How to Look Thinner in Photographs

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Many people are surprised that they sometimes look heavier in photographs than they do in real life. You can easily appear thinner in photographs by carefully choosing slimming outfits to wear when you get your picture taken. Or, you can look slimmer in pictures by posing certain ways or by utilizing camera tricks.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Dressing Thinner

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  1. If you’re wearing wide-cut pants, pair them with a snug top. Or, wear a shorter skirt with a looser top tucked in. Wearing all tight clothes can highlight areas you may not want to draw attention to, while all baggy clothes can make you look fuller everywhere. [1]
    • If you’re trying to draw attention away from a certain area, wear looser clothes on that area.
  2. [2] Cardigans and suit jackets that go past your hips create an illusion of a longer, leaner overall stature. Wear one of any color or pattern over a dark solid colored dress, blouse and skirt combo, or dress shirt and pants outfit. [3]
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  3. [4] If your waist is the narrowest part of your torso, a belt will accentuate its slimness. Make sure the belt is in proportion with your overall stature—if you're taller, choose a wider belt, or wear a more narrow belt if you're shorter. [5]
    • Wide belts are great additions to dresses, blouse and skirt combos, dress shirts with pants, or any outfit combination.
  4. Try to avoid pants that are pleated in the front, because they tend to add bulk to your waist area. Pants that fall straight from your hips will create the illusion of a longer, leaner leg.slightly stretchy, flat-fronted, flared pants to flatter your curves. Try to avoid pants that are pleated in the front, because they tend to add bulk to your waist area. [6]
    • Choose pants in a dark shade, such as black, grey, or navy, for the most slimming effect.
  5. [7] No matter what type of clothes you wear, choosing solid dark shades is always a good choice for looking thinner. And if you like patterns, vertical stripes are your best bet for looking slimmer. Other patterns can be okay too, as long as they are in darker colors and the print is low-contrast and in proportion with your overall size. [8]
    • Avoid all-over wide horizontal stripes, as they tend to make people look wider.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Striking a Flattering Pose

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  1. While facing the camera completely straightforward shows your widest view, turning completely sideways can highlight your stomach. Instead, stand facing the camera and put all your weight on 1 leg. Push the hip of that leg back as far as you can, and let the other leg hang loose in front of you and bent at the knee.
    • Push the shoulder of the same side that your weight is on back as well, and let the shoulder on the side of the front leg come forward and down a bit.
  2. Pressing your arms to your sides can visually add some extra bulk to them. Instead, let them hang loose and limp. [9]
  3. To help your arms not be pressed into your sides, it’s a good idea to put your hands on your hips. Or, if you have pockets, try putting your hands in your pockets to move your arms away from your sides. [10]
  4. If you’re in a photo with a group, use other people to your advantage! Angle your body so that one side is behind someone else to instantly appear thinner.
    • For really large groups with multiple rows, don’t stand in the front row if you’re concerned about looking thin. Stand in the middle or back rows, even if you’re not tall.
  5. In photos where you’re sitting, you should be sure not to slouch to avoid showcasing your belly area. Keep your shoulders up and back, and your back straight. You can even try taking a deep breath to make sure your chest is up as much as possible.
  6. Another trick for sitting photos is to cross your ankles instead of your entire leg. Crossing your legs at the knees can highlight bigger thighs, especially if you’re wearing a skirt. [11]
    • You can also not cross any part of your legs while you’re sitting for a photo.
    • Always be sure to sit up straight for photos where you’re sitting.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Making Your Face Look Thinner

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  1. Avoid looking like you have a double chin by keeping your head held high. Stick your chin out to make your neck look a bit longer. [12]
    • Practice holding your chin up and out in the mirror to see how the position looks best on you.
  2. Sometimes smiling in photos can cause your eyes to squint and your cheeks to look chubbier. A good way to avoid this is to stick your tongue to the roof of your mouth while you smile.
    • Your smile won’t be as broad as it may normally be, but it will still look like a nice smile in the photo.
    • Practice this smile in the mirror so you can see how it looks. You can adjust your technique by placing your tongue in a different part of the roof of your mouth if you think it looks too forced.
  3. If you wear your hair up, try a loose updo instead of a bun or slicked back ponytail. For down hairstyles, try adding waves or curls to draw attention to balance your face, or add some lift to straight hair by using volumizing powder at your roots.
    • Hair with volume adds balance to the shape of your head and your face. Men can add volume by styling their hair in a pompadour or by adding volumizing powder at their roots.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Using Camera Tricks

