The Ultimate Guide To Dressing For Your Body Type

Finding clothes that fit well and look great isn’t just about following trends. It's about knowing what suits your shape and choosing pieces that highlight your best features.

Dressing for your body type makes a big difference in how you look and feel. This guide breaks down common body types and gives straightforward, valuable tips for each — with brand suggestions and specific styles to look for while shopping.

Identifying Your Body Type

You don’t need exact measurements. A simple look in the mirror or a photo can help you figure out your general shape. Most people fall into one of the following:

•Rectangle: Shoulders, waist, and hips are similar in width.

•Pear (Triangle): Hips are wider than shoulders.

•Apple (Round): Carries weight around the midsection with slimmer legs.

•Hourglass: Balanced bust and hips with a defined waist.

•Inverted Triangle: Broad shoulders or bust with narrower hips.

Best Clothes For a Rectangle Body Type

Goal: Add shape and definition, especially at the waist.

What Works:

•Belts and wrap styles: Break up straight lines and create curves.

•Peplum tops and structured jackets add volume at the hips.

•High-rise jeans create the illusion of a longer lower body.

Styles to Try:

•A-line skirts (brands like J.Crew, Everlane)

•Cinched shirt dresses (look at Madewell, Banana Republic)

•Puff sleeve tops or ruched blouses

Avoid: Oversized clothing that hides your waist. Go for fitted or belted pieces.

Best Clothes For Pear Body Type

Goal: Balance wider hips by drawing attention upward.

What Works:

•Boat necks, cowl necks, and statement tops emphasize the upper body.

•Structured jackets that end above the hip line.

•Straight-leg or bootcut pants balance the proportions.

Styles to Try:

•Off-shoulder tops (check ASOS, Reformation)

•Blazers with shoulder pads or tailored fits

•Dark-colored jeans with slight flare (Levi's 314 Shaping Straight or Good American Good Legs)

Avoid: Skinny jeans with long tunics — this combo can exaggerate the bottom half. Instead, pair slim pants with a slightly cropped or tucked-in top.

Best Clothes For Apple Body Type

Goal: Highlight legs and neckline while creating a more defined waist.

What Works:

•V-necks and scoop necks to open up the chest area.

•Empire waist dresses and tops draw focus above the waist.

•Flowy tunics paired with fitted bottoms.

Styles to Try:

•Long blouses with side slits (try Eileen Fisher, Universal Standard)

•V-neck wrap dresses (Diane von Furstenberg has great options)

•Stretchy jeggings or ankle pants to show off legs

Avoid: Tight-fitting tops that cling to the midsection. Instead, look for fabrics with a little stretch and a slight drape.

Best Clothes For Hourglass Body Type

Goal: Show off your natural curves without adding bulk.

What Works:

•Wrap dresses and belts to accentuate the waist.

•Body-skimming tops (not too tight, not too loose).

•High-waisted jeans to highlight your waistline.

Styles to Try:

•Fitted blouses with a bit of stretch (Express or Ann Taylor)

•Tailored blazers that nip at the waist

•Pencil skirts or bias-cut skirts that follow your curves

Avoid: Boxy tops or shapeless dresses — they hide your proportions. Stick with tailored and stretch-friendly fabrics.

Best Clothes For Inverted Triangle Body Type

Goal: Soften the upper body and bring balance with volume on the bottom.

What Works:

•V-necks and narrower shoulder details reduce width.

•Wide-leg pants, pleated skirts, or cargo pants add volume below.

•Keep the top halves clean and straightforward.

Styles to Try:

•Minimalist tops (check Uniqlo, COS)

•Palazzo or wide-leg pants (Zara, Anthropologie)

•Skirts with volume (pleats, tiers, or A-line)

Avoid: Shoulder pads, cap sleeves, or bold necklines that make the upper half seem broader. Choose tops with soft lines or draping.

Tips For All Body Types

Regardless of shape, these tips help make shopping easier and more efficient:

Fabric matters: Stiff fabrics add structure, while soft ones drape. Choose depending on what you want to highlight or soften.

Tailoring pays off: A simple nip at the waist or hem can turn a “meh” piece into your favorite outfit.

Color blocking can guide the eye — darker colors slim, brighter shades highlight.

Where To Shop By Body Type?

Madewell: Great for rectangle and hourglass shapes; known for waist-defining cuts and structured styles.

Universal Standard: Ideal for apple and rectangle body types; offers inclusive sizing and flattering fits.

Reformation: Works well for pear and hourglass figures; uses lighter fabrics and designs that highlight the waist.

ASOS Curve: Best for apple and pear shapes; trendy, affordable, and size-inclusive options.

Good American: Designed for hourglass and pear body types; excellent denim fits across all sizes.

Everlane: Perfect for minimalist, rectangle, and inverted triangle shapes; clean lines and balanced proportions.

Spanx Clothing: Suits apple and rectangle figures; shaping pieces that smooth and define.

Buying Tips That Match Intent

If you're:

Ready to Buy Now: Go with pieces that have a track record of flattering your shape. Wrap dresses and high-rise jeans are rarely a miss.

Comparing Options: Look at customer photos and reviews. Retailers like Nordstrom and Zappos show how items fit on different body types.

Looking for Deals: Sign up for alerts on sites like ShopStyle, Honey, or RetailMeNot to catch sales on your preferred brands.

Final Thoughts: Choosing What Works For You

Dressing for your body type isn’t about following strict rules — it’s about knowing what makes you feel comfortable and confident. Use your shape as a guide, not a limitation. Once you recognize what flatters your proportions, shopping becomes easier and more enjoyable. Focus on fit, quality fabrics, and pieces that highlight your favorite features. Build your wardrobe around reliable staples, such as a great pair of jeans, a flattering dress, and a tailored jacket that pulls everything together.

From there, add styles that express your personality and fit your lifestyle. Whether your goal is to look polished for work, relaxed on weekends, or elegant for an event, choosing clothes that complement your body type helps you look your best without effort. The right outfit should fit well, feel good, and make you want to wear it often.