lower body and draws attention to the upper body. When it comes to color, brighter colours are better suited to a pear-shaped body than darker colours like black and brown. Here are some of the best work-wear outfits that would look great on a pear or triangle body shape.
Rectangle Body Type
The rectangle body shape is straight up and down with little definition between the bust, waist, and hips.
Characteristics:
- Balanced bust and hips
- Minimal waist definition
Dressing Tips:
- Tops: Ruffled or layered tops can add volume and create curves.
- Bottoms: Opt for high-waisted pants and skirts to create the illusion of a waist.
- Dresses: Belted dresses or those with peplum details can add definition to your waist.
What should you wear if you have a rectangular body?
When you have a straight body figure, you can choose which body area to emphasize. For example, if you want to draw attention to your bust, wear something that fits perfectly and also cinches up your waist. Wearing one of these outfits, for example, is a fantastic idea for those with a straight body type.
Body Type- Apple Shaped body (Circular shaped)
This body type is commonly associated with being curvier. If you are curvier with a less or no defined waistline, you have an apple-shaped body type. Fuller and curvier shoulders, busts, hips, and thighs Such body types typically have larger busts than other body types.
What should you wear on an apple-shaped body?
If you believe you fit into this body type category, make one thing very clear. It is never a bad thing to have a large bust or thunderous thighs. Most skinny girls aspire to have such curves if you must know.
All you have to do is choose the appropriate clothing and you're ready to go! If you have an apple shape, you should avoid wearing clothes that highlight your torso.
Choose outfits that add vertical integrity to your body, such as a V-neckline or a keyhole neckline. Jackets or other types of layering are also good options for covering any extra curves that you're trying to avoid.
Hourglass Body Type
The hourglass body shape is characterized by a well-defined waist with bust and hip measurements that are roughly equal.
Characteristics:
- Curvy bust and hips
- Narrow waist
Dressing Tips:
- Tops: Fitted tops that accentuate the waist are perfect. Wrap tops and V-necks work well.
- Bottoms: High-waisted skirts and pants that follow your natural curves will enhance your shape.
- Dresses: Bodycon and wrap dresses are great for highlighting your curves.
What should you wear on an hourglass figure?
Fitted outfits are ideal for the hourglass figure. They perfectly highlight this balanced body shape. It is safe to say that most outfits look flattering on an hourglass figure.
If you fall into this category, consider yourself extremely fortunate! This is the most desired body shape according to beauty standards because it has a striking balance between the upper and lower body with a cinched waist.
Wear a peplum top, wrap-around top/dress, V neckline, high-waisted skinny or different trousers, and so on.
Triangle Body Type
Also known as the "pear body shape," the triangle body type features hips that are wider than the shoulders.
Characteristics:
- Fuller hips and thighs
- Narrower shoulders
- A defined waistline
Dressing Tips:
- Tops: Opt for tops with patterns or embellishments to draw attention to your upper body. Off-the-shoulder and boat necklines are excellent choices.
- Bottoms: Choose A-line skirts and wide-leg pants that skim over the hips and thighs.
- Dresses: Fit-and-flare dresses are ideal as they highlight your waist and balance your silhouette.
What should you wear if you have an inverted triangle body?
Dresses that add vertical integrity are a must-have for ladies with this body type. Such an illusion can be created by using vertical stripes or different necklines such as halter, or scoop necklines. We also encourage you to experiment with different outfits that highlight your hipline with designs that include a wrap or a peplum feature.
Heart/Inverted Triangle Body Type
Also known as the "inverted triangle body shape" or "apple body shape," this body type features broader shoulders and a narrower waist and hips.
Characteristics:
- Broad shoulders
- Narrow hips
- Less defined waist
Dressing Tips:
- Tops: V-necklines and tops with vertical stripes can help elongate the torso and balance the shoulders.
- Bottoms: Look for wide-leg pants and A-line skirts to add volume to your lower body.
- Dresses: Empire waist dresses can help create the illusion of a defined waist.
Rectangle Body Type
The rectangle body shape is straight up and down with little definition between the bust, waist, and hips.
Characteristics:
- Balanced bust and hips
- Minimal waist definition
Dressing Tips:
- Tops: Ruffled or layered tops can add volume and create curves.
