Here we will provide recommendations for how to choose lingerie that will flatter any figure. Different kinds of lingerie are better at covering or disguising problem areas; this article provides a guide that women can use when deciding what styles to wear. Most of the time, women know whether they’re a pear shape, an apple shape, or an hourglass, and they know how to choose the hemline on their skirts to flatter their legs — but when it comes to lingerie, many women feel lost. Should they wear underwire? Will a full bikini or a thong make them look more attractive?
Golden Rule: No matter what shape or size a woman’s body, dark colors discourage focus on whatever area they cover. Therefore, the Golden Rule for Flattering Every Figure is always to choose one area of the body to highlight, and draw attention there with bright colors or patterns and accessories.
Heavy Arms or Broad Shoulders: Spaghetti straps emphasize heavy arms and broad shoulders, so women who want to disguise this area should wear lingerie with cap sleeves or wide straps instead. Many gowns and chemises come with wide straps or sleeves, so coverage is available in both long and short styles. Plus, costumes are a great solution! Many costumes have short sleeves, which allow women to cover their arms and have a little fun at the same time.
Undefined Waist: Women who feel like they have no waist should try wearing 2-piece outfits to break up their body. Camisole and tap pants sets are perfect for this — they provide separation between the bust and the hips, creating the illusion of an hourglass figure, even for women who are not naturally curvy.
Belly Bulges: It’s important for women to remember that lingerie doesn’t have to be sheer. Women who are self-conscious about their tummies should try wearing silky polyester, which smoothes out the body’s lines while providing stomach coverage. Since lingerie is about showing off skin, this also brings attention to the cleavage, shoulders, and legs, which results in less focus on the middle.
Heavy Bottom: Trying to disguise that heavy bottom? Include a bikini panty, which will provide great coverage. Women with heavy bottoms should avoid thong or g-string panties, as these accentuate the bottom. Tap pants and boy shorts, which have wider legs and provide the most coverage, will also minimize the backside.
Thunder Thighs: The key to hiding thunder thighs is to wear lingerie with a wide skirt. Instead of close-fitting gowns, or bustiers, which can accent the thighs, baby-dolls with a lot of flounce — wide ruffles or pleats— will cascade over the legs and minimize thighs. The secret is that the added width appears to come from the skirt, and not from the thighs!
Short or Chubby Legs: Lengthen and slim legs by wearing black pantyhose and a bedroom slipper with a small heel. Try to avoid pantyhose in bright colors, as this will add focus to the legs. Also, women with short or chubby legs should wear shorter lingerie, like bustiers and teddies with high cut legs; the more leg that is shown, the longer the legs will appear.
Accessorize: No matter what problem areas need to be disguised, accessories are a great solution—they draw attention to themselves. Marabou wrist cuffs are very popular, as are chokers with a wide black ribbon. Women can also use feather products, like boas and fans, to provide a place for eyes to focus.
|
|
 |
 |
| This model shows how to hide a belly bulge by incorporating an opaque fabric, rather than a sheer one. Also, embroidered detail draws attention away from the middle.. | This model shows how high-cut leg openings can lengthen the legs, while accessories provide focus for the outfit | This image shows how wide shoulder straps hide broad shoulders, while a full skirt minimizes thunder thighs. The lace bodice demonstrates drawing attention to the cleavage |
