How To Choose Pants, According To Your Body Shape

Written by , BA Hons Indrani Karmakar BA Hons Experience: 2.5 years
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It is never easy to understand what kind of pants are made for you just by looking at them. And with the wide variety of options we have today, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. However, just by considering your body shape and understanding which pants are most flattering for what kind of figure, you can find pants that not only look great but also make you feel confident and comfortable. In this article, we will explore how to choose pants according to your body shape, and enhance your best features. Read on to know them all!

1. Pear-Shaped Body

Pear-Shaped Body
Image: Shutterstock

If you have a pear-shaped body, where your hips are wider than your shoulders, you’ll want to balance your proportions. Look for pants that create the illusion of wider shoulders and a narrower bottom half. Opt for pants with a wider leg or bootcut style, as they will help balance out your hips. A mid-rise or high-rise waistline will also elongate your legs and create a more balanced look. Avoid pants that are too tight around the hips and thighs, as they can draw attention to that area.

2. Apple-Shaped Body

Apple-Shaped Body
Image: Shutterstock

For those with an apple-shaped body, where your midsection is fuller and your shoulders and hips are relatively narrower, the key is to draw attention away from your waistline and emphasize your legs. Choose pants with a straight or wide leg to create a more elongated and streamlined appearance. A mid-rise or high-rise waistband can help provide support and create a smoother silhouette. Avoid pants with a low-rise waistband, as they can create a muffin top effect.

3. Hourglass Body

Hourglass Body
Image: Shutterstock

If you have an hourglass figure, where your bust and hips are well-balanced, and you have a defined waist, you’re in luck! Most pants styles will suit your body shape. Emphasize your curves by opting for pants that hug your hips and thighs while flaring out slightly at the bottom, such as bootcut or flared pants. High-rise or mid-rise waistbands will accentuate your waistline and create an even more feminine look. Avoid pants that are too loose or baggy, as they can hide your curves.

4. Rectangular-Shaped Body

Rectangular-Shaped Body
Image: Shutterstock

Rectangular-shaped body is where your bust, waist, and hips have similar measurements. The goal is to highlight your curves and add definition to your figure. Search for pants with details that add volume and shape to your body. High-waisted pants can create the illusion of a smaller waist and give the appearance of more curves. Avoid pants that are straight-cut, as they can make your figure appear boxy.

5. Petite Body

Petite Body
Image: Shutterstock

If you have a petite body frame, where you’re shorter in height, you’ll want to create the illusion of longer legs and avoid overwhelming your figure. Opt for pants with a slim or straight leg to elongate your silhouette. Cropped pants or ankle-length styles can also be flattering as they show off more of your legs. Avoid wide-leg or baggy pants that can make you look shorter. Choose pants with a mid-rise or high-rise waistband to help elongate your legs further.

6. Tall Body

Tall Body
Image: Shutterstock

For those with a tall body frame, where you’re taller in height, you can embrace a wide range of pant styles. However, if you want to balance your proportions, consider wide-leg pants or flared styles, as they add volume and create a more harmonious look. Low-rise or mid-rise waistlines can help break up your torso and make your legs appear slightly shorter. Avoid pants that are too short in length, as they can make you look disproportionate.

You need to remember, these guidelines are just suggestions to help you find pants that complement your body shape. Personal style and comfort should always be the ultimate deciding factors. It’s important to try on different styles, cuts, and fabrics to see what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Experimenting with different looks can be a fun and exciting journey of self-discovery. Tailoring can make a significant difference in how pants fit and flatter your body. If you find pants that you love but aren’t quite perfect, consider having them altered to achieve the ideal fit. A slight adjustment to the hemline, waist or tapering can make all the difference in how the pants enhance your figure.

Choosing pants that flatter your body shape is about understanding your proportions and emphasizing your best features. By considering your body shape and following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can confidently navigate the world of pants shopping. Remember to have fun with it, embrace your unique shape, and prioritize comfort and personal style above all. So now that you know what kind of pants you should shop for, nothing can stop you from looking your best. So what kind of pants do you think are perfect for your body shape? Let us know in the comments section! Happy shopping!

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Indrani Karmakar

Indrani KarmakarSenior Social Writer

Indrani is a writer and artist who likes to add a dash of humor to everything she does. She has two years of experience in writing articles across beauty, health, and lifestyle genres. After graduating in Political Science from Calcutta University, she took a detour into the world of creativity and discovered her knack for social writing, advertising, designing, and...read full bio

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