How to Flatter Your Body Shape With Lingerie

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Finding the right lingerie for your body shape can be challenging! It’s all about knowing your body type and showcasing your best features. [1] You can choose styles, shapes, and fabrics that accentuate what you love about your figure. Knowing what works for your body type makes shopping easier, and will make you feel confident in your new lingerie.

Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Flattering an Apple-Shaped Figure with Lingerie

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  1. If your body is apple-shaped, your waistline are bust are your widest measurements. Apple-shaped figures tend to have thinner hips, arms, and legs. Choosing lingerie that lengthens the line of your body will flatter your figure. [2]
  2. If you’re looking to elongate the line of your apple-shaped body, a bodysuit with a deep V-neck is a great choice. Instead of a traditional bra and panty set, go for a one-piece alternative that will still tastefully show off some skin. Women who are busty should opt for body suits that have side boning or underwire for added support. [3]
  3. A halter cut bra will slightly lift your breasts. This can make your waist appear smaller. Pair the halter bra with high waist, retro panties to create a feminine look that provides extra coverage for your midsection.
  4. If you are feeling shy about your midsection, a baby doll negligee is a playful choice. The negligee will provide you with the midsection coverage you desire, while still giving you a fun, feminine look.
Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Flattering a Pear-Shaped Figure with Lingerie

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  1. [4] With a pear-shaped figure, your shoulders and upper body are narrower, while your hips and thighs are more voluptuous. Flattering lingerie will draw attention to your upper body. Choose pieces that highlight your clavicle, shoulders, and arms. [5]
  2. [6] You can balance out your smaller upper body by wearing lingerie with ruffles on the top. A padded bra will also do the trick. Both pieces balance out the proportions of a pear-shaped figure. Pair these pieces with high cut, low-waisted bottoms for a slimming effect on your bottom half.
  3. A bandeau cutting straight across the torso will make create the illusion of width, and a brief or high-waisted bottom will complement your curves. Both pieces are relatively inexpensive and come in a variety of fabric and colors. Try a sexy all-nude look, or go for some revealing black lace. [7]
  4. If you want to downplay your hips and thighs while drawing the eyes to your narrow upper body, try a flowing gown. Go for a piece that shows a lot of skin on top. Consider lace, tiny straps, or no straps at all. [8]
Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Flattering an Hourglass Figure with Lingerie

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  1. [9] If you have an hourglass figure, your chest and hips are similarly proportioned. Your narrowest measurement is your waistline. When choosing lingerie, take advantage of your shape by choosing pieces that draw attention to your waistline. [10]
  2. A great way to emphasize your waistline is with a suspender belt. Try pairing a suspender belt with a brief or bikini-style bottom. You can also buy matching sets that include a bra, panty, and belt. Or you can mix and match!
  3. Staying simple will draw attention to, and complement your curves and proportions. Try wearing a lace bra with a matching thong. This will highlight your balanced assets and draw attention to curves.
  4. Lingerie that cinches the waist is flattering for those with an hourglass body shape. Try a traditional lace-up corset for a bit of romantic flair. You can also take it up a notch with a bustier, which will also accentuate your waistline and add some pushup on top. [11]
Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Flattering a Rectangular Figure with Lingerie

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  1. If you have a rectangular figure, you are likely slim with some modest curves. Choose lingerie that helps create more dramatic curves. You can pick pieces that accentuate your top half, your bottom, or both. [12]
  2. Lingerie with ruffles can build upon your modest curves, making your figure curvier in the process. Try a pair of ruffled boy shorts to add more shapeliness to your hips. If you want to appear more voluptuous on top, go for a ruffled bralette.
  3. To create more curves on the upper half of your body, go for a push-up top. You can pair a push-up bra with ruffled panties for a well-balanced look. You can also try a bodysuit or bustier that provides pushup and padding.
  4. A crop top is a great piece of lingerie if you are looking to elongate your chest. You can pair a crop top with briefs or boy shorts to balance out the look. Add a suspender belt for a little extra allure.
Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Flattering an Inverted Triange Figure with Lingerie

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  1. [13] Since you have a larger bust than hips, the most flattering lingerie for you will add to your slimmer lower body while showing off your bust and shoulders.
    • Showing off your upper body is different than adding to it. Avoid push-up, padded or any bras that make your chest look larger.
  2. Since you need more support, halter styles will provide it while the lower neckline will show off your bust and avoid making it look too large.
    • It’s best if the straps are wider. They will provide you with better support and small straps will make your shoulders look even larger by comparison.
  3. This is a stylish way to support your breasts and the straps aren’t at risk of coming off your shoulders.
  4. Since they are slim, ruffles will create curves in your bottom half. You can also try lace, bows and other designs.
  5. Dark colors on top are the best to slim your top half, patterns and bright colors will add to your hips. Horizontal stripes have a widening effect, vertical stripes have a slimming effect. Use this information to look for more flattering lingerie.

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What lingerie can a top-heavy woman use?
    Elle Monus
    Image Consultant
    Elle Monus is an Image Consultant and the Co-Founder of True Image Group. With over 11 years of fashion industry experience, she specializes in holistic approaches to branding, size-inclusive image consulting, and personal styling. Additionally, Elle has had the opportunity to work on several New York Fashion Week shows and has been featured in multiple media outlets, such as Racked.
    Elle Monus
    Image Consultant
    Expert Answer
    The idea is to always create balance. If you're top-heavy and want to enhance that, try wearing a pretty bra or a corset that enhances your butt.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    What about an inverted triangle body shape?
    Community Answer
    Try to highlight the bust while adding volume to the waist to create the illusion of an hourglass.
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  • Question
    I have a hourglass shape body but I don’t seem to be attractive at all, is there something wrong with me?
    Community Answer
    First of all, there is nothing wrong with you, okay? Don't ever say that. I'm reasoning that you don't think you have an attractive figure because not all hourglass shapes are the same. You can have a little more fat in your thighs or hips and that's just fine. Hourglass doesn't necessarily mean perfectly aligned.
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      References

      1. ↑ Elle Monus. Image Consultant. Expert Interview. 21 October 2021.
      2. ↑ http://www.refinery29.com/sexy-lingerie-for-your-body-type
      3. ↑ http://www.refinery29.com/sexy-lingerie-for-your-body-type
      4. ↑ Elle Monus. Image Consultant. Expert Interview. 21 October 2021.
      5. ↑ http://www.refinery29.com/sexy-lingerie-for-your-body-type
      6. ↑ Elle Monus. Image Consultant. Expert Interview. 21 October 2021.
      7. ↑ http://www.refinery29.com/sexy-lingerie-for-your-body-type
      8. ↑ https://www.theknot.com/content/lingerie-types
      9. ↑ Elle Monus. Image Consultant. Expert Interview. 21 October 2021.
      1. ↑ http://www.refinery29.com/sexy-lingerie-for-your-body-type
      2. ↑ http://www.lingeriediva.com/lingerie-for-your-body-type
      3. ↑ http://www.yellowpages.ca/tips/tips-on-choosing-the-right-lingerie-for-your-shape/
      4. ↑ Elle Monus. Image Consultant. Expert Interview. 21 October 2021.

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