How to Choose the Best Blouse for Your Body Type
A blouse is a versatile and stylish piece of clothing that can be worn with different outfits, such as sarees, skirts, pants, or jeans. However, not all blouses are created equal. Depending on your body type, some blouses may flatter your figure more than others. In this article, we will show you how to identify your body type and choose the best blouse design for your shape. We will also give you some tips on how to style your blouse for different occasions.
Key Takeaways
| Body Type | Features | Best Blouse Design | Styling Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourglass | Well-defined waist, bust and hips are about the same size | Figure-hugging silhouettes, A-line dresses, V-shaped necklines | Emphasize your waist with belts or peplums, avoid bulky or loose-fitting tops |
| Apple | Shoulders are wider than hips, no defined waist, full bust | Flared pants, V-shaped necklines, flowing tunics | Draw attention away from your midriff, balance your proportions with wide-leg pants or skirts, add some volume to your hips with ruffles or pleats |
| Pear | Shoulders are narrower than hips, full hips and thighs, small bust | Straight leg pants, structured tops, shoulder-enhancing details | Flatter your curves with fitted pants or skirts, add some interest to your upper body with prints, patterns, or embellishments, avoid tight or clingy tops |
| Straight | No defined waist, shoulders and hips are about the same size, not very curvy | Ruffled tops, skinny jeans, figure-hugging skirts | Create some curves with peplums, belts, or drapes, show off your arms and legs with sleeveless or short-sleeved tops and mini skirts, avoid boxy or shapeless tops |
How to Identify Your Body Type
The first step in choosing the right blouse for your body type is to measure your bust, waist, and hips. You can use a measuring tape and place it around the fullest part of your bust, the smallest part of your waist, and the widest part of your hips. Then compare your measurements with the following table:
| Body Type | Bust Measurement | Waist Measurement | Hip Measurement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourglass | Larger than 36 inches (91 cm) or more than 3 inches (7 cm) larger than your hips | Smaller than 30 inches (76 cm) or more than 9 inches (23 cm) smaller than your bust or hips | Larger than 36 inches (91 cm) or more than 3 inches (7 cm) larger than your bust |
| Apple | Larger than 36 inches (91 cm) or more than 3 inches (7 cm) larger than your hips | Larger than 30 inches (76 cm) or less than 9 inches (23 cm) smaller than your bust or hips | Smaller than 36 inches (91 cm) or less than 3 inches (7 cm) larger than your bust |
| Pear | Smaller than 36 inches (91 cm) or less than 3 inches (7 cm) larger than your waist | Larger than 30 inches (76 cm) or less than 9 inches (23 cm) smaller than your bust or hips | Larger than 36 inches (91 cm) or more than 3 inches (7 cm) larger than your waist |
| Straight | Smaller than 36 inches (91 cm) or less than 3 inches (7 cm) larger than your waist | Smaller than 30 inches (76 cm) or less than 9 inches (23 cm) smaller than your bust or hips | Smaller than 36 inches (91 cm) or less than 3 inches (7 cm) larger than your waist |
If you don’t have a measuring tape handy, you can also look at yourself in the mirror and observe how your shoulders, waist, and hips fit together. You can also try on different types of blouses and see which ones flatter your shape more than others.
How to Choose the Best Blouse Design for Your Body Type
Once you have identified your body type, you can choose the best blouse design that suits your shape. Here are some general guidelines for each body type:
Hourglass
If you have an hourglass body type, you have a well-defined waist and balanced proportions. Your best assets are your curves and you want to highlight them with fitted silhouettes that follow your body line. You also want to avoid anything that adds bulk or hides your waist.
Some of the best blouse designs for hourglass body types are:
- Figure-hugging silhouettes: These include wrap tops, peplum tops, crop tops, bodysuits, and corset tops. They accentuate your curves and create a smooth and sleek look. You can also opt for tops with stretchy or elastic fabrics that hug your body without being too tight or uncomfortable.
- A-line dresses: These are dresses that flare out from the waist and create a flattering shape for your hips and thighs. They also draw attention to your waist and bust. You can choose dresses with V-shaped, sweetheart, or scoop necklines to enhance your chest area. You can also add some belts or sashes to cinch your waist even more.
- V-shaped necklines: These are necklines that form a V shape on your chest and elongate your neck and torso. They also balance your bust and hips and create a slimming effect. You can choose tops with deep or shallow V-necks, depending on how much cleavage you want to show. You can also add some accessories like necklaces or scarves to add some interest to your neckline.