- Bottoms: Opt for high-waisted pants and skirts to create the illusion of a waist.
- Dresses: Belted dresses or those with peplum details can add definition to your waist.
Oval Body Type
The oval or "apple body type" shape is characterized by a fuller midsection with proportional shoulders and hips.
Characteristics:
- Fuller midsection
- Proportional shoulders and hips
Dressing Tips:
- Tops: Choose tops with vertical lines or wrap styles that elongate the torso.
- Bottoms: Straight-leg or bootcut pants can balance your silhouette.
- Dresses: Empire waist and shift dresses can flatter your figure by skimming over the midsection.
Additional Tips for Dressing Your Body Type
Don't try to hide your curves with oversized, shapeless clothing. Instead, go for well-fitting pieces that emphasize your curves and show off your figure.
The right fabric can make or break an outfit. When you're plus size, fabrics that are too clingy or too stiff can be unflattering and uncomfortable. Look for fabrics that drape beautifully and feel comfortable against your skin.
Accessories can help balance your proportions and draw attention to your best features. For example, if you have an inverted triangle body type, statement earrings or a bold necklace can help draw the eye up. And away from your shoulders.
Shapewear can help smooth out lumps and bumps and create a more streamlined silhouette. Look for pieces that are comfortable and fit well under your clothing.
Tailoring your clothes to fit your body perfectly can make a huge difference in how they look and feel. Don't be afraid to take your clothes to a tailor for alterations.
The significance of dressing for your body type
You will be surprised to learn that dressing for your body shape has many advantages you probably didn't consider when looking for different dress types for body shapes. Here are a few examples:
Assists you in saving money
Everyone has experienced the frustration of ordering clothes online only to have them arrive in a size that does not fit or in a cut and design that does not flatter your body. If you identify with this problem, knowing how to dress for your body type will undoubtedly help you save money because you will no longer be spending it on clothes that you will never wear. Your wallet will be grateful.
Draws attention to your best qualities
The main goal of dressing for your body shape is to highlight your best features and make you feel more confident. Wearing a cropped top that ends at your waist with a high-waisted fitted skirt, for example, will accentuate your curves if you have an hourglass figure.
Improves your self-esteem
When you notice that you look good in your outfits, your self-confidence will likely rise as well. Being confident has numerous advantages because it is closely related to self-worth and self-esteem. Low self-confidence, on the other hand, is frequently associated with depression and self-doubt, both of which can have a negative impact on one's life. When you are confident in your body, your health improves, you feel happier, you have the freedom to do things you would not have done otherwise, and it even reduces social anxiety.
Enhances mental health
When you stop focusing on your flaws and insecurities, your self-esteem improves, which has a positive impact on your mental health. Although it may appear frivolous to associate self-esteem with our physical appearance, the reality is that looking and feeling good is one of the ways to boost self-esteem.
Conclusion
Dressing according to your body shape is about highlighting your best features and feeling confident in your skin.
By understanding your body and using this body shape clothing guide, you can learn how to dress for your body type, women. And how to dress for your body type-female. Whether you're top heavy or balanced top and bottom, choosing the right clothes can make all the difference.
Don't shy away from skinny jeans if they fit your style. And remember that the most important part of your body to dress is the one that makes you feel your best!
For more fashion tips and advice, check out our other guides on how to build a capsule wardrobe. The best colors for your skin tone, how to accessorize any outfit, and more. You can browse Powersutra's collection of stylish and comfortable clothing designed to flatter every body type!
FAQ
How to select clothes according to body shape?
Identify your body shape and choose clothes that highlight your best features. For example, if you have an hourglass shape, opt for fitted clothing that accentuates your waist.
How to identify your body type?
Measure your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. Compare these measurements to determine your body shape based on the characteristics outlined in this guide.
What is the right body shape for a girl?
There is no "right" body shape. Each body shape is unique and beautiful. The key is to understand your shape and dress in a way that makes you feel confident.
Can I have more than one body shape?
Yes, many people have characteristics of more than one body shape. Use the guidelines for each shape to find what works best for you.
Do body shapes change over time?
Yes, body shapes can change due to factors like age, lifestyle, and weight changes. It's important to reassess your body shape from time to time and adjust your wardrobe accordingly.
