Choosing The Right Skirt For Your Figure

Choosing The Right Skirt For Your Figure

When it comes to dressing for your body type, choosing the right skirt for your figure is just as important as the fit and fabric. The right shape of skirt can flatter your figure and enhance your natural assets, while the wrong shape can throw off your proportions and make you look unbalanced. Whether you have an hourglass, pear, apple, or rectangular body shape, there is a skirt shape out there that will look great on you. By choosing the right shape of skirt, you can create a flattering and stylish look that makes you feel confident and comfortable. So, it is very important to choose the right shape of skirt for your figure.

choosing the right skirt for your figure

First and foremost, it’s important to consider your body shape when choosing a skirt. Different skirts and cuts will flatter different figures, so it’s important to choose one that will highlight your natural assets and downplay any areas of concern.

Hourglass Figure

The hourglass body type is characterized by a small waist and balanced bust and hips. The bust and hips are roughly the same width, and the waist is significantly smaller than both. This body type is often described as curvy, with a proportionate top and bottom half. Women with an hourglass body type tend to have a defined waist and an overall balanced and symmetrical figure. This body type is often considered the most desirable and is often used as a standard for clothing sizes. Women with an hourglass body type can often wear a variety of skirt shapes, as they have a balanced figure that allows for a wide range of styles to be flattering.

If you have an hourglass figure with a defined waist, you’ll likely look great in a variety of skirt styles. A-line skirts, pencil skirts, and full skirts can all be flattering on this body type. Just be sure to avoid skirts that are too tight around the waist, as they can cut off the proportions of your figure and make you look bottom-heavy.

Pear And Triangle Shaped Figure

The triangle body type, also known as the “pear” shape, is characterized by a smaller bust and wider hips. The hips are typically the widest part of the body, and the waist is narrow and defined. The bust is smaller in comparison to the hips, and the shoulders are narrower than the hips. This body type is often described as bottom-heavy, with a smaller top half and a larger bottom half. Women with a triangle body type tend to carry more weight in their lower body, including their thighs and buttocks.

choosing the right skirt for your figure

To balance out their proportions, women with a triangle body type may want to choose skirts that add volume to the top half of their body and de-emphasize their hips and thighs. A-line skirts and full skirts can be especially flattering on this body type, as they will add volume to the upper half of the body and balance out the proportions. It's important to avoid skirts that are too tight around the hips, as they can create an unbalanced appearance and make the lower half of the body look even larger. Instead, opt for skirts with a looser fit or those that flare out at the hips to balance out the proportions and create a more flattering silhouette.

Apple Shaped Figure

The apple-shaped body type is characterized by a full midsection and a smaller lower half. The waist is typically the widest part of the body, and the bust and hips are narrow in comparison. The bust is often average in size, and the hips and buttocks may be flat or undefined. This body type is often described as top-heavy, with a larger upper half and a smaller lower half. Women with an apple-shaped body type tend to carry more weight in their midsection, including their stomach, waist, and upper back. To balance out their proportions, women with an apple-shaped body type may want to choose skirts that elongate their legs and draw the eye downward.

If you have an apple-shaped figure you’ll want to choose between A-line skirts, pencil skirts, and high-waisted skirts which can all be flattering on this body type as they will create a balanced silhouette and de-emphasize the midsection. Avoid full or gathered skirts, as they can add volume to the midsection and make you look bottom-heavy.

Rectangular Figure

The rectangular or straight-shaped body type is characterized by a small bust and hips that are roughly the same width. The waist is not significantly defined, and the body has a straight, rectangular shape. This body type is often described as boyish or athletic, with a lean and slender figure. Women with a rectangular or straight-shaped body may have difficulty finding clothes that fit well, as their lack of curves can make it difficult to find styles that are flattering.

If you have a rectangular or straight-shaped figure with a small bust and hips that are roughly the same width, you’ll want to choose a skirt that adds curves to your figure. Full or gathered skirts can be a great choice, as they will add volume to your lower half and give the appearance of curves. A-line skirts and pencil skirts can also be flattering on this body type. Avoid tight-fitting skirts that don’t have any give, as they can make you look boxy and unbalanced.

Inverted Triangle Figure

The inverted triangle body type is characterized by a full bust and a smaller lower half. The shoulders are typically the widest part of the body, and the waist is narrow and defined. The bust is often larger in comparison to the hips, and the hips and buttocks may be flat or undefined. This body type is often described as top-heavy, with a larger upper half and a smaller lower half. Women with an inverted triangle body type tend to carry more weight in their upper body, including their bust, waist, and upper back.