Some of the blouse designs to avoid for hourglass body types are:
- Bulky or loose-fitting tops: These include oversized shirts, tunics, sweaters, and jackets. They add unnecessary volume to your upper body and hide your waist. They also make you look heavier and shapeless. If you want to wear these types of tops, make sure to pair them with fitted bottoms or tuck them in your waistband.
- Boxy or shapeless tops: These include tops with straight or square cuts, high necklines, or no waist definition. They create a flat and boring look for your body and make you look wider than you are. They also don’t flatter your curves or bust. If you want to wear these types of tops, make sure to add some details like ruffles, pleats, or prints to create some texture and dimension.
Apple
If you have an apple body type, you have broad shoulders, a full bust, and no defined waist. Your best assets are your legs, arms, and chest and you want to draw attention away from your midriff and balance your proportions. You also want to add some volume and shape to your lower body.
Some of the best blouse designs for apple body types are:
- Flared pants: These are pants that are fitted at the waist and flare out from the knee or thigh. They create a flattering shape for your legs and hips and balance your broad shoulders and bust. They also elongate your legs and make you look taller. You can choose pants with high or low waists, depending on how much tummy coverage you want. You can also opt for pants with prints, patterns, or colors to add some interest to your lower half.
- V-shaped necklines: These are necklines that form a V shape on your chest and elongate your neck and torso. They also balance your bust and hips and create a slimming effect. You can choose tops with deep or shallow V-necks, depending on how much cleavage you want to show. You can also add some accessories like necklaces or scarves to add some interest to your neckline.
- Flowing tunics: These are tops that are loose-fitting and flow away from your body. They create a relaxed and comfortable look for your upper body and hide any tummy bulges. They also add some movement and texture to your outfit. You can choose tunics with asymmetrical hems, slits, or drapes to create some shape and dimension. You can also opt for tunics with prints, patterns, or colors to add some interest to your upper half.
Some of the blouse designs to avoid for apple body types are:
- Tight or clingy tops: These include tops with stretchy or elastic fabrics that hug your body too much. They accentuate any lumps or bumps on your midsection and make you look heavier than you are. They also don’t flatter your bust or hips. If you want to wear these types of tops, make sure to layer them with a jacket, cardigan, or vest to create some coverage and structure.
- High necklines: These include necklines that cover most of your chest area, such as turtlenecks, crew necks, or boat necks. They shorten your neck and torso and make you look wider than you are. They also don’t balance your bust and hips and create a dull look for your upper body. If you want to wear these types of tops, make sure to add some details like collars, buttons, or zippers to create some interest and dimension.
Pear
If you have a pear body type, you have narrow shoulders, small bust, full hips and thighs, and a bigger booty. Your best assets are your curves and you want to flatter them with fitted silhouettes that follow your body line. You also want to add some interest and structure to your upper body.
Some of the best blouse designs for pear body types are:
- Straight leg pants: These are pants that are fitted at the waist and hip and fall straight from the
knee or ankle. They create a flattering shape for your legs and hips and balance your narrow shoulders and bust. They also elongate your legs and make you look taller. You can choose pants with high or low waists, depending on how much tummy coverage you want. You can also opt for pants with prints, patterns, or colors to add some interest to your lower half.
- Structured tops: These are tops that have some shape and definition, such as blazers, jackets, vests, or shirts. They create a polished and professional look for your upper body and add some width and volume to your shoulders and bust. They also draw attention to your face and neck. You can choose tops with shoulder pads, collars, lapels, or pockets to create some interest and dimension. You can also opt for tops with prints, patterns, or colors to add some contrast to your lower half.
- Shoulder-enhancing details: These are details that add some interest and structure to your shoulders, such as ruffles, pleats, puffs, or frills. They create a fun and feminine look for your upper body and balance your full hips and thighs. They also highlight your collarbones and arms. You can choose tops with off-the-shoulder, one-shoulder, or cold-shoulder styles to show off some skin. You can also opt for tops with embroidery, lace, or sequins to add some sparkle and texture.
Some of the blouse designs to avoid for pear body types are:
- Tight or clingy tops: These include tops with stretchy or elastic fabrics that hug your body too much. They accentuate any lumps or bumps on your midsection and make you look heavier than you are. They also don’t flatter your bust or hips. If you want to wear these types of tops, make sure to layer them with a jacket, cardigan, or vest to create some coverage and structure.
