Most of the latest fashion trends suit only specific body types. For instance, skinny jeans on pear-shaped women would just look odd, as would bulky boyfriend jackets on top-heavy women.
But there is an advantage when it comes to ethnic wear – there are styles to suit all body types. Whether you need volume or want to look slimmer, all you have to do is pick the right ethnic wear for your body type.
But deciding between different clothes with your pick of colours, styles and fits can be difficult at times.
Our guide to the right ethnic wear for different shapes – pear, apple, square and hourglass – should help you make the right choice.
Ethnic Wear for Apple-Shaped Women
If you have an apple-shaped body i.e. you are big-bosomed and/ or have a cute tummy area, it’s a good idea not to draw too much attention to your torso.
What to Wear:
- Kurtas with simple A-line cuts gather and pleats. Also, deeper V-necks to take away focus from your upper body.
- Cotton clothes tend to fit your body well and make you look slimmer.
- Fitted churidars under your kurtas that draw attention to your gorgeous legs.
- Dark-coloured tops to look thinner along with lighter-coloured bottoms.
- Dupattas draped on one shoulder only to distract from your heavy torso.
- Avoid heavy neck accessories as they draw attention to your upper body.
What not to wear:
- Closed neck outfits with a lot of detailing on the hem.
- Yoked style kurtas that draw attention to your torso.
- Patialas and lose salwar.
Tip: Avoid heavy neck accessories as they draw focus to your upper body.
Ethnic Wear for Pear-Shaped Women
A very popular shape among Indian women, the pear shape is characterised by large hips and thighs. The key to ethnic dressing for this body type is to draw attention to your slender waist and upper torso.
What to wear:
- Kurtas with collars or ones with lots of detailing around the neck and waist will accentuate your leaner upper body.
- Fit and flare styles, anarkalis and tunics as well as fanned out clothing that are gently flared from the waist down.
- Pastel colours with darker-coloured bottoms to draw attention towards your upper body.
- Patialas, palazzos and shararas to camouflage large hips and thighs.
Choose longer kurtas as they add length to your body.
What not to wear:
- Body fitted fabrics.
- Tight bottoms that emphasise your broader lower half.
Tip: Choose longer kurtas as they add length to your body.
Ethnic Wear for Hourglass-Shaped Women
Probably the most coveted body type, it doesn't take too much to pick out the right ethnic wear for the hourglass figure.
What to wear:
- Kurtas that are narrow and defined at the waist to accentuate your curves.
- Fit and flare tunics, as well as classic Kurtis, work wonders.
- Dress in colours that suit your skin tone because all colours will go with your body type.
- Experiment with the 40s and 50s retro style ethnic outfits as these look good on your body shape.
What not to wear:
- Loose or ill-fitted suits that make you look giant and straight.
- Patterned knits as they bring focus to your fat and is big on the chest and buttocks.
Tip: Experiment with the 40s and 50s retro style ethnic outfits as these look good on your body shape.
Ethnic Wear for Square-Shaped Women
The square shape is devoid of any curves. So your main goal is to find ethnic wear that creates the illusion of curves in the right places.
What to wear:
- Kurtas/ tunics with wide, deep necks and flares that take the emphasis away from the boxy/square look.
- Girly colours and patterns for that younger appearance.
What not to wear:
- Tight kurtas that emphasise your body shape.
- Very loose clothing that shows no curves at all.
Tip: Avoid outfits with darts at the bust and waist.
Now that you know what is right for your body type and body shape, you can pick up ethnic styles that suit you best and enjoy!
