Women come in all shapes and sizes contrary to the belief of quite a few of today's clothing manufacturers. Regardless of your body shape you can look stylish and the main key to looking and feeling great is knowing your body shape and how to dress appropriately. The good news is there are some clothing manufacturers who have come to appreciate this fact and they are now producing clothes suitable for more than just one shape. Detailed below are the four basic body shapes and information about how to tell which one you are.
The Straight Body (also known as the banana shape)
This shape sees little difference between the bust, hips and waist measurements. Clothing tends to fit perfectly in one area of the body but the other areas will either be too loosely or tightly clad. To draw attention to the upper half of your body Empire Gowns are good and can be extremely flattering. To prevent a rectangular or boxy look, use patterns and detailing to break up your body shape.
The Pear, Bell or Spoon Shaped Body
Pear, bell or spoon shaped bodies are usually larger on the bottom half and have a smaller bust. Slim shaped skirts and tight fitting jeans are not the best type of clothing for this kind of body. Dresses with fitted bodices and full skirts look good and draw attention away from the lower areas of the body and embellishments on the top half will emphasize the bust line. To make the best of this body shape hip and thigh hugging garments really should be avoided.
The Apple Shaped Body
Apple shaped women tend to have thick waists and large rib cages. They may be small or large busted, but they generally have narrower hips and accumulate weight in the chest, shoulders, arms and abdomen first. They may have relatively slender legs. Women who are apple shaped may wish to avoid wide necklines and garments with a lot of trim around the neck and shoulders, since these can accentuate a broad upper body. If wearing a skirt, look for a fuller style to help provide balance.
Hourglass
Hourglass shaped women are thought of as lucky by many, but they have just as many problems finding off the rack clothes that fit because of their comparatively broad hips and chests. Few clothes that fit in these regions have a small enough waist. Many clothes that fit elsewhere are tight in the hips and bust. Try to find clothes that accentuate your waist, and be willing to have them altered if you need to. Sometimes, moving a button can make a shirt fit better. Avoid a lot of heavy decoration, because it can make you look a lot heavier.
Dressing to suit your body shape is an important part of looking good. It'll also help you feel better, and give you more confidence. If shopping has been a nightmare so far, it doesn't have to be.
Carry out an on line search and you will find many national and international retailers with items of clothing to fit all body shapes. See just what they have on offer and say goodbye to buying and wearing clothes which do not fit you properly for good.