Some people who are clearly not overweight and have thin arms and legs can appear much larger when standing next to others. This is related to their bone structure. Those with larger bone structures who don’t pay attention to their dress sense can add up to 10kg to their apparent weight. So, how can women with larger body frames make the most of their strengths and avoid their weaknesses when it comes to their wardrobe choices?
How to Determine if You Have a Large Bone Structure
Typically, people with larger bone structures will have relatively thicker joints, such as a wider wrist circumference. To determine your bone structure size, use a tape measure to measure your wrist circumference, then calculate the ratio of your height to your wrist circumference. The formula is as follows: bone structure (r) = height (cm) ÷ wrist circumference (cm)
– Small bone structure: r>10.9
– Medium bone structure: 10.9>r>9.9
– Large bone structure: r <9.9
If you don’t have a measuring tape, you can visually assess your body frame by observing certain physical characteristics. People with larger bone structures tend to have broader shoulders or wider hips. They may appear more robust and larger than others but exude a unique aura.
Large bone structures can be further categorized into two types: “round” and “straight.” When viewed from the side, individuals with a round body frame and thicker bones will exhibit more defined body curves, and their joints will appear more rounded, giving an overall fuller appearance. In contrast, those with a straight body frame have more prominent bones, and when viewed from the side, their silhouette appears thin and paper-like, akin to a supermodel’s physique.
Once you understand the advantages and disadvantages of your body frame, you can make more informed clothing choices.
1. Opt for Structured Garments
For larger women who want to conceal their arms and legs under long skirts and sleeved tops, it’s best to avoid garments with dropped shoulders and overly soft fabrics, as these will accentuate round shoulders and full arms.
Two styles of clothing that those with broader shoulders and wider hips should avoid.
Dresses or tops with dropped shoulders can easily make the shoulders appear wider.
If you want to minimize the appearance of broad shoulders, opt for garments with straight shoulder lines and higher-set sleeves that sit closer to the armpit. Utilizing the shoulder line’s curvature accurately will create a visually slimming effect. During spring and summer, we can choose styles with pointed shoulders and breathable fabrics. Remember to “go for structure, not softness,” and you’ll reduce the risk of fashion faux pas.
Choosing garments with structured, square shoulders will help minimize the appearance of broad shoulders compared to rounded, softer styles.
Additionally, pleated skirts can be more flattering for those with larger and rounder body frames. By drawing attention away from the belly and legs, you can create the illusion of a smaller frame.
Pleated skirts help camouflage wider hips more effectively.
2. Steer Clear of Puffed Details
The only issue with a large bone structure and a round body is that it can look overly robust and bulky. Therefore, avoid garments with puffed details that add bulk to your frame, such as puffed sleeves. While this style is very feminine, it doesn’t suit those with larger physiques.
Puffed sleeves, though feminine, are not flattering for women with larger body frames and rounder shapes.
Instead, look for petite butterfly sleeves and narrow, long sleeves that can visually balance out round shoulders and thick arms. If you’re fond of puffed sleeves, opt for a style that puffs out just slightly wider than your arm, approximately one finger’s width, and reaches about 2/3 of the way down your arm.
These two sleeve styles are more suitable for women with broader shoulders and larger bone structures.
Remember, your goal is to create the illusion of a thinner and leaner silhouette. Therefore, overly puffed or voluminous garments will only accentuate your flaws. It’s best to choose pieces that give the impression of lengthening your body vertically and have firmer seams to help disguise any extra flesh.
The difference between choosing garments with and without puffed details is evident when viewed from the side.
Another detail to avoid is large and dense patterns or prints. These will only add horizontal volume to your frame. For those lacking in dressing skills, simple designs and solid colors are the most effective choices, as opposed to complex and flashy styles.
Large and dense patterns will visually increase your body size.
Solid colors and minimal patterns create a more slimming effect.
3. Show Some Skin Strategically
Many larger women are hesitant to wear revealing clothing, fearing that it will draw attention to their flaws. However, showing some skin strategically can shift the visual focus and make you appear more slender.
The basic principle is to showcase your thinner areas. Women with larger frames often have more prominent collarbones, so V-necks, U-necks, and square necklines are excellent choices. Alternatively, you can pair a sleeveless top that shows off your collarbones with a knitted jacket to camouflage broader shoulders.
Wearing tops that showcase your collarbones can create a slimming effect.
Note that the neckline shouldn’t be wider than your shoulder line, or it will have the opposite effect.
For those with a larger bone structure but slim arms, halter tops can be a great way to showcase your strengths. They can cover problem areas while revealing your slender arms.
Halter tops and dresses showcase the shoulders and arms, creating a more alluring look.
When it comes to showing off your midriff, take advantage of your broad shoulders and hips to create an hourglass figure. Pair a thin crop top with high-waisted pants or shorts, creating a contrasting color block that hugs your body just right.
Showing off your midriff is another way to highlight your body’s strengths.
1. Create a Waistline
Since those with larger bone structures but slim builds don’t have a high body fat percentage, they need not worry about hiding any excess weight. However, these women often have a straight body shape, lacking the curves that emphasize their feminine attributes. Therefore, creating the illusion of a waist is of utmost importance.
Straight-cut, loose-fitting garments can make slim women with large bone structures appear frail and lifeless.
If the difference between your waist and hip measurements is minimal, avoid cropped tops and cut-out styles, as these will only make your waist look straighter and your legs shorter. Instead, opt for a fitted dress that cinches at the waist, creating a curvaceous silhouette by emphasizing the difference between the upper and lower body.
Crop tops are not the best choice for those with similar waist and hip measurements.
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