The pear body shape is characterized by hips that are wider than the shoulders and bust, a defined waist, and proportionally slim arms and shoulders. The biggest challenges for pear shapes when it comes to getting dressed is finding bottoms that fit well and styles that balance out the body. Every body shape is beautiful and the best thing every body type can do is work with their shape and accentuate their best features. Read on for our best tips on how to dress a pear body shape so you can feel confident every day.
5 Types of Body Shapes
1. Pear Body Shape
The pear body shape is defined by shoulders and bust that are smaller than the hips, a defined waist, and broad hips. You often wear a smaller dress size on the top half than you do on the bottom, and you have a small bust, which can also enhance your small top half. You have a defined waistline, which can make buying jeans, pants, and skirts frustrating as they tend to gape at the back of the waistband.
2. Rectangle Body Shape
The rectangle body shape is characterized by a straight silhouette without many curves. Your shoulders, waist, and hips have a similar width, meaning you have little to no waist definition. Your overall appearance is more athletic and you have very balanced proportions. The main challenge you face when getting dressed is a subtle waist and creating or highlighting your curves in a balanced way.
3. Apple Body Shape
The main characteristics of an apple body shape are a large bust, narrow hips, and a full midsection. You have a rounder silhouette, broader shoulders, and a fuller bust when compared to your hips. Your waistline is typically less defined and you have leaner arms and legs despite the fuller midsection.
4. Hourglass Body Shape
If you have an hourglass body shape, your hips and shoulders are a similar width, with a narrow, defined waist and large bust. The hourglass shape is one of the most balanced and in-proportion body shapes. It’s feminine and curvy, and is actually the rarest body shape. Your biggest frustration in finding clothes that fit is usually your large bust and defined waist.
5. Apron Belly Body Shape
An apron belly features loose abdominal skin and excess fatty tissue that hangs over the abdomen. It often occurs after pregnancy or weight changes, so unlike other body types, you’re not born with it. The size of an apron belly can vary, and having this type of body shape can feel difficult to dress, especially since it tends to occur later in life.
7 Characteristics of a Pear Body Shape
- Large hips which are wider than the bust and shoulders
- Small top half as well as a small bust
- Defined, often high, waist thanks to wider hips
- Proportionately slim arms and shoulders
- Legs are usually full or muscular
- Torso is longer than your legs, which enhances the pear shape
- Weight gain tends to first be visible around the hips, thighs, and lower midriff
How to Dress a Pear Body Shape
1. Emphasize the Upper Body
Since the pear shape is heavier on the bottom, it creates an imbalance with the upper half of the body. The key is creating the illusion of volume on the upper body, adding more weight to the shoulder and bust area. This will de-emphasize the hips and thighs and balance out your silhouette. Look for structured shoulders to visibly widen the shoulder line and try to shorten your torso to make your legs appear longer and your proportions more balanced.
2. Draw the Eye Up
Wear bright colours on your upper body, and use eye-catching prints, textures, and details to create interest up top. Layering on your top half also creates visual interest and draws the eye upwards. Puff sleeves, off the shoulder tops, and sweetheart neck tops all help to make your upper half look broader and your hips look more narrow.
3. De-emphasize the Hips and Thighs
Playing down the lower body will help balance it out with the upper body. Wear darker clothes on your lower body and avoid skinny and tight bottoms that draw attention to the lower body. Look for clothes that elongate your legs to make your torso look shorter and your proportions more balanced. Avoid details, patterns, and pockets on your thigh and hip area, as well as belts around your hips.
4. Look for A-Line Skirts and Dresses
A-line skirts and dresses are a great choice for the pear body shape. An a-line dress is fitted from the shoulders to hips and then widens to the hem. An a-line skirt is fitted at the hip and gradually widens toward the hem, giving the impression of the capital letter A. This style showcases your defined waist and easily fits wider hips, so is ideal for a pear shaped body.
5. A Word on Sleeves
When it comes to the sleeves to choose for a pear body shape, it all depends on the length of the sleeve. For short sleeves, go for wide and embellished styles, which will add volume to the upper body. Look for flutter, bell, and bat wing sleeves. The opposite is true for long sleeves, as you want to keep the volume around your hips to a minimum. Steer clear of any flared or embellished sleeve, and opt for tapered sleeves with structured shoulders. Look for shoulder pads, puff, and cap sleeves.
6. Opt for Flared/Wide Leg Pants
When you’re pear-shaped, choosing pants and jeans can be super frustrating. It’s rare that a pair of jeans will fit your hips and thighs, as well as your waist. Aim to make your hips look narrower, which will balance your shoulders and make you look less bottom-heavy. Highlight your waist and elongate your legs to showcase your beautiful curves. High-waisted, flared pants/jeans are one of the best ways to do this. The fullness below the knees will balance your hips and enhance your curves. And wide leg pants will flare out to skim your hips and elongate your legs.
7. Belted Jackets Are Best
Finding the right jacket can be tricky for pear shapes as they’re often a bit big on your top half or pull across the hips. Look for a jacket that makes your shoulders look broader to create better body proportions. Belted jackets are great for pear shapes as you can adjust the fit to work for you. They highlight your waist, which elongates your legs and plays up your curves.
If you have a pear shaped body, use these tips and hacks to work with your body type and highlight your best features!
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