To balance out their proportions, women with an inverted triangle body type may want to choose skirts that elongate their legs and draw the eye downward. A-line skirts, pencil skirts, and high-waisted skirts can all be flattering on this body type, as they will create a balanced silhouette and de-emphasize the upper half of the body. It's important to avoid skirts that add volume to the bust or shoulders, as they can create an unbalanced appearance and make the upper half of the body look even larger. Instead, opt for skirts with a fitted or streamlined silhouette to balance out the proportions and create a more flattering look.

Round Shaped Figure

The round body type is characterized by a full midsection and a lack of a defined waist. The bust, waist, and hips are all roughly the same width, and the body has a circular or oval shape. This body type is often described as apple-shaped as well. There is a larger upper half and a smaller lower half. Women with a round body type tend to carry more weight in their midsection, including their stomach, waist, and upper back.

Much the same as the apple-shaped figure, to balance out their proportions, women with a round body type may want to choose skirts that elongate their legs and draw the eye downward. A-line skirts, pencil skirts, and high-waisted skirts can all be flattering on this body type, as they will create a balanced silhouette and de-emphasize the midsection. It's important to avoid full or gathered skirts, as they can add volume to the midsection and create an unbalanced appearance. Instead, opt for skirts with a fitted or streamlined silhouette to balance out the proportions and create a more flattering look. It's also a good idea to choose skirts that hit at or just below the knee, as this length can be especially flattering on a round body type.

Consider Length

Choosing The Right Skirt For Your Figure
A nice infographic that shows most of the skirts you'll ever see

A shorter skirt can be more flattering on a pear-shaped figure, as it will balance out the hips. An A-line or flared skirt can also be a good option for pear-shaped figures, as it will give the appearance of a balanced silhouette. Hourglass figures can wear most skirt lengths, but a pencil skirt or a knee-length A-line skirt can be particularly flattering. Rectangular figures may want to try a full or A-line skirt to add some curves to their figure. Apple figures may want to try a longer, A-line skirt to elongate the legs and balance out the midsection.

Try Different Waistlines

A high-waisted skirt can be a great option for pear-shaped figures, as it will define the waist and balance out the hips. Hourglass figures can wear skirts with a variety of waistlines, but a fitted waistband can be particularly flattering. Rectangular figures may want to try a skirt with a dropped waistline to add some curves. Apple figures may want to try a skirt with a high waistline to elongate the legs and define the waist.

Fabric And Other Considerations

Look for skirts made of structured, drapey, or stretchy fabrics, depending on your body shape and the look you are going for. Structured fabrics can be particularly flattering on pear-shaped figures, while drapey fabrics can be a good option for rectangular figures. Stretchy fabrics can be a good choice for hourglass figures, as they will hug the curves and give a flattering silhouette.

In addition to considering your body shape, it’s also important to think about your personal style when choosing a skirt. Do you prefer a more classic, polished look? If so, you might want to opt for a timeless pencil skirt or a classic A-line style. If you’re more of a bohemian free spirit, a flowing maxi skirt or a wrap skirt might be more your speed. And if you’re a trendsetter, you might want to look for skirts with bold prints, unusual hemlines, or unique details.

choosing the right skirt for your figure

Finally, it’s important to consider the occasion for which you’ll be wearing the skirt. A formal event, such as a wedding or a cocktail party, calls for a more dressed-up skirt, such as a floor-length gown or a sleek pencil skirt. A casual outing, such as a barbecue or a day at the beach, calls for a more laid-back skirt, such as a denim mini or a casual maxi. And if you’re heading to the office, a tailored knee-length skirt or a classic A-line style is always a safe bet.

Thank you for reading our article on choosing the right skirt for your figure. I hope that these tips have helped you find a skirt that flatters your natural shape and enhances your personal style. If you enjoyed this article and want to stay up-to-date on the latest fashion trends and tips, be sure to sign up for our email list. By signing up, you'll receive exclusive content and updates straight to your inbox, as well as access to special promotions and discounts. Don't miss out – sign up today and start dressing for success!


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Susan Mercurio
Susan Mercurio

I want to sew a long skirt from a gorgeous plaid fabric that I have, and I want to put an area of gathers on one side, to provide a kind of kick pleat. I have what I want in mind; I will just have to draw the pattern myself. I have a copy of Adele Margolis’s book Make Your Own Dress Patterns.
My figure can best be described as Dumpy Italian Grandmother.

Mayra Cecilia
Admin
Noble Member
Reply to  Susan Mercurio

Hi Susan, this is an exciting and ambitious project; please make sure you make a toile first, so you don’t waste your fabric. Would love to see the final garment would you share it with us?

Brenda
Brenda

You show six body types, but give advice on only four of them.My body type was not one of them. This was not helpful. If you list six, please discuss all six.

Beth a.
Beth a.

I was hoping you would show skirt styles for all figure shapes, not just a few, what about the round figure?