If you’re not shopping for clothes that flatter your body type, you’re not doing yourself any favors. Wearing clothes that are too big or too small will only make you look and feel frumpy. And who wants to look frumpy? Not me, that’s for sure.
There are four main body types: hourglass, pear, rectangle, and apple. And while there are variations within each body type, understanding which one you are will help you shop for clothes that make you look and feel your best.
If you have an hourglass body type, you’re lucky. This is the ideal body type and clothes will generally look good on you. That said, you still want to make sure you’re accentuating your best features. If you have a small waist, for example, you want to look for clothes that cinch at the waist to show off your curves.
If you have a pear body type, you want to look for clothes that accentuate your upper body and de-emphasize your lower body. This means avoiding tight clothes on your bottom half and instead opting for something looser and more flowing. On top, you can wear something fitted to show off your slim waist.
If you have a rectangle body type, you want to create the illusion of curves. This means looking for clothes that cinch at the waist and are more fitted on the bottom. Wearing a belt can also help to create the illusion of a waist. On top, you want to find clothes that are a little loose and flowy to balance out the fitted bottom.
If you have an apple body type, you want to de-emphasize your midsection. This means avoiding tight fitting clothes and instead opting for something loose and flowy. A-line skirts are also a great option as they will help to camouflage your midsection. On top, you want to find a shirt or dress that has a v-neck. This will help to elongate your neck and make you look thinner.
Shopping for clothes doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. If you know your body type, you can shop for clothes that will flatter your figure and make you look and feel your best.
