photo by Joanna Stolowicz on Unsplash
The Clothing That Looks Best on a Pear-Shaped Body
Whether you enjoy using fruit metaphors to describe your body or not, the idea persists. For decades—at least—we’ve been receiving well-meaning tips for dressing our bodies to flatter them. If you don’t know what looks good on you, dressing for your body shape is a fantastic starting place. You can learn what flatters you and adjust that to fit your style.
We’ll cover the 5 common body shapes, what being a pear shape means, and offer style tips for your body. From dresses to necklines to swimsuits, we’ll discuss all kinds of clothing with specific advice for dressing pear-shaped bodies. Continue reading for our ultimate style guide, catered to you!
Dressing for Your Body Shape
The history of the system isn’t clear, but organizing women’s bodies into sets of shapes has long been present. Whether you learned about these shapes from women’s magazines in the '90s or from a podcast, the idea is an enduring one. While opinions differ, most people point to 5 common body shapes:
1. Apple
The apple body type is round and full and often top-heavy. You’ll have a wide torso and shoulders and a full bust and waist. Your hips are likely narrower than your shoulders.
2. Hourglass
One of the most recognizable body types is that of the hourglass. This shape features roughly equal bust and hip measurements. Unlike a rectangle, the waist of an hourglass body is significantly smaller than the bust and hip.
3. Inverted Triangle
This body shape is also top-heavy, featuring broad shoulders and a full chest with narrow hips.
4. Pear
In contrast to the inverted triangle, the pear body type is bottom-heavy. Pears have wider hips, bottom, and thighs and often a smaller waist.
5. Rectangle
If your body is rectangular, your hips and shoulders are likely to be close to the same width and not broad. Your waist may be slightly slimmer, but your weight is well distributed. Many also call this body type “athletic”.
The purpose of this body shape system is to teach folks how to create a balanced silhouette with their clothing. Essentially, you’re contouring your body with clothes the way you can edit the shape of your face with makeup. You can play with these rules to look slimmer, emphasize your waist, or minimize features you don’t like.
We’ll get into the specifics of what to wear for pear-shaped figures and even offer recommendations below.
Styles for Pear-Shaped Bodies
If you have been blessed with the assets of a pear-shaped body, congratulations, you’re in wonderful company! Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez are just two of the numerous celebrities who share the pear type. However, pear is also the most common body type among females. Not only is there nothing wrong with you, but you are totally normal.
Continue reading to learn about the best clothing styles for pear shaped bodies!
Necklines that Look Good on Pear-Shaped Bodies
Low, wide necklines like a boat-neck or an off-shoulder top are the perfect way to balance your silhouette. Additionally, ruffles, frills, and details like collars or wide shoulders can add width up top. When choosing shirts, recommendations for pear-shaped folks include wide short sleeves, but fitted long sleeves.
Don’t forget to accessorize—a statement necklace will also bring visual weight to your top half.
Pants and Jeans That Look Good on Pear-Shaped Bodies
This guide to buying lightweight pants includes another body sorting system. Although it uses letters rather than fruit, the concepts are the same. Pear shaped bodies are also called A-shaped bodies, because they’re wider at the bottom.
People with A or pear-shaped bodies have hips and thighs that are broader than the shoulders. We recommend following your curves with bootleg cut pants. A wide leg won’t be so flattering. You may also find that dark colors suit you better or minimize the focus on your curves.
Shoes That Look Good on Pear-Shaped Bodies
You might not think it, but shoes also play a role in balancing our silhouettes. Recommendations for shoes include elongating and ankle-slimming options. Try ankle strap heels, peep-toe or pointed shoes, and chunky heels.
More Clothing Rules for Pear-Shaped Bodies
For dresses, follow this guide. We recommend choosing dresses that draw more attention to the top half and balance it out, such as those with ruffled or puffy sleeves. Another trick is to layer dresses with a wide-shouldered jacket.
Don’t select skirts that are overly poofy or wide. Instead, consider A-line dresses. A-line skirts are incredibly flattering, as are wrap dresses.
We have 2 swimsuit guides for dressing your body type, as well. Find them here and here. You’ll want to shop for swimsuits that create the illusion of a broader upper body to balance out your bottom curves. Anything that highlights your defined waist is also a great option.
Swimsuits with deeper v necks and narrow straps can flatter your bust while making your shoulders appear wider. Look for styles that hug your tummy and waistline but skim over your hips. Swim skirts are a great way to show off your curves.
Draw Eyes with Our Florida Style
Now that you know the rules for pear body shape fashion, you can break them on purpose. While organizational systems like body types can be helpful, they can also be judgmental. At the end of the day, your clothes should make you feel comfortable and confident while looking good! The best clothes for your pear-shaped body are the clothes that you feel like yourself in.
Anthony's Ladies Apparel has been providing sunny styles for women for 130 years. If you’re ready for a shopping spree to dress your pear shape and you’re over 50, you have come to the right place.