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  1. When taking selfies, never hold the camera below your eyes. This angle is the least flattering and makes your face look larger than it really is. If you’re having your picture taken, have the photographer hold the camera high. The best angle for all photos is one that’s slightly above your eye level. [13]
    • You should never be looking down at the camera when having your picture taken or taking a selfie, to get the best angle.
  2. The sun can cause you to squint when you’re taking pictures outside, which in turn makes your cheeks and jawline look wider. For outdoor pictures, try going out in the early evening to avoid the brightest light of the day.
    • If you must take pictures during the brightest parts of the day, try standing with your back to the sun so you won’t squint as much.
  3. Most smartphones and digital cameras have filters that allow you to change the brightness or contrast of your pictures. Experiment with filters that darken or bronze the images to see which ones are the most flattering for you. [14]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I look flattering in photos?
    Natalie Tincher
    Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist
    Natalie Tincher is the Owner and Principal Style Strategist of BU Style. Since 2010, Natalie has specialized in personal styling to reflect clients’ individuality, confidence, and comfort. In 2019, she was named the Global Head of Styling for Bloomberg Television. Natalie is certified in Image Consulting through the Fashion Institute of Technology. She regularly shares her expertise with corporate groups at major financial institutions, media companies, and news outlets including: Time Out New York, Refinery 29, and NBC News.
    Natalie Tincher
    Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Try V-neck shirts. V-neck T-shirts visually lengthen you and show off your collarbones.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
  • Question
    How do I look thinner in pictures?
    Natalie Tincher
    Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist
    Natalie Tincher is the Owner and Principal Style Strategist of BU Style. Since 2010, Natalie has specialized in personal styling to reflect clients’ individuality, confidence, and comfort. In 2019, she was named the Global Head of Styling for Bloomberg Television. Natalie is certified in Image Consulting through the Fashion Institute of Technology. She regularly shares her expertise with corporate groups at major financial institutions, media companies, and news outlets including: Time Out New York, Refinery 29, and NBC News.
    Natalie Tincher
    Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist
    Expert Answer
    I recommend wearing solid colors to help you appear taller and leaner. You could also wear a belted dress or wrap dress to accentuate your waist. Above all, avoid boxy and bulky clothing that will make you look bigger.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 4
  • Question
    Why lie about how you really look?
    Community Answer
    It's not necessarily changing how you look. It's just about feeling good about yourself and emphasizing the best parts of you.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/gallery/how-to-dress-10-pounds-thinner#2
      2. ↑ Natalie Tincher. Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist. Expert Interview. 13 August 2020.
      3. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/gallery/how-to-dress-10-pounds-thinner#5
      4. ↑ Natalie Tincher. Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist. Expert Interview. 13 August 2020.
      5. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/gallery/how-to-dress-10-pounds-thinner#7
      6. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/gallery/how-to-dress-10-pounds-thinner#8
      7. ↑ Natalie Tincher. Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist. Expert Interview. 13 August 2020.
      8. ↑ Natalie Tincher. Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist. Expert Interview. 13 August 2020.
      9. ↑ https://www.whowhatwear.com.au/how-to-look-thinner-in-photos-selfies-instagram-spring-2014/slide10
      1. ↑ https://www.eonline.com/news/919674/khloe-kardashian-shares-tips-to-look-thin-af-in-photos
      2. ↑ https://www.whowhatwear.com.au/how-to-look-thinner-in-photos-selfies-instagram-spring-2014/slide10
      3. ↑ https://www.whowhatwear.com.au/how-to-look-thinner-in-photos-selfies-instagram-spring-2014/slide10
      4. ↑ https://www.whowhatwear.com.au/how-to-look-thinner-in-photos-selfies-instagram-spring-2014/slide10
      5. ↑ https://www.whowhatwear.com.au/how-to-look-thinner-in-photos-selfies-instagram-spring-2014

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To look thinner in photographs, stand up straight with your body angled toward the camera. Put all of your weight on one leg and push the hip of that leg back as far as you can. Next, keep your arms loose at your sides or put your hands on your hips. Then, hold your chin up and stick it out slightly to elongate your neck. If you're sitting, be sure to keep your back straight and cross your ankles! For tips on using camera filters and angles for a slimming effect, read on!

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