- Low-rise pants: These are pants that sit below your natural waistline and expose your lower belly. They create a muffin top effect and make you look shorter than you are. They also don’t flatter your curves or hips. If you want to wear these types of pants, make sure to pair them with a long top that covers your waistband.
- Flared skirts: These are skirts that are fitted at the waist and flare out from the hip or thigh. They create a bulky and unflattering look for your lower body and add unnecessary volume to your hips and thighs. They also shorten your legs and make you look wider than you are. If you want to wear these types of skirts, make sure to choose ones that are knee-length or shorter and have a slim fit.
Straight
If you have a straight body type, you have no defined waist and shoulders and hips are about the same size. You are not very curvy and have a slender frame. Your best assets are your arms and legs and you want to create some curves with peplums, belts, or drapes. You also want to show off your arms and legs with sleeveless or short-sleeved tops and mini skirts.
Some of the best blouse designs for straight body types are:
- Ruffled tops: These are tops that have some frills or flounces on the hem, sleeves, or neckline. They create a playful and romantic look for your upper body and add some volume and shape to your bust and waist. They also add some movement and texture to your outfit. You can choose tops with ruffles on the front, back, or sides to create some interest and dimension. You can also opt for tops with prints, patterns, or colors to add some contrast to your lower half.
- Skinny jeans: These are jeans that are tight-fitting from the waist to the ankle. They create a sleek and sexy look for your lower body and show off your legs. They also elongate your legs and make you look taller. You can choose jeans with high or low waists, depending on how much tummy coverage you want. You can also opt for jeans with rips, patches, or embroidery to add some interest to your lower half.
- Figure-hugging skirts: These are skirts that are tight-fitting from the waist to the hem. They create a flattering shape for your lower body and accentuate your curves. They also elongate your legs and make you look taller. You can choose skirts with pencil, tube, or bodycon styles to create a smooth and sleek look. You can also opt for skirts with slits, zippers, or buttons to add some interest to your lower half.
Some of the blouse designs to avoid for straight body types are:
- Boxy or shapeless tops: These include tops with straight or square cuts, high necklines, or no waist definition. They create a flat and boring look for your body and make you look wider than you are. They also don’t flatter your bust or hips. If you want to wear these types of tops, make sure to add some details like ruffles, pleats, or prints to create some texture and dimension.
- Wide-leg pants: These are pants that are loose-fitting from the waist to the ankle. They create a bulky and unflattering look for your lower body and hide your legs. They also shorten your legs and make you look shorter than you are. If you want to wear these types of pants, make sure to pair them with a fitted top that tucks in your waistband.
- Flared dresses: These are dresses that are fitted at the waist and flare out from the hip or thigh. They create a bulky and unflattering look for your lower body and add unnecessary volume to your hips and thighs. They also shorten your legs and make you look wider than you are. If you want to wear these types of dresses, make sure to choose ones that are knee-length or shorter and have a slim fit.
How to Style Your Blouse for Different Occasions
Now that you know how to choose the best blouse design for your body type, you can also learn how to style your blouse for different occasions. Here are some tips on how to dress up or down your blouse depending on the event:
- For a casual day: You can wear your blouse with jeans, shorts, or leggings for a relaxed and comfortable look. You can also add some sneakers, flats, or sandals for a laid-back and easy-going vibe. You can also accessorize with a hat, sunglasses, or backpack for a fun and playful touch.
- For a formal night: You can wear your blouse with pants, skirts, or dresses for a polished and professional look. You can also add some heels, pumps, or boots for a chic and sophisticated vibe. You can also accessorize with a clutch, necklace, or earrings for a glamorous and elegant touch.
- For a party: You can wear your blouse with mini skirts, shorts, or jeans for a flirty and sexy look. You can also add some wedges, platforms, or stilettos for a trendy and stylish vibe. You can also accessorize with a belt, bracelet, or ring for a fun and festive touch.
Conclusion
A blouse is a versatile and stylish piece of clothing that can be worn with different outfits, such as sarees, skirts, pants, or jeans. However, not all blouses are created equal. Depending on your body type, some blouses may flatter your figure more than others. In this article, we showed you how to identify your body type and choose the best blouse design for your shape. We also gave you some tips on how to style your blouse for different occasions.
We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!
