If You're Curvy, What Not to Wear if You're Curvy? Clothing is key to highlighting your physical assets and feeling comfortable. However, there are some clothes and styles that are best avoided so as not to highlight the areas you prefer to hide. Here's what to keep in mind.
Problematic Styles and Molds
Large and Maybe Molds
Checkered or Striped Prints: Checkered or striped prints have a visually expanding effect. If you wear a dress or sweater with these types of prints, it may appear bulkier than it actually is. For example, a sweater with large checks can make your torso and shoulders appear wider. Opt for subtle prints, such as small floral prints or thin vertical stripes, which have a lengthening effect.
Solid and bold prints: Solid and bold prints, such as bright and contrasting colors, can attract attention and give the impression of greater volume. A dress in red bright or bright yellow, if not combined correctly, can make the body look bigger. Instead, choose neutral colors or pastel shades, which have a more sober and harmonious effect.
Dresses with Excessive Details in Critical Areas
Skirts with volume and unused seams: Skirts with volume and unused seams in the hip or waist area can create a pile of layers and emphasize areas you want to hide. For example, a skirt with a lot of godets or decorative seams in these areas can make the hips appear wider. Opt for simple skirts, such as A-line skirts or skirt pants, which offer a cleaner look.
Dresses with embroidery or lace in areas of volume: Dresses with embroidery or lace in areas of volume, such as the belly or hips, can draw attention and make those areas appear more prominent. If you want to wear a dress with details, make sure they are located in areas that you want to emphasize, such as the shoulders or neck.
Jackets and Coats to Avoid
Jackets Too Short and Wide
Cropped Jackets That Are Too Short : Cropped jackets that are too short can create an unacceptable fit, especially if you are curvy. This cut can split your body into sections and make your legs appear shorter and your torso look bulkier. If you want to wear a cropped jacket, make sure it is of a length that is not too short and does not stop right at the widest part of your body.
Sack Jackets: Sack jackets, which lack structure or definition, are not suitable for curvy women. These jackets can look awkward and make your body look bigger. Instead, choose jackets with seams and cuts that follow the lines of your body, such as double-breasted jackets or belted jackets, which help define your figure.
Coats Too Heavy and Without Structure
Chunky Wool Coats Without Belts: Chunky wool coats without belts can weigh down a look. Chunky wool adds volume, while the lack of a belt doesn’t help define the waist. If you want to wear a wool coat, choose one with a belt or stitching that creates structure, or opt for a lightweight coat in a fabric like cotton or nylon.
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Heavy and Stiff Fabrics（fabrics for sturdy men, light clothes for curvy, fluid fashion）
Avoiding fabrics such as thick wool, stiff cotton or polyester is crucial, as they tend to create volume and stiffen the figure. For example, a thick wool jacket can give the impression of a larger torso and weigh down the entire silhouette. In winter, instead of a thick wool jacket, opt for a coat in light cashmere or a wool and viscose blend, which adapts better to the body and gives a slimmer appearance.
Alternative: Opt for lightweight, flexible fabrics like jersey, viscose, silk, or linen. A soft cotton sweater , for example, is a great alternative to a chunky cardigan. It can be paired with linen pants for a light, comfortable summer combination, or with a jersey A-line skirt for a more formal look.
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Bulky Colors and Patterns（Slimming Colors for Men, Anti-Cellulite Patterns, Vertical Striped Clothes）
Contrasting Colors: Combinations like red and black or blue and orange can draw attention to your hips or stomach, emphasizing any areas you want to hide. Imagine wearing a bright red top and black pants: the strong contrast will create a clear division of the body, making the bust and hips appear more prominent.
Large Patterns: Checks, flowers or horizontal stripes have the effect of amplifying curves. A dress with large checks, for example, can give the impression of a larger bust and hips than they actually are. Opt for neutral colors such as black, gray, beige or pastel shades, which have a slimming effect. In addition, thin vertical patterns such as stripes or zigzags create a lengthening effect. A sweater with thin vertical stripes in shades of gray can be paired with black pants for a sleek and slim look.
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Too Low-Cut or Tight Clothes（tops for chunky men, slim fit t-shirts, anti-cellulite clothes）
Shapeless Tops: Oversized or tight tops can make you look bulky. An oversized top without any clear structure can give the impression of a larger torso and blur the lines of your body. On the other hand, a top that is too tight will emphasize every curve, even the ones you might prefer to hide.
Solution: Choose shirts with a V-neck or scoop neck, which help elongate the neck and create a more balanced figure. Additionally, stretch tops with structured inserts, such as those with side seams that follow the body's lines, can provide comfort and a slimmer appearance. A viscose top with a V-neck and more durable fabric inserts at the hips is a great choice for a night out.
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Cigarette or Flared Pants（men's skinny pants, men's skinny jeans, clothes for big legs）
Problem: Cigarette or flared pants tilt the body downward, making the legs look heavier. This pant shape tends to bunch at the ankle, creating a bunch of fabric that draws attention and gives the appearance of shorter, fatter legs.
Solution: Replace with pencil pants, skinny (if they don't fit tight and fit well to the body shape) or straight fit. Pencil pants have a straight line that elongates the legs and gives a more balanced look. A pair of beige linen pencil pants is perfect for summer, paired with a white cotton shirt for a casual and chic look.
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Loose Jackets Without Vertical Lines（men's rugged jackets, slim fit blazers, men's casual clothing）
Mistake: An oversized jacket without vertical details can look messy and weigh down the entire silhouette. Without vertical lines to guide the eye, the width of the jacket can create a "sack" effect, losing the definition of the figure.
Solution: Choose jackets with a belt at the waist, which help define the body line and give a slimmer figure. Jackets with vertical side pockets or a slim-fit cut follow the curves of the body more harmoniously. A windbreaker with an elastic waist belt and contrasting vertical seams is a great choice for a sporty and modern look.
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High Neck and Narrow Collar Shirts（shirts for chunky men, V necks for curvy men, curvy men style）
Problem: Polo or fitted collars can narrow your neck and make your face look bigger. They also tend to create a bunch of fabric around your neck, which can give the impression of a larger torso.
Solution: Opt for shirts with V-necks, round or soft, which elongate the neck and give a lighter look. A cotton shirt with a wide round neck is a classic that adapts well to any style, paired with trousers or an A-line skirt for a formal or casual look.
When you are curvy, it is important to be careful with your tailoring choices. By avoiding these types of dresses, prints, jackets and color combinations, you can create looks that are more elegant, comfortable and that emphasize your physical assets. Remember that the key is to find the right balance between style and comfort.
