Plus Size Body Type: Style Guide
How do you dress for your body type? After you read our plus size body type guide, you’ll know exactly what clothing works best to complement your silhouette. Whether you’re a straight, hourglass, apple, pear or full bust body type, we've made it easy for you to find the perfect plus size pieces. Shop your favorite brands, including I.N.C. International Concepts®, Calvin Klein, Lucky Brand, Alfani and more!
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BODY TYPE: STRAIGHT
- Your frame is the same size up and down through the top and bottom half of your body.
- Your shoulders and bust are close in measurement with your hips.
- Your waist is not clearly defined.
Is this you? Create plus size outfits using these key pieces:
- Off-the-Shoulder Blouse
- Shift Dress
- A-Line Skirt
Styling Tips for the Straight Body Type:
- Cinch your waist with a belt to give the appearance of a curvier frame.
- Use contoured colorblocking to help define the curves of your shape.
- Wear plus size tops with surplice, halter and V-necklines that help emphasize the waist.
- Sport bootcut or flared plus size pants to help create the illusion of curves.
- Don plus size tops filled with feminine frills, like ruffles, ruching and peplums, to lend definition to your waist.
BODY TYPE: HOURGLASS
- You tend to have a larger chest and curvier hips.
- Your waist is the narrowest part of your frame.
- Your shoulders and hips are almost the same width, providing a balanced body.
Is this you? Create plus size outfits using these key pieces:
- Statement Jacket
- Romantic Blouse
- Empire Dress
Styling Tips for the Hourglass Body:
- Wear ultra-flattering wrap dresses or blouses that enhance your waist.
- Check out plus size peplum tops and jackets that highlight your waist.
- Shop for low-cut tops with deep scoop neck, surplice, halter and V-neck styles that best showcase your figure.
- Enhance your waist with a belt to exaggerate your curves.
- If you want to conceal your curves, wear dark colors and vertical stripes.
BODY SHAPE: APPLE
- You have balanced shoulders and hips.
- Your upper body is curvier and more prominent.
- Your waist is not defined.
Is this you? Create plus size outfits using these key pieces:
- Volume-Sleeve Blouse
- Wide-Leg Pants
- Empire Dress
Styling Tips for Apple Shapes:
- Balance your figure with fuller pants or skirts.
- Wear wrap dresses and blouses that help slenderize your tummy.
- Layer your outfits with a tailored blazer to streamline your silhouette.
- Wear clothing with ruching that helps camouflage your tummy.
- For a flattering look, ensure your tops end just below the hip.
BODY SHAPE: PEAR
- Your frame is narrowest at the shoulders through the bust.
- You are fullest at the hips and thighs.
- You have a defined waist.
Is this you? Create plus size outfits using these key pieces:
- Statement Jacket
- A-Line Skirt
- Bootcut Pants
Styling Tips for the Pear Body Shape:
- Bring attention upward with statement-making necklines and accessories.
- Sport darker bootcut pants for a slenderizing look.
- Layer your outfits with a blazer that highlights your smaller waist.
- Minimize your hips with an A-line silhouette that enhances your waist.
- Ensure your tops and jackets hit either above or below the widest part of your hips.
BODY SHAPE: FULL BUST
- Your top half is larger than your bottom half.
- Your widest measurement is at the shoulders and bust.
- Your frame gradually narrows through the hips and legs.
Is this you? Create plus size outfits using these key pieces:
- V-Neck Blouse
- Bootcut Pants
- A-Line Skirt
Styling Tips for Full Bust Body Types:
- Wear plus size tops with surplice, halter and V-necklines to minimize your bust.
- Shop for plus size tops that define your waist.
- Wear darker colors, like black, navy, charcoal or chocolate on top for a flattering look.
- Achieve a more balanced shape with an A-line silhouette that cinches in at the waist and flares out at the hips.
- Sport flared pants that will assist evening out your curvy frame.