Being a plus size woman doesn’t mean that you should dress in unflattering clothing. Plus size women are beautiful and they are curvy in all the right places. You should take the time to build your wardrobe full of the garments that will flatter your figure. Here are some tips for choosing plus size women’s clothing.
Avoid Tent-Like, Shapeless Clothes
Plus size woman should never wear shapeless clothing. The thing about shapeless, tent-like clothes is they don’t just hide the things you want to hide; they also hide the good things about your figure. No matter what size a woman may be, if she wears clothes that are not tailored, she will appear larger than normal. Look for clothes that emphasize the good things about your fuller figure while hiding the things about your figure that you want to keep hidden. Don’t wear a tent and hide your entire body.
Don’t Assume Black is Best
Almost every woman knows that black is a very slimming color. Yet, some women don’t wear black well because of their skin tone. There is a solution - monotone colors. They can also slim you down, too. When you pair your black clothes with monotone colors, especially on the upper body and around the neck, you not only get the slimming effect, but it can make your eyes pop and your skin tone radiant.
Avoid Tapered and Peg-Leg Pants
Just because something is in style doesn’t mean you should wear it. No matter what a woman’s body type may be, wearing tapered or peg-leg pants will give her body the triangle, or ice cream cone, shape. Plus size women should wear stream-lined pants. The pants should be as wide at the hip as they are at your foot. If you have wide hips, look for pants that have a bit of flare to them.
Be Cautious with Patterns
Plus size women should be very careful when wearing patterns. If you do opt for patterns, do not choose clothing that has huge patterns. Taller women can get by wearing large prints than shorter women. Large prints will make a petite woman’s body look out of proportion to her height. Plus size women should also avoid wearing patterns from head to toe. Break up the pattern with a solid garment. For instance, if you wear a patterned shirt, wear a solid color skirt or pair of pants with it. If you are buying a print dress, break it up with a scarf, belt or jacket that is a solid color.
Monitor the Length of Your Tops
If you are a plus size petite, be careful about the length of your tops. This includes your shirts, sweaters and jackets. Shorter body types should avoid tops that come below the hip. Wearing tops that go below the hip will only make your body look shorter. Opt for tops that hit right at your hip bone and this will elongate your body and make you appear taller and slimmer.
Bras for Plus Size Women
If you haven’t heard, 75% of the female population does not wear the right size bra. Wearing the correct bra size is important for women of all body types, but it’s especially important for plus size women. Plus size women who wear the wrong bra size will deal with straps that dig and bite into their shoulders, cup spillage and the breasts may appear saggy and matronly. The importance of having a correct, form fitting bra can not be emphasized enough. It can make a dramatic change in your appearance and take pounds off of your appearance.
Don’t Get Hung Up On Sizes
Plus size women often get into a habit of sticking to one size of clothing. Unfortunately, this often means they are going around wearing the wrong size clothes. Two manufacturers can make the same garment in the same size, yet one may be too large and the other too tight. Forgot the numbers and purchase the clothes that flatter your figure. Wearing clothes that pull and bunch in areas will make you heavier. Wearing clothes that hang and are too large will also make you look heavier. Try on different sizes until you find the one that works for you. Don’t get hung up on the sizes.
Now that you know the tips, go through your wardrobe. Weed out what you shouldn’t be wearing and start making a shopping list of what you need. Be sure to check out our article: The Best Clothing Options for Your Body Type if you need any extra guidance about clothing styles. Above all, become confident about your appearance and love yourself just as you are.
Recommended Reading
For more information and advice on clothing styles for your body, take a look at the following books:
You Can Be Sexy at Any Size!
101 Plus Size Women’s Clothing Tips
Plus Style: The Plus-Size Guide to Looking Great
The Science of Sexy: Dress to Fit Your Unique Figure
Dress Your Best: The Complete Guide to Finding the Style That’s Right for Your Body
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