An important key for having self-confidence and being happy is to love your curves and body as they are. Therefore, it is important to find clothes that fit your individual body shape best and accentuate your assets in the most flattering way. Many people with plus size bodies think they are limited when it comes to finding fashionable clothing. We are here to discuss all the amazing options you have. In this guide we will introduce you to the different body shapes and provide you with the basics on how to dress for your body type.
Plus size body types
Of course there are already styling guides related to body types out there. But the problem is generic fashion tips often don’t suit women who were blessed with a little more to love! The names of the body types we will introduce in this plus size guide already reveal a lot about their shape, like hourglass, pear and apple. That will make it easy for you to identify your individual shape and to get to know how you can dress for your plus size body type.
These styling tips are aimed at helping you step out confidently in outfits that accentuate the best parts of you and make you feel comfortable. You can use our plus size fashion guide for any occasions as an orientation to feel good in your own skin at any time.
Apple Body Type
In general, women with an Apple-shaped body type are fuller in the middle, that means they have more mass on the top half of their bodies than the lower half. They are characterized by a larger chest with full breasts, a less defined waist with a larger stomach and slimmer hips. The round middle part of your body, which is defined by the slender hips and the little thicker waist, reminds of an apple shape. This is why this type is called Apple body shape. While your favorite features probably are your hips and legs, you may want to conceal your tummy a little bit more.,
Pear Body Type
A Pear-shaped body type is defined by a larger lower body and a small torso. Your hips are a little bit wider than your narrow shoulders. The weight is gained below the waist, which means you have curvy hips and thighs. Women with a pear-shaped body type have smaller chests and flat stomachs in comparison to their hips and butt. So in general, if the area around your shoulders is narrower than your hips, then you have a pear shape! This body type is very common for curvy women and to dress well for this shape you just have to accentuate your assets.
Hourglass Body Type
The Hourglass is the most well-known body shape. This type of plus size women have well-proportioned upper and lower bodies. Your hips and bust are almost equal with a fuller bust, bigger hips and thicker thighs but a slimmer waist. Dressing for the Hourglass shape is all about showing off your features and your curvy, feminine figure.
Rectangle/Banana Shape Body Type
Rectangle-shaped women are characterized by an undefined waist, which differs from the hourglass shape, and equal sized bust and hips. Their shoulders, waist, and hips are even close to the same measurement.
How to measure your body
To find out which plus size body type you are and how you can dress for your shape in the most flattering way you first have to measure your curves. By following the measuring guidelines courtesy of eShakti you are able to correctly measure your plus size body in a few simple steps:
- Bust: Measure the fullest part of your bust while wearing your bra. Your arms should be relaxed at your sides. Keep the tape parallel to the floor while measuring under the armpit and around your back at the same location to the middle of your bra-line, where you began.
- Waist: Measure at the narrowest part of your torso at your natural waistline. You can easily find your natural waistline by bending to one side. There should be a crease where you bend. In most cases it is just below your chest: that’s your natural waistline. Make sure that you keep the tape parallel to the floor while you are measuring all the way around your torso.
- Hips: Measure at the broadest part of your hips around your body while standing with your heels together. This includes the fullest part of your backside and should be at the spot where your legs meet your torso.
Styling tips: How to dress for your PLUS SIZE BODY TYPE
How to dress for Apple-shaped body types
For Apple-shaped body types creating or defining a waist is most important because most of your weight is in the middle and upper part of your body. The key is to accentuate and show off your legs and decolletage. Don’t shy away from details around the midsection and small all over prints. Also structured pieces can help you to create a long and sleek look.
How to dress for Pear-shaped body types
For pear-shaped body types the key is to balance out your upper body with your lower body part. The focus is especially on finding bottoms that fit your larger hips and your small waist. When dressing for your pear shape also consider to create a more defined waist. Try to draw attention to your upper with great accessories or with the shape of tops.
How to dress for Hourglass-shaped body types
Due to the proportions of hourglass shapes many styles will look great on your figure. Just find clothes that fit and flatter your feminine curves.
How to dress for Rectangle-shaped body types
Women with this kind of body type can look a little boxy and boyish. This is why you should focus on clothes and looks that create a curvier shape for example by defining your waist.
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We hope this guide on how to dress for your body type plus size helps you to find the perfect fit for your individual body and will put a smile on your face when looking in the mirror